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Our assignments at the medical menter lasted two and a half months. We were warmly welcomed by the local nurse Ana, and introduced to our tasks. We were pleasantly surprised by the clean structure and organization of the place, and the friendliness of the patients was overwhelming. With these words we would like to give thanks for the opportunity to have been part of this aid project and hope to be able to continue to contribute from home in the future. Enclosed we would like to briefly describe our work on site during this time.

Our nurse Petra at taking care of a patient in the medical center in Peru Our volunteer Moritz at the medical center in Peru This greenhouse was built by Moritz togehter with the citizens of Marampaqui, Peru

Medical Tasks

In the medical area, in addition to the treatment of the patients, the development of an organizational concept for data collection had priority. Simple patient files were introduced, as well as a concept for taking medication for illiterate patients in the form of simple pictures. This should provide transparency into the patient's medical and treatment history and optimize the treatment process. In addition, odontograms were created for the field of dental medicine. As part of a collaboration with the school, the primary data of the school children were collected (height, weight, general data) as well as a profile of the current state of oral hygiene.

The basic structure of the existing outpatient clinics were optimized. The installation of a curtain bar for privacy, two mobile treatment trolleys to allow a clean workplace, drainage and lighting of the dental outpatient clinic were renewed, as well as the installation of shelves for increased storage space. Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the use of puncture-proof containers to guarantee a hygienic and, above all, safe working environment.

Of course, the working method differs from the European standards we are familiar with, not least because of the different materials used. However, the course of treatments and the observance of hygienic measures is exceptionally well designed and in no way endangers the well-being of the patients. The daily health education provided by the on-site nurse is exemplary. This mainly involves basic hygiene skills such as daily tooth brushing, intimate hygiene, nutrition and hand washing.

External Medical Work

The biggest project we were able to complete was the community greenhouse financed by "Con Corazón". Due to the fact that everything is volunteer work and sometimes more, less manpower was available, the completion stretched over the entire two and a half months. The work consisted of obtaining the necessary stones for the walls, digging a foundation, erecting the wall, building the basic structure with wooden poles and iron rods, as well as the manual production of earth bricks and finishing the roof with plastic sheeting. The greenhouse extends over 15x6 meters and will be gradually planted with herbaceous plants and vegetables over the next few months. The harvest will then be distributed to the patients, of course. There are also plans to build a small composting plant to improve the soil quality in the future.

The second challenge was the restoration of the fish farm. This is located on the grounds of the school and had to be thoroughly renovated. Among other things, pipes were replaced, the water inflow was ensured and the tanks were cleaned and re-plastered. The first fish are to be introduced in the near future. Near the Medical Center a smaller fish tank was built, which will be accessible for everyone in the future and hopefully can guarantee a more varied diet.

Lifetime Experience

The time for us on site was an extraordinarily great and huge life experience. Working with the people and helping directly on site will remain in our memories for a long time. It is impressive how the quality of life of the people can be improved with this project. Thank you for letting us have this experience.

Best regards
Petra & Moritz

September 2017


 

A volunteer shows a girl practices how to brush teeth correctly on oversized model

Program

The volunteer program is arranged individually based on the professional background and the length of stay. Program wishes regarding skills and interests can thus be taken into account. Knowledge of Spanish is a great advantage. The stay can be combined with a language studies program.

Calendar with month January

Length of Stay

Con Corazón provides volunteers with the opportunity to join our organization from two weeks up to a year. With long term volunteering you experience living abroad and learning from a new culture, while getting deeply involved with a specific project for the benefit of the local community.

A person puts coins on top of each other

Costs

Volunteers are responsible for all their own personal expenses during their stay. The expenses which are directly related to the Medical Center, like transport and lunch, are provided by Con Corazón. We recommend that you include a certain amount of money for leisure tourist activities during your stay.

Blue doctor coat with work equipment

Health Insurance

Con Corazón requires all volunteers to be adequately insured during their entire stay in Peru, including international health, accident and travel insurance. We can assist you with reputable insurance contacts.

A typical hotel room in the historic town of Cusco

Accommodations

Con Corazón can assist you in arranging your accommodations during your volunteer period. Let us know what type of accommodations you are looking for. We can arrange it from USD 15.- per night and up.

An excursion to the "Rainbow Mountains" over 5,000 m.a.s.l.

Leisure Activities

It is important to us that you feel comfortable and have an unforgettable stay as a volunteer. We are happy to advise you on suiting local tourist destinations and excursions including different sports activities.

Testimonials

"I had the opportunity to volunteer at Con Corazón. I worked alongside Dr. Saulo and his team. The clinics provided services performed by qualified staff and volunteers. Although I had no dental background, I was able to assist the dentists with tooth extractions, cleanings, and fillings."

Moriah Steffens

Moriah Steffens

Volunteer

“Saulo and his colleagues were incredibly friendly and generous with their time. We’ve formed friendships that will outlast our stay. Staying in Cusco for a month also gave us the opportunity to really get under the skin of the city, and understand better the Peruvian way of life and traditions.”

Paul Emery

Paul Emery

Volunteer

"The Andes are my birthplace and I feel deeply connected to this region. To have the opportunity to support the people there in a direct way and without detours is something great. Knowing that donations are going to the right place, to the right people, is what I thank and trust Con Corazón for."

Anna Alberti

Anna Alberti

Donor & Visitor

"Con Corazón uses a sustainable model providing subsidized quality dental care to lower income populations. The highlight was being able to work in Marampaqui. These patients have minimal access to dental care, and it was amazing to be able to provide care in such a remote location."

Dr. Ujval Gummi

Dr. Ujval Gummi

Volunteer

“We felt we wanted to give back! As part of our six-month sabbatical we thought Cusco is the perfect place to pause and give some time helping through Con Corazón. We have been mainly assisting the work of the dental clinic. It’s clear this NGO is having a big positive impact within the region.”

Amélie Prot

Amélie Prot

Volunteer

"I support Con Corazón because Danièle's involvement has convinced me, from the beginning, that the help arrives directly, without any detours. What is also fascinating to me is the constant further development and the focus on the long-term perspective. The highlight was the visit in 2019."

Cordula Sonderegger

Cordula Sonderegger

Donor & Visitor

"What I remember most about my involvement was working with the people in the remote Andean region, where the organization provides valuable support. The unique insight into the culture and way of life of those people is definitely one of the most beautiful and memorable of my stay."

Livia Hollenstein

Livia Hollenstein

Volunteer

"Over the years, the Rotary Club of Aarau has been able to generate various projects together with Con Corazón. One of the highlights was certainly the construction of the Medical Center at over 4,000 meters above sea level. The cooperation is always very sustainable, efficient and professional."

Martin Bachmann

Martin Bachmann

Rotary Club Aarau

"In August 2019 finally I had the opportunity to go to the Andes in South America. There I had finished one month of volunteering at the dental clinic in Cusco, Peru. I really enjoyed helping poor people through making dental cleanings for the patients. What an incredible team to work with!"

Mette Højborg

Mette Højborg

Volunteer

"I have been following Con Corazón for years, so a visit to Peru was logical and very precious for me. It was extremely impressive to enter into this unknown world and to capture it photographically. As a professional photographer, I still enjoy the impressive images from the Andean region."

Hana Solenthaler

Hana Solenthaler

Donor & Visitor

"Wow, what an impressive landscape at over 4,000 m.a.s.l., what a beautiful place in the Andes, what unbelievable warm-hearted people! Immediately there was another wow, there is a lot to do for me in the next four months! Marampaqui became a second home for me".

Moritz Mitterer

Moritz Mitterer

Volunteer

"'The only thing that can eliminate poverty is to share with each other. ' Mother Teresa's quote points out how important Con Corazón's mission is to fight poverty in the long term and to give people a perspective. I am very grateful that I was able to visit the organization in Peru."

Anna Alberti

Anna Alberti

Donor & Visitor

"Volunteering to work alongside Dr. Saulo and his incredible team at Con Corazón has been a highlight in my nursing career. Having the opportunity to serve and provide the people of Marampaqui with free medical & dental services in these remote villages was an absolute rewarding experience. "

Yesenia Rivera

Yesenia Rivera

Volunteer

"The aim of my sabbatical was not just to travel, but to really get to know a country, its people, its culture and its language. Being a teacher for health education, it was amazing to see how health promotion can be realized in different Con Corazón projects - with a lot of passion and with heart!"

Michaela Graf

Michaela Graf

Volunteer

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