Intercambioperu is a Dutch based foundation, initiated and run by three young enthusiasts and supported by a number of individuals. Besides, we count with the institutional support and collaboration of a number of Peruvian and non-Peruvian (partner)organizations.
Our Mission
Intercambioperu wants to contribute towards the sustainable development of environment and society through realising volunteering activities, and participatiing in environmental and social projects in the area of Lircay - Peru.
Goals
- Create opportunities for people who want to help and learn more about the local Andean culture of Lircay, Peru.
- Help with the planning, financing and realization of social and environmental projects.
- Contribute to the development of Huancavelica, being one of the poorest regions of Peru, by stimulating local sustainable tourism and employment.
- Promote the traditional values of Andean language and culture.
Committee members
Paul Los
Paul Los is a young Dutch professional who graduated from the Wageningen Agricultural University in September 2003. After obtaining his BSc in tropical agriculture he specialized in the field of irrigation and water engineering, where he developed a special interest for Peru and Andean irrigation systems. After graduating Paul gained experience working in Peru with the Dutch Development Organization SNV. He is now working for “la Universidad para el Desarrollo Andino” in the town of Lircay. After growing on a professional as well as personal level Paul has found a great opportunity through Intercambioperu to dedicate himself to some of his ideals about how we can live in harmony with fellow man and nature. Contact
Daisy Nieuwenhuijzen
Daisy Nieuwenhuijzen is a communications professional, who graduated in 2003 on Communication in Changing Environments within the Non-profit Sector. After different experiences, followed by just over a year of working as a communication advisor within a project at a Dutch ministry she decided to travel for half a year around Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. She is a social person, has many passions in life, is sometimes a little crazy, feels inspired by and is in love with the Peruvian culture. For this she is an enthusiastic part of Intercambioperu. Contact
Bastiaan Bais
Bastiaan’s interest, experience and dedication towards nature volunteering was the reason for him to concentrate his BSc Study “Western Forestry” on Voluntourism. Bas is an active and a broadly interested person. He wants to make a positive contribution towards the well-being of nature and mankind, and it is just this what made him enthusiastic about Intercambio Peru. Besides his work for Intercambio Peru Bas is working for Escoffee®, importing a fair-trade/ organic Ecuadorian specialty coffee into Europe. Contact
Associates
We believe it is very important as a Dutch based foundation to not only work with Dutch organizations but to work closely together with (partner) organizations in Peru. In this sense we stimulate the participation of local Peruvian organizations to help realize our volunteering activities and work closely together with governmental as well as non-governmental institutions to realize and participate in social and environmental projects.
PRONAMACHCS
PRONAMACHS is a Peruvian governmental program which falls under the ministry of agriculture and aims at the sustainable development of catchment areas in rural parts of Peru. PRONAMACHCS has regional offices, like the one in Lircay, that plan and execute nature and soil conservation activities with local communities. Reforestation programs and erosion control measures are just some of the activities they focus on. PRONAMACHCS is an important partner because it offers a steady and ongoing possibility for volunteer work, with enthusiastic professionals and logistic support.
Universidad para el Desarrollo Andino - UDEA
The UDEA is a university based in the town of Lircay that offers a unique bilingual academic program in Spanish as well as Quechua, aimed at the formation of skilled professionals in the field of Agriculture, Computer Science and Education. The UDEA is the perfect environment to learn Spanish as well as Quechua and gives local students and participants of our volunteering program the opportunity to meet and work together on different activities.
Besides, in coordination with the university, it is possible for students to realize a practical period or research.
Provincial Government of Lircay
The Provincial Government of Lircay is an important actor facilitating and promoting local economic, social and environmental development. It is important to coordinate the activities of Intercambioperu with the local government and to look for opportunities that can benefit both organizations and other actors. The environmental and social projects carried out by the Government of Lircay are relatively short but nonetheless form a great opportunity for volunteers to take part. The photo shows two volunteers working together with a local community on the construction of an irrigation system.