Hands on Peru

  Verified by Volunteer World
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rating

4.9

Outstanding


8

Reviews


11

Years in business

We built a public health center that focuses on prevention, promotion & education of health.

    Hands on Peru is a nonprofit organization 501(c) 3 ; headquartered in Peru and US and co-founded by two global health advocates in 2013, as a response to the deep inequities in access to medical care and by the gaps caused by a weak state health system in the country.

    CESAPU (Centro de Salud ...

Review Description

    Hands on Peru is a nonprofit organization 501(c) 3 ; headquartered in Peru and US and co-founded by two global health advocates in 2013, as a response to the deep inequities in access to medical care and by the gaps caused by a weak state health system in the country.

    CESAPU (Centro de Salud Pública, or Center for Public Health) is the main project of HOP Hands on Peru and it is located in the district of Huanchaco, Province of Trujillo, Department of La Libertad. It is located between Trujillo City and Huanchaco Beach and easily accessible via public transportation. 90% of its inhabitants live in poverty, with no access to sewage & clean water, in what can be called a modern urban slum dwelling. It is located right next to Chan Chan, ancient Chimu ruins, and experiences beautiful sunsets every night at 6 pm. It is surrounded by humble and friendly neighbors and many loveable children! 

    HOP works to increase access to healthcare and essential health services for low-income communities. CESAPU primary care services like: medical consults, dental, ultrasound, nutrition, & physical therapy in the mornings.

    At CESAPU, we firmly believe that we can improve the health of the people of Huanchaco by implementing interactive programs that generate healthy attitudes and behaviors in order to improve social determinants of health and reduce risk factors for disease. Our afternoons include participatory programs in the afternoon like cooking class, knitting class, zumba class, tutoring, and surf class, so that individuals feel more engaged & empowered in their health. One of our most successful programs has been CHIMUK, #knittingabetterfuture, a brand of handknit alpaca products that employs over 20 women in a dignified & fulfilling way.

    Hands on Peru also works to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our international volunteer program allows the volunteer an opportunity to serve a needy community, and it also provides the volunteer with an incredibly culturally rich experience, one that can enhance their world view, teach them about the importance of public health and prevention.

    Health, well-being, and happiness is our primary focus. 


Contact Person

Mira Gowda

Spoken languages: Spanish, English
  Excellent response rate

Hands on Peru reviews

Cassie Jones rating5.0

2019 at Hands to Care

Through HOP, I was able to shadow physicians in Peru, interact with people of their culture, receive valuable medical training and experiences, lead public health campaigns, and get an idea of what it would be like to practice medicine in developing countries! ...
Lea Parry rating4.4

2019 at Hands to Care

I spent a month working at the clinic as a full-time volunteer, living with a family at the centre of Trujillo. It was a very varied and interesting month. I learnt, along with a dozen expectant mothers, the key stages of child development whilst they waited for ultrasounds. I saw queues of people ...
Collin Simpson rating5.0

2018 at Hands to Care

Hands on Peru opened my eyes and helped solidify my passion. My time in Peru solidified my passion for the Spanish language and my desire to be a medical professional. My Hands on Peru (HOP) experience was the recipe for my ideal career. I’ve always wanted to provide medical care to individuals ...
Kayce Scinta rating5.0

2018 at Hands to Care

I first volunteered with HOP when I was a sophomore in college. I absolutely loved my summer in Peru. It was perfect blend of helping others and experiencing the culture of Peru. After returning home from my first visit to Peru in 2014, I become a Campus Coordinator for Hands on Peru. I helped ...
Montserrat Dorantes rating5.0

2018 at Hands to Care

Hands on Peru really impacted me for the best and taught me so many things about public health that I love but also impacted me to become more aware of my passion for helping others ...
Elizabeth Pedersen rating4.6

2017 at Hands to Care

I administered vaccines, shadowed doctors, assisted with dental screenings, performed health screenings, learned about surgical techniques, and got a well-rounded experience of Peruvian ...

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UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Good Health And Well-Being