Chulucanas is a relatively small town located in the province of Morropon, however it is more developed than the outlying villages. Due to the size of the city, most people know one another. There is a plaza in the center of town which encompasses a Cathedral, the municipal offices, banks, restaurants, and the post office. Most people shop at the open-air market to buy all of their everyday necessities and any items that cannot be found in Chulucanas can often be found by taking the one-hour bus trip to the city of Piura. Mototaxis and motorcycles are prominent modes of transportation, as well as bikes, taxis, cars, donkeys, horses, and lots of walking.
Chulucanas is in the desert, therefore it stays hot day and night in the summer. Heavy rains at night bring mosquitoes and other insects. During the winter, temperatures heat up during the day, but cool considerably at night.
The Volunteers' living situation is somewhat unique in Chulucanas. For the first few weeks on site, the Volunteers live at the Obispado, the Bishop’s house, which is similar to a retreat center. Following that, each Volunteer moves into a family’s house for a month-long homestay. Then, at the end of February/beginning of March the Volunteers move into their home together.
Homestays are a great introduction to the everyday life, culture, and realities of families living in Chulucanas. They are a huge support not only in the beginning, but throughout the entire year. Each house and each family is very unique, however in all the homes you share meals and conversations, learn to hand-wash laundry, and learn how to live with limited water. Additionally, your homestay is an ideal place to strengthen your language skills, and your family is a great source for information and advice.
The Volunteers in Peru serve in a variety of areas within the diocese of Chulucanas, as most social services and education are run through the Catholic Church. Thus, the Volunteers are seen as representatives of the Church. The service sites include the health office, the youth group at the Augustinian parish (San Jose Obrero), the Parochial School (Santisima Cruz), the diocesan health office, and the community center run by the Sisters of Mercy (CETPRO Botania). In addition, the Volunteers translate for American medical teams who visit the area periodically throughout the year. Perhaps the greatest need that the Volunteers fill in Chulucanas is teaching English and providing a ministry of presence for all they encounter.
Santisima Cruz
Santisima Cruz is the Parochial School of the San Jose Obrero Parish. The school includes grades one of elementary school through the last year of high school. There are six years of primary school and five years of secondary school. The Volunteers serve in a variety of capacities including as co-teacher, teacher’s aid, tutor, and counselor. The school has a variety of needs which are filled based upon the education and experience of the Volunteer.
CETPRO Botania
CETPRO Betania is a cooperative and educational community center run by the Sisters of Mercy. They offer courses in sewing, cooking and baking, computers, and English, along with a variety of other services. The center is working to promote human dignity focusing primarily on women through education and technical training. The Volunteers have the opportunity to be involved in the different classes, especially in teaching basic English classes to both children and adults. Volunteers have occasionally assisted in administrative responsibilities for the center. They may also have the opportunity to teach basic computers to adults based on the background of the Volunteer.
Santisima Trinidad
Santisima Trinidad is the new seminary in the Diocese of Chulucanas. As part of their mandatory courses, the seminarians need to learn English. The Volunteers teach either Basic English or Intermediate English classes depending upon the needs of the seminary. There are about 15 seminarians enrolled.
Health Office for Centro Pastoral
The Centro Pastoral houses a variety of services and office for parishes and parishoners in the diocese of Chulucanas. One of these is the Heath Office, which coordinates a variety of endeavors each year including: educational trainings on health-related issues for parishes in the diocese, medical campaigns from abroad, and a weekly radio show. In addition, the Volunteer may accompany patients through hospital visits and procedures. The AV also serves with other Peruvian health volunteers in the hospital and at the Hogar de Ancianos. The Volunteer may assist in all these areas as well as with general administrative needs and monthly trainings of local health volunteers. A medical background is preferred but not required.
Health Office for San Jose Obrero Parish
San Jose Obrero Parish is an Augustinian parish in Chulucanas. One of the services the parish provides is health care assistance. The parish has health assessors who travel to each zone of the parish (there are 71 zones within San Jose Obrero parish) to determine the needs of people in each zone as well as to provide educational health training. The Volunteer assists the assessors on their zone visits. In addition, the Volunteer serves in the parish health office which provides basic medicine and health related items.