Peru Community

LOCATION:

Chulucanas, Peru

OVERVIEW/DESCRIPTION:

Chulucanas is a city with a small town feel. There is a large scale of economic diversity within the town of Chulucanas and the surrounding rural areas. Down one street you’ll find houses with nice tile floors and down the next you will find no floors at all. The plaza (central park) is the center of the city where you will find anyone from kids, to teenagers, to grandparents on a Saturday night. The Catholic Church is an integral part of life and culture in the community of Chulucanas. The
church provides structure in education, healthcare, and community initiatives. As
such, volunteers automatically find themselves welcomed within the community and
provided with a strong network of support.

FOUNDED:

2002

HISTORY:

The Chulucanas site was our second international site. The program has had Volunteers serving there off and on since the fall of 2002. The Volunteers have lived in a variety of houses over the years. Since 2008, the service positions have become more solidified and have a bit more structure, but the nature of Chulucanas does not allow for anything to be set in stone. Each year, service positions change a bit to account for the needs of the area and the gifts and talents of the individual Volunteers serving in Chulu. Some of the service sites include working with both the parish and diocesan
health offices, teaching English at the parish school and seminary, and teaching a
variety of classes at a local women’s center such as yoga, technology, and business.

EVENTS/NEWS:

There is a new pastor at the Augustinian parish, San Jose Obrero.

Dan Gallagher

Cynthia Pompa

Jamie Zwijack