Project Description

If you want to help young people transition into productive, confident adults, there’s a place for you in Peru. In Peru, about 22% of youth aged 18–24 neither work nor study. These young people face increased vulnerability to drug use, delinquency, and limited future opportunities. There are multiple reasons why youth in this age range neither work or study, the main reasons being teen pregnancy (12%), financial issues, dysfunctional families, lack of solid vocational orientation and leadership programs, or lack of desire to pursue further study (8.3%).

To address this, the Government of Peru is prioritizing efforts to reduce the number of youth disengaged in school or work by strengthening schools and community organizations that collaborate closely with students, teachers, parents, and local leaders.

As Youth Development Educator, you will help young people build career‑readiness skills and prepare for meaningful, productive adult lives. You will serve as a role model, and help youth develop a personal life plan that empowers them to envision and pursue a better future. In your supportive role, you will help communities in Peru create stronger support systems for young people, allowing the next generation to become confident, engaged, and resilient leaders of positive change.

Required Skills

Delete this if degree is required: Associate degree in any field and at least two years of full-time, post-high school work experience (from any combination of roles).

OR

Bachelor's degree in any field.

OR

High school diploma or GED and four years of full-time, post-high school work (from any combination of roles).

Delete this if no degree is required:

Bachelor's degree in any field.

Living Conditions

Volunteers typically live with a host family in a small- to mid-sized towns, with access to local government, schools, organizations and small businesses.



Living arrangements may include a private room within a host family’s home or a private space on a family compound. Currently, Volunteers live in Peru’s Ancash, Cajamarca, Junín, and La Libertad regions. Volunteers can expect basic amenities, limited internet access, and frequent travel by foot, bicycle, or public transport.

Job Highlights

Develop strong skills in vocational training and positive youth development—technical and interpersonal skills needed for any career. Receive 120+ hours of Spanish language training and develop your proficiency through daily conversations with Peruvians.

Gain international experience while building lasting connections in a new community.

Activities

Conduct a needs assessment to identify youth interests and community priorities. Design and facilitate orientation programs to train youth on employability and vocational skills to enhance workforce readiness.

Facilitate school sessions with families on parenting skills and positive youth development practices.

Support the implementation of community-led activities and youth-focused projects.

Engage youth in clubs, camps, sports, arts, and recreational activities that promote positive behaviors.

You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as teaching sexual education or supporting youth entrepreneurship projects.

Training

As a Youth Development Educator, you will be trained on topics like vocational orientation, youth leadership, and positive youth development.

Peace

Corps/Peru will teach you Spanish to help you comfortably live in and connect with the community. You may also receive language resources and learn Quechua based on your site placement.

After 10 weeks of training, you will move to a rural or semi-urban community where you will collaborate with staff at schools, municipality offices, and other youth-focused organizations. You will work with the community to assess the vocational learning needs and develop long-term solutions.

📌 Youth Development Educator (Perú)
🏢 Peace Corps
📍 Perú