What makes service-learning in Peru meaningful? An international learning experience begins with understanding the people, relationships and everyday work that support a community.

Mission University’s service-learning experiences in Chaclacayo have brought learners into contact with the work of Hogar San Francisco de Asís, supported by the Villa La Paz Foundation. The Hogar cares for children facing serious health challenges whose families have limited resources. Its stated mission embraces physical, emotional, social and intellectual wellbeing.

That broad view offers a valuable starting point for global public health education. It invites learners to consider how healthcare, education, family circumstances and daily support connect in a child’s life.

Begin with local knowledge

A thoughtful program starts with listening to the people who know the setting best. Local staff and community partners help identify priorities, explain existing strengths and define where visiting students can contribute appropriately.

Students can prepare by asking three questions: What matters most to our hosts? What work is already underway? What can we contribute within our preparation, role and supervision?

These questions help connect educational goals with useful participation. They also encourage humility: students enter an established community of care, with much to learn from the people sustaining it.

What might service-learning in Peru involve?

Activities should be agreed with the host and university before travel. Depending on the learner’s discipline, preparation and program arrangements, a Peru experience may include supporting educational and recreational activities, assisting with daily routines under staff direction, observing care coordination, or contributing to an approved health education activity.

Public health learners might examine how social circumstances affect access to services, discuss community strengths with staff, or develop an educational resource around a locally identified priority. Any interviews, data collection or research would require appropriate permission and any applicable institutional review before beginning.

Clinical observation and participation must follow local requirements, host approval and appropriate supervision. Students’ responsibilities should match their competence and authorized scope. A service-learning placement does not itself authorize independent clinical practice.

Connect experience with academic goals

Academic value comes from a clear learning plan. Before an experience begins, the university, learner and relevant partners should define the objectives, required hours, supervision, assessment and expected work products.

For example, an objective focused on cultural humility could be assessed through guided reflection and faculty discussion. A community health objective might involve a supervised needs assessment activity or an educational resource reviewed by the host. A professional development objective could focus on communication, teamwork or understanding referral pathways.

Mission University can help coordinate learning experiences and supporting documentation. The student’s university determines whether an experience meets its course, practicum, internship or applied practice requirements and awards any academic credit. Participation does not guarantee credit or satisfy every program’s requirements.

Carry the learning forward

The experience should include time to reflect on what students learned, what their hosts found useful and what questions remain. Those conversations can inform future collaboration and help students apply their learning at home.

For previous volunteers at Hogar San Francisco de Asís: what did the experience teach you about community, learning or caring for the whole person? We welcome your reflections in the comments.

Faculty, students and community partners interested in exploring a Peru experience are welcome to learn about Mission University’s applied service-learning approach and contact us for a 30-minute introductory conversation. Dates, activities and arrangements would be developed with the relevant partners.

Learn more about the Hogar’s mission through the Villa La Paz Foundation’s volunteer information.