Volunteer Hub
Public Health Volunteering in Peru (2025)
Organisation Details
EcoSwell
Activity type: First Aid, Health and Wellbeing, International , Research
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobitos, the surfing paradise of northern Peru. Students who have participated in EcoSwell's volunteering programme have described their experience as life altering and transformational. The organization focuses on helping vulnerable communities in Peru develop sustainably by carrying out infrastructure projects, socio-environmental and educational initiatives, thus implementing the United Nations SDGs.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +35,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +35,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Description of role: EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired and multiple award winning sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and international volunteers.
As part of this volunteering position, medical, dentistry students and/or professional doctors will support the understaffed Medical post in Lobitos in the following specialities: Respiratory, Pediatrics, Infections, Gynecology, General Practice and Dermatology. With the guidance of the EcoSwell team, volunteers will also design and implement public health educational initiatives in Lobitos for the local population in relation to the identified challenges in order to raise awareness.
Medical volunteeers will be supported by the EcoSwell staff, and local health practitioners who will be there to supervise when required. Volunteers will need to spend at least four weeks with us, time in which they will spend half of their time supporting in the medical post and the second half, carrying out the public health awarness raising initiatives.
We need volunteers with a strong interest and/or background knowledge in public health to come and support us in northern Peru. The benefits of taking part in this volunteer experience include, but are not limited to:
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience in a rural medical post in a developing country, having a real positive impact on the community.
- Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
- Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Accommodation & Travel:
It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.
During your volunteer time with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteers sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water, and a garden.
Extra Activities:
Volunteers work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches, and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:
- Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.
- Yoga classes
- Swimming with turtles
- Fishing, sea-lion, and whale watching trips with local fishermen
- Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem
- Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants
- Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.
Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of your volunteering experience, they are highly accessible nonetheless.
As part of this volunteering position, medical, dentistry students and/or professional doctors will support the understaffed Medical post in Lobitos in the following specialities: Respiratory, Pediatrics, Infections, Gynecology, General Practice and Dermatology. With the guidance of the EcoSwell team, volunteers will also design and implement public health educational initiatives in Lobitos for the local population in relation to the identified challenges in order to raise awareness.
Medical volunteeers will be supported by the EcoSwell staff, and local health practitioners who will be there to supervise when required. Volunteers will need to spend at least four weeks with us, time in which they will spend half of their time supporting in the medical post and the second half, carrying out the public health awarness raising initiatives.
We need volunteers with a strong interest and/or background knowledge in public health to come and support us in northern Peru. The benefits of taking part in this volunteer experience include, but are not limited to:
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience in a rural medical post in a developing country, having a real positive impact on the community.
- Work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
- Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Accommodation & Travel:
It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.
During your volunteer time with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteers sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water, and a garden.
Extra Activities:
Volunteers work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches, and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:
- Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.
- Yoga classes
- Swimming with turtles
- Fishing, sea-lion, and whale watching trips with local fishermen
- Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem
- Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants
- Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.
Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of your volunteering experience, they are highly accessible nonetheless.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Practical Skills, Research, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: +30 hours per week
Location: