This is a digital and interactive orientation for the Andean Alliance for Sustainable Development's short-term service-learning program, the Solidarity Program.

1. Pre-Departure Orientation
“Harnessing collective intelligence to support community-led
development in the highlands of Peru”

2. About the AASD

3. Peru
Peru is celebrated for its diverse
ecosystems, stunning mountain
ranges, lush jungles, thriving rivers
and fertile valleys. Peru is a large
country with the capital city of Lima
on the central coast and Cuzco (the
ancient capital of the Incan Empire)
in the south. Travelers to this country
are fortunate to be able to easily
experience its diversity and immerse
themselves in remarkably intact
ancient cultures.
Watch this video
Capital: Lima
Population: 31 million
Languages: Spanish,
Quechua, Aymara
Religion: 75% Catholic
Currency: Sol

4. The Sacred Valley
The Sacred Valley is in the Andes
and near the historic sacred city of
Machu Picchu. During the time of
the Incan Empire, this valley was
mainly populated due to its special
geographic and climatic qualities
that allowed for flourishing
agriculture in a secure location.
Today the sacred valley is still an
agro-economy, yet you can also
enjoy checking out ancient ruins
on the way to Machu Picchu, all
the way from the communities of
Pisac to Ollantaytambo.
Watch this video

5. Calca
The town of Calca is where the
AASD office is located. It is an
indigenous community of about
8,000 people that is located in
the Sacred Valley an hour north
of Cusco. Calca has food
markets, a bus station, a bank
with an ATM, and a modest
amount of stores and
restaurants – all within walking
distance of each other.

6. Culture & Language
Many communities throughout
the Sacred Valley speak
Quechua, the native language of
the Incas. Children typically
speak Quechua at home and
learn Spanish at school. While
some adults speak Spanish,
many only speak it at a basic
level. It is common for women
in these communities to only
speak Quechua.
Watch this video

7. Solidarity Program
What is Solidarity?
The unity which produces or
is based on common
interests, objectives,
standards, and sympathies.
You will be immersed in a place-
based curriculum that introduces
you to the work and life of an
international grass-roots NGO. The
program’s academic approach will
enables you to experience the
process, the difficulties, and
rewards of the development field,
and ask you to:
 Participate
 Observe
 Respond

9. A Typical Day
 Projects
 Greenhouse
 Farm
 School garden
 Workshops
 Farming techniques
 Greenhouse construction
 Interactive lectures
 Activities
 Cooking demonstrations
 Hikes
 Site visits
 Discussion
 Reflection
 Introspection
 Ideation
Time Day 1
7am Breakfast
8-10pm Project:
School
Greenhouse
10-12pm Workshop:
Adobe Brick
making
12pm Lunch
2-4pm Activity:
Weaving
6pm Dinner
7-8pm Activity: Hot
springs

10. Harnessing Collective
Intelligence
You will work with:
Organizations
Professionals
Community members
And more…
Community-led
Development
You will learn about:
Community problem solving
Identifying opportunities
Development theory
Biointensive farming
And more…

11. Health & Safety
Before traveling to Peru you first need
to:
• Receive immunizations (Consult a
doctor and look at this website)
• Apply for health insurance (We
recommend Global Health)
Watch this video
AASD Safety Precautions
Accommodation
Meals
Transportation
Staff View Risk Assessment

12. Preparation
Read this article for some
tips on mentally preparing
for travel abroad: link
Before traveling to a new place
you need to
 Know YOUR culture
 Study host culture
Culture guidelines Link
Checklist
Action Item Link
Passport Link
Visa Link
Shots Link
Health Insurance Link
Packing List Link

13. How will you get here?
Where will you stay?
Where will you work?
Where will you eat?
Logistics
Map

14. Homework
1. Read the following articles: article
1, article 2, video.
2. Write a 500 word essay that
includes:
• A personal introduction
• Your expectations for the trip
• 1 thing you learned, 1 thing
you found interesting, 1
question you have
3. Watch this slideshow with your
parents, if you haven’t already!

15. See You Soon!