Huanchaco, Northern Peru
Education,Environment& Empowerment
We're a UK charity and Peruvian NGO giving children and families in Huanchaco's informal settlements the chance to learn, grow and thrive.
Huanchaco, Northern Peru
We're a UK charity and Peruvian NGO giving children and families in Huanchaco's informal settlements the chance to learn, grow and thrive.
Why we exist
We work in informal settlements on the edge of Huanchaco, where many families have been displaced by climate change, disaster and political instability. Few homes have running water or sewage, electricity is sporadic, and many children are forced to work instead of going to school.
Our Recreational and Educational Centre in Cerrito de la Virgen gives them something that didn't exist before: a safe place to learn, play and develop new skills.
To promote education and social development in our local communities.
Equal opportunities in Peru for everyone to succeed and thrive.
Our work
Help us help others
Every pound goes to our work in and around Huanchaco. Choose an amount to see exactly what it pays for, from clean drinking water to a whole summer of swimming lessons.
Gift AidUK taxpayer? Add 25% to your gift at no extra cost.
Snacks for a week
Funds a snack and fruit juice for a week for every child in our HELP classes.
With Gift Aid, £12 becomes £15 · just £0.39 a day
“Otra cosa” means “something else”.
Where it all started
Otra Cosa Network began in the early 2000s as a small, low-cost volunteering agency supporting a few local projects. Juany and Peter Murphy, a British-Peruvian couple living in Huanchaco, grew it into a registered charity that designs and runs its own programmes, shaped by what the community tells us it needs.
Volunteer & intern in Peru
Explore 13 volunteer and internship roles, from teaching and youth work to marketing and fundraising.
Live in the OCN volunteer house, five minutes from the beach, or find your own place in town.
Surf the World Surfing Reserve, eat ceviche, take Spanish lessons and explore Northern Peru.
Send your application and we'll confirm your placement, arrange your pick-up and welcome you to Huanchaco.
In their words
I cherish my experience working at OCN. The individuals I worked with were incredible and deserve a lot of credit for the hard work and dedication they demonstrated. Huanchaco and its surrounding areas are beautiful, bright and vibrant communities.
Samantha2023 volunteer, USABeing part of OCN is one of my most enriching experiences. I can share my knowledge, learn from others and meet wonderful people, in addition to helping my beautiful community. The happiness of the children after each activity is unique.
Carlos PortocarreroLocal volunteer, PeruVolunteering with OCN has been an incredible experience that I will remember forever. Some of my favourite memories have been playing with the kids at the REC, going for sunset surfs and learning to dance salsa!
Mhairi2022 volunteer, UKWorking with the kids and seeing a difference being made is so rewarding. What made this even better was the close relationships formed with the volunteers and managers. They are so welcoming and helped me settle in.
Izzy2023 volunteer, UKWorking in partnership with
