By Catherine O’Hara, REVIEW STAFF

Mountsberg native Janine Matetich, 20, is embarking on an exciting adventure to Peru, where she will have the opportunity to help build a school and take part in other enriching experiences in the community.

A third-year student at Wilfrid Laurier University, Matetich was selected to participate in the Solidarity in Action social justice program, a unique initiative that offers students the chance to volunteer at placements in Peru as well as soak up the South American country’s culture.

The two-week trip, which takes place in May, will see roughly 25 participants volunteer in a variety of sectors, including the health-care field, on a maternity ward, in daycares and schools, with children with special needs, on sustainability projects, construction and various health campaigns. Trip-goers have the option of sticking to one or two sectors for their placements or pitching in on multiple projects.

The group will also host a special oral hygiene educational campaign for Peruvian youth. “I’m looking for donations of toothbrushes and toothpaste to give to the children,” said Matetich, who is hopeful the community will step up to the plate to donate the necessary items that will benefit the children living in the shantytowns of southern Lima.

While the bulk of the group’s work is centred around different volunteer initiatives, the  Laurier students will travel to various parts of Peru, where they will sightsee and learn about the country’s history.

Cultural activities, explained Matetich, include experiencing Lima’s downtown, visiting El Parque del Amor, a park that offers an incredible view of the coast, and shopping at an Incan handcrafts market.

On day 11 of their trip, the group will take a hike up to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas. The Solidarity in Action group will complete the expedition in one day ­– an excursion that typically takes three.

While she’s thrilled to explore one of the world’s seven wonders, Matetich is also eager to lend a hand in the Peruvian community.

“Mostly, I’m excited about construction and teaching English,” she said. “I have always wanted to help out in other communities and I really like community outreach.”

Here in Flamborough, the Waterdown District High School alum was an active member on the Grant of Arms Committee, which worked to create Flamborough’s flag and coat of arms. In addition to packing her personal belongings, oral hygiene products for villagers and other necessary items, Matetich is keen on bringing a piece of Flamborough with her on her travels.

“I’m hoping to bring the flag with me and get a picture,” she said.

Prior to the group’s departure, leaders who experienced the sights of Peru during a similar trip in 2011 will host meetings to allow participants to get to know one another, prepare for any cultural differences they may experience and learn a bit of Spanish.

The cost to participate in the social justice program abroad is $2,800. Already, Matetich has raised $1,200 to help cover her expenses – $700 of it through a raffle she held at school.

With a few months to go before the trip, she’s hopeful the community will show its support by donating funds to subsidize the cost of her trip as well as items for the children, including plush toys, articles of clothing, colouring books and “stuff that’s really Canadian.” To make a monetary or item donation, contact Matetich at 519-835-1548 or janinematetich@gmail.com.

“Everything is really appreciated,” she said.