Project Description
The project is located in the Amazon and is dedicated to helping young members of a very small community who have big dreams. The community does not have enough professionals to improve the level of education and health care facilities. Hence, volunteers are needed to assist with the development and preparation of IT and English classes. Help is also required in the teaching of other subjects such as geography, mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, history, and languages. Volunteers will have the opportunity to develop their own initiative in collaboration with four local teachers.
Environmental conservation: In recent years, the community has been severely threatened by both foreign and national oil conglomerates who claim to have discovered an oil well in the middle of the Rio Napo. Oil extraction will have extremely grave consequences for this community and its neighbors. Such exploitation will ruin the community’s way of life, destroy the river, topple and kill trees and plants, introduce new ways of life extremely distinct from those of the area’s current inhabitants. The community is inevitably growing and needs a development plan that will help the people to be self-sufficient and organized. Therefore, volunteers who have experience in eco-friendly urban planning are needed.
Why the projects need volunteers
The community has a shortage of qualified teachers to improve the level of education and health care. Therefore, volunteers are required to help with the development and preparation of classes and new educational projects. New ideas that will help in the development of the community are welcome.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
2 Months / + |
| Project Location |
Punta Chonta |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
- Development and preparation of IT and English classes for pupils 12 years and up. Working with 6 groups of a maximum of 25 pupils each. – Assist teachers in the following subjects: geography, mathematics, social sciences, natural sciences, history, and languages. – Help with development of new community projects. – Organize recreational activities for the community’s children. – Provide the community with training on matters pertaining to the environment, community development, the consequences as a result of mass production such as oil extraction, healthcare, environmental conservation, cultural knowledge, and sustainable development. – Should the volunteer have sufficient experience, he/she will be requested to give talks on housing and town planning. |
| Hours of Work |
35 – 40 hours per week, Wednesday through Sunday. |
| Number of places available |
2 volunteers |
| Project availability |
From September to the beginning of July (throughout the academic year). |
| Prerequisities |
Men and women from 22 years and up – Intermediate level of Spanish (Ecuador Volunteer can provide information on suitable Spanish courses which will help the volunteer attain the required level). - Professional experience in the field of education, particularly in the teaching of IT and English. Be able to relate well to adolescents and get along with local community members. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Host family with private or shared rooms.
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| Food |
- 3 meals per day, vegetarian options available
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| Support |
- Before your trip - 24/7 advice via telephone and/or email before leaving your home country.
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| Training |
- Workshop, volunteer training before beginning as a volunteer.
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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- International flight tickets.
- Local transport once in the country.
- Airline and/or airport taxes.
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| Insurance |
- Travel Insurance and related expenses.
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| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa application costs and related expenses.
- Inoculations and related expenses.
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What is also included?
- Transfer from the airport to location of the project or place of stay in Quito.
- Training, informative advice and support before, during and after project from a team of professionals.
- In-country guidance to resolve potential issues that may arise during the project.
- Guidance and evaluation to check on progress during volunteer period.
- Ability to make local calls and receive faxes at the Ecuador Volunteer office.
- Informative visitor guide with information about recreational activities.
- Certificate of successful completion as a volunteer.
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Please note
Due to its location, the project allows volunteers to get up close and personal with the natural world. Flora and fauna abound nearby as well as accessible and interesting places to visit such as Playa del Río Napo (Rio Napo beach), and the Orchid Botanical Gardens.
What skills do volunteers need?
An open mind and flexible attitude are needed to work with local people who live in rural communities and whose pace of life is much slower.
• A willingness to share ideas and knowledge.
• A cheery disposition and an affinity for teaching.
• Creative ability and an eagerness to help the community and nature conservation as well as work with children and young people.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
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- Insect repellent (with at least 40% Deet is recommended)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, First Aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries, box of matches
- Canteen/water bottle
- Knife (Swiss Army)
- Hiking boots
- Waterproof jacket
- Plenty of socks
- Warm jacket
- Shorts and t-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirts
- Summer attire
- Swimsuit
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat
- Sleeping bag
- Sandals
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Steps to follow
Once you have registered...
- Once we receive your first email we will immediately contact you to give you general information about us and our projects.
- Select the project in which you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email confirming your participation and we will prepare for your trip to Ecuador.
- You should fill out the documents that the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation sends you as part of the registration process.
After you have been selected as a volunteer...
- Get your flight tickets.
- Get travel insurance for the time that you will participate in our projects.
- Obtain your Police Record or Police Disclosure.
- Send us the documents from the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation, filled out completely.
- Verify that you have gotten the necessary vaccines, such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Typhoid. We recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine and bringing malaria pills as a precaution.
- Get a medical certificate from your doctor.
- Fill out the Final Form that is on our website.
- If the volunteer is not a Spanish speaker, she/he must plan to take a Spanish course in Quito before entering in the project.
- Take a Spanish exam to check your knowledge of the language.
- Check if you need a visa to enter Ecuador.
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