Project Description
This agricultural project aims to achieve the long-term feasibility of agro-forestry initiatives through improved methods in land conservation, fertilizers, and animal and plant management, and by using the human resources and financial means of local communities.
Work is organized through weekly meetings with local families, community groups and other parties interested in becoming involved in the project. Work commences with a division of tasks amongst local family members and a FunHabit technical facilitator. To ensure the integrity of the process, all activities are grouped around relevant categories: society, agriculture, forestry and livestock.
The project’s aims are to improve the social-organization of community groups and community directors, generate revenue and improve the quality of life of families in the rural communities of Cotopaxi.
At present we have the participation of 87 families covering the communities of: Pucaugsha, Guayama, La Moya, El Caucho, Saraugsha, Redrován, Corralpungo, Rumichaca and Huayrapungo. We also work alongside community directors. {
Why the projects need volunteers
As well as the organization of weekly activities with local families, community groups, and community directors, progress reports need to be carried out. Volunteers will play a proactive and dynamic part in assisting those directly involved in the project (such as families, community groups, and the wider community), carrying out such progress reports, and strengthening the work of Funhabit’s technical personnel.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
2 Months |
| Project Location |
Around Cotopaxi |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
- Volunteers will assist in the following activities: AREA 1: Family allotments - Agriculture: management of vegetable plots, family allotments, pasture, and classification of seeds for cultivation. - Forestry: land conservation, development of nurseries using seeds and scions, tree plantation, production and application of organic fertilizers, construction of cesspools for the management of inorganic waste. - Livestock: vaccination and deparitization of guinea pigs, rabbits and sheep, construction of guinea pig enclosures and corrals for protection of the animals. - Assistance material: Revision of technical paperwork that farmers use to record their activities. AREA 2: Community groups - Organizational strengthening of groups. - Improve commercial viability of group products. - Assist in the organization of community exchanges. AREA 3: Communities - Attendance at meetings alongside community directors to identify problems and work towards solutions with community members. Volunteers can help with the preparation of reference material for such meetings and in the devising of new tools/technologies. AREA 4: Center of Technologies - Upkeep and improvement of the Center of Technologies in Pujili |
| Hours of Work |
35 – 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
2 volunteers |
| Project availability |
Throughout the year. |
| Prerequisities |
Men and women at least 20 years old – intermediate level of Spanish – responsible, committed, confident, self-assured, cheerful disposition, knowledge of strategic planning, agriculture, and use of relevant work tools. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Volunteers’ lodge/shared rooms with other volunteers.
|
| Food |
- 3 meals daily/vegetarian options available.
|
| Support |
- Before your trip - 24/7 advice via telephone and/or email before leaving your home country.
|
| Training |
- Workshop volunteer trainning before commencing as volunteer.
|
| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
|
What is not included?
| Transport |
- International flight tickets.
- Local transport once in the country.
- Airline and/or airport taxes.
|
| Insurance |
- Travel Insurance and related expenses.
|
| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa application costs and related expenses.
- Inoculations and related expenses.
|
What is also included?
- Transfer from the airport to location of the project or place of stay in Quito.
- Practical, 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.
- A facility at the organization office for making local calls.
- Receiving of faxes.
- Informative visitor guide with information on recreational activities.
- Certificate of successful completion as volunteer.
|
Please note
A Center of Technologies is located in the district of Pujili to help in the development of activities. Such a center houses a replica of an entire farm complete with nurseries, organic fertilizers, guinea pigs, and tools that facilitate the work and progress of community tasks.
What skills do volunteers need?
To help with this project, volunteers should have knowledge of strategic planning, agriculture, use of relevant work tools, good interpersonal skills, and adapt easily to any environment and culture.
Important skills include:
• A willingness to share ideas.
• Familiarity with farming activities and the construction field.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
| - Insect repellent (application containing 40% Deet is recommended)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, First Aid box
- Flashlight/torch
- Batteries/box of matches
- Water bottle
- Knife (Swiss army)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm, wind-proof clothing
- Long-sleeved undershirts
- Swimming costume
- Hiking boots
- Hat
- Sandals
- Towels
- Camera-binoculars (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Books (for personal use)
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Steps to follow
When you have booked...- Once we receive your first email we will immediately contact you to give you general information about us and projects.
- Select the project where you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email about confirmation of your participation and we will prepare for your trip to Ecuador.
- You should fill out certain documents of the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation, which we will send you opportunely.
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.
- Get your Police Check or Police Disclosure.
- Send us the documents of the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation filled out with the pertinent information.
- Verify that you got certain vaccines as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Typhoid. We recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine and malaria pills as a precaution.
- Get a medical certificate.
- Fill out the Final Form that is on our website.
- In the case that the volunteer is not a Hispanic speaker she/he must plan a Spanish course before entering in the project.
- Give an exam in Spanish to check your knowledge in the language.
- Check if you need a visa to enter in the country.
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