Project Description
The work in the community of Chico Copataza focuses on helping a native Kichwa family who wishes to maintain its culture and traditions. The Chumapi – Siguango family includes the father, a native Shuar, his wife who is a native Kichwa and their 9 children.
Chico Copataza is situated in the province of Pastaza. The community is at a distance of approximately 25 km (one hour and 45 minutes by bus) from Puyo town. There is electricity but no running water in the community. The water must be fetched from a river near the volunteer house and be boiled before consumption.
Puyo is the biggest town in the province, and can be reached from Quito in 5 hours by public bus. There is no electricity or running water in the community. The water must be fetched from a river near the volunteer house and be boiled before consumption.
The climate in the zone is humid subtropical, with rainfall for the most part of the year. In the month of August rain is less frequent. The temperature is quite pleasant, some days will be very hot but one should take into account the humidity of the zone. Chico Copataza will give the volunteer the opportunity to observe and learn to recognize a large variety of medicinal plants, jungle animals, waterfalls and several bird species, including swallows, parrots, raptors etc.
Why the projects need volunteers
The project requires assistance because it needs people who can assist with improved knowledge and new ideas for developing it, at some point be self sustainable and can support their own community. The aim is to improve the education of children and adolescents in the population. When you know the culture and traditions to others allows the preservation of these persist and improve.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
2 weeks + |
| Project Location |
Pastaza |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
The community work varies greatly, based on the needs of the family. The main responsabilities are: • Establishing and maintaining trails and tourist infrastructure • Helping in the cultivation of broom fibres and marketable crops • Helping in the traditional farming • Assist with the cultivation of ornamental and medicinal plants • Assist with the construction of typical houses • Helping with the cooking when there are many volunteers • Making pottery (women) • Teaching English • Participating in mingas on Mondays (community work day) • Developing a garden for new crops such as peppers an cucumbers • Installation and maintenance of a rubbish system Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn a lot about the Shuar and Kichwa cultures, including the languages, typical food dishes, harpoon fishing, legends, medicinal plants, and many other things. |
| Hours of Work |
35 - 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
8 volunteers |
| Project availability |
From January to December |
| Prerequisities |
Minimum age 18 years old – A great interest in the conservation of nature, new cultures and activities related to human development, a willingness to learn and work, and a positive attitude. All the volunteers need to have an intermediate knowledge of the Spanish language before starting their volunteer work. If the volunteer is not at this level, Ecuador Volunteer could help your to find the best program to improve your Spanish skills before starting the project, without it you will not be able to make a significant contribution; the people pf the community speak only Spanish and their native Kichwa or Shuar. The volunteers must be bale to hold conversations and participate in discussions in Spanish. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Volunteer House in a shared rooms
|
| Food |
- 3 meals per day / vegetarian apply
|
| Support |
- Before the trip - 24/7 support in the country
|
| Training |
- Workshop volunteer trainning before to start your project
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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- Air tickets
- Daily transportation within the country
- Airport taxes
|
| Insurance |
- Travel Insurance
- Costs associated with obtaining the travel insurance
|
| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa fee
- Visa documentation fee
- Costs related with the visa application paper work
- Costs related with obtaining vaccines
|
What is also included?
- Pick up service from the airport to the organization or accommodation place in Quito.
- Support Professional Staff.
- Practical Information Support to the volunteer before and after participation in the project.
- Orientation in the country leaded to all the volunteers to highlight aspects of the project.
- Coordination to evaluate your progress during the volunteer period.
- Local phone calls from our organization.
- Fax reception.
- Guide information on activities you can do in your free time.
- Certificate of participation when the volunteer has completed the work cooperation.
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Please note
Each volunteer will be able to go to the jungle to observe plants, fruits, animals, rivers and the waterfall of Chinimp Tuna (in Shuar: “Swallows of the Waterfall”) from which the project has taken its name.
What skills do volunteers need?
To help with this project does not need a specific profession only take time, creativity and willingness to support in working with the community and nature, working with children and young people, teaching languages to children and youth; depending on the volunteer profession or specialty the project can organize specific courses and activities based on time of stay.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
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- Insect repellent (40% DEET is advised)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, first aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries/ matches
- Canteen
- Swiss army knife
- Rubber boots
- Rain coat
- Plenty of socks
- Warm clothes
- Long sleeve shirts
- Summer clothes
- Bathing suit
- Trekking shoes
- Cap or hat
- Sleeping bag
- Flip-flops
- Work gloves
- Towels
- Camera-binoculars (opcional)
- Sun glasses
- Books to read
- Ziplock bags
- Pens/journal
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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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