Volunteer program indigenous people - South America

Communitarian volunteer program El Triunfo

This project seeks to improve the quality of life in rural communities via changes in habits, behavior and developmental alternatives, in harmony with the communities´ surrounding environment.

El Triunfo Area is located to the east of the province of Tungurahua, with an altitude of 2500 meters above sea, near the Río Verde Area (Baños).
El Triunfo is surrounded by humid mountainous forest. As well, it is 2km from the National Park Llanganates that forms part of the Bio-reserve Condor which is an area of importance for the conservation of birds (AICA EC056). It is also on the list of RAMSAR places. (RAMSAR places are the most humid places around the world and therefore, the most important.)

Program Description

The project focuses on the social and environmental development of the rural communities in Ecuador.

Creating alternative ways of contribution and finding solutions to the problems arising from the relations between the communities, and their economic and environmental development.

We will reach our goals through:

• Reinforcing development in the communities with the help of volunteers.
• Supporting education in the communities with the participation of volunteer teachers and the improvement of school infrastructures.
• Supporting the agricultural and productive activities in the area.
• Encouraging environmental activities by bringing in professionals from various areas of expertise.
• Promoting programs of environmental consciousness.
• Developing investigation projects in local ecosystems in order to carry out effective conservation of the communities’ natural resources.

Volunteer Activities

The volunteer can help in the following areas:

- Education of the inhabitants of the communities for economic improvement, in symbiosis with environmental protection, developing Bird watching tourism.

- Education of the volunteer mothers who look after the children in day care centers without formal qualifications.
- Basic education and support of the children (the volunteer will work as a teacher as well as assist the teachers already working with the children).
- Environmental education.
- Improvement of school infrastructures and equipments, libraries and playgrounds.

Social Area

- Improving the Education methods: Work at the school, teaching and helping with English, computer skills or extra activities such as class trips.
- Day-care centers, helping with activities like: taking care of children, feeding them etc. or training community mothers.
- Agriculture: help with the daily chores of the commoners such as picking fruit (blackberries), milking cows etc.

Environmental Area

• Triunfo’s Avifauna: Avifauna Censuses, analysis, purification and renewing of the database information.
• Environmental Education: Help with the activities planned by the environmental teacher, work with the students.

Volunteer Profile

The volunteers can be male or female, and must be over the age of 18. Volunteers need to be able to commit to a minimum of one month’s stay, with no maximum time limit determined by the project.
It is essential that the volunteer has an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Spanish, as without it he/she will not be able to make a significant contribution; the inhabitants of the communities speak only Spanish. The volunteers must be able to hold conversations and participate in discussions in Spanish. On their arrival into Quito, all non-Hispanic volunteers will have to pass a Spanish exam before going into the project.

The volunteer should

• Have patience in order to work with and enjoy the company of school children.
• Preferably have experience in working with children.
• Be able to work in a team.

What does the Volunteer need to bring?

• Insect repellent – 40 % DEET diethyl-m-toluamide – (there is no malaria risk in the area but a lot of mosquitoes). If you are allergic to insect bites, bring with you an antihistamine cream or ointment.
• Flashlight
• Batteries / Matches
• Raincoat
• Rubber boots (preferably buy them in Ecuador as the cost is cheaper)
• Shampoo, sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Biodegradable soap to wash your clothes
• Sandals
• Bathing suit (Swimsuit – Bikini – Shorts)
• Warm clothes (undershirts, light but warm trousers)
• Long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Long trousers
• Socks
• Hiking shoes or boots
• Cap
• Camera - Binoculars
• Glasses
• Small bags (for waste)
• Sleeping bag
• Books and materials for the project

Accommodation

The main accommodation is the volunteer house, a rural house with very few comforts much like the rest of the buildings in the area. Accommodation with a family in the community is also available, depending on your preference and availability. Your choice of accommodation will be taken into account while preparing for your arrival.
In the volunteer house the rooms are shared, with a maximum of four people per room, sleeping in bunk beds.
The Simbiosis Foundation will provide a sheet, blankets and a hand towel. The project is located at 2800 meters above sea level, and while the daytime temperature is generally pleasant, nights can be quite cold.
Food is served three times a day. The local Simbiosis staff prepares the meals using local and traditional products.
Breakfast includes eggs, milk, tea or coffee, cereal, bread, butter, jam and available fruits.
Lunch is a typical meal composed of tasty soups with a side of chicken or meat, served with rice, potatoes, yucca, grains or beans and a salad.
Dinner varies and is served with a cup of hot tea or coffee.
In case you follow a specific diet i.e. vegetarian or lactose intolerant, the meals can be adapted.
Accommodation and food is provided from Monday to Friday.

Duration

The school year runs from September to July, and the volunteers’ work schedule is 8 hours a day from Monday to Friday.

Free Time

Volunteers will have the weekends off, and can use this time to hike in the surrounding areas or visit the handicrafts markets. There are various tourist attractions in the area such as the Mindo Cloud Forest, the Páramos or Highlands and the thermal baths.

Requirements

In order to participate in the volunteer program, you need to choose one of the available projects according to your personal preferences and aptitudes.

• Biologists, ecologists or persons interested in these areas.
• Teachers or educators.
• Persons willing to help and collaborate.
• Coordinator of a school project.
• Director for the implementation of Bird watching tourism in the community.

It is essential that the volunteer has an intermediate knowledge of Spanish, as without it he/she will not be able to make a significant contribution; the inhabitants of the community speak only Spanish. The volunteers must be able to hold conversations and participate in discussions in Spanish. On their arrival in Quito, all non-Hispanic volunteers will have to pass a Spanish exam before going into the project. If the volunteer is not at this level, Ecuador Volunteer could help him/her to find the best program to improve his abilities in Spanish before starting the project.