The Galapagos Islands are of great significance to conservation due to the prevalence of indigenous species. The group of islands known as the Galapagos is located 100km from the west coast of mainland Ecuador. The island of Santa Cruz is situated in the middle of this archipelago and is the second biggest wherein are concentrated the main businesses and tourist amenities.
The aim of the volunteer program is to assist in the comprehensive education of children who attend the Caupolicán Marin and San Francisco de Asis schools in the Bellavista area, and improve their knowledge of English to help with community development of the Galapagos Islands.
Description of the project
The project has various objectives, one of the priorities being to improve the level of academic English of children aged between 5 and 12 years, with the aim of facilitating communication with tourists to the islands; the Galapagos Islands being one of the principal tourist attractions of Ecuador.
Children between the first and seventh grades of primary education will attend the program wherein volunteers will help direct, guide and strengthen their learning.
The schools currently have an average of 30 children per class. Each class is then divided up into three different classes for the academic year. However, there is only one English teacher per school (two in total), hence the need for volunteers to assist with English instruction.
Responsibilities of the volunteer
School:
1. Help the children with vocabulary and correct pronunciation of English.
2. Assist lecturers in English class preparation.
3. Organize excursions to help children familiarize with the environment and practice English.
4. Work with children in the computer centre (optional).
Profile of the volunteer
Volunteers should:
• Have teaching knowledge, and, preferably, experience in teaching English.
• Have patience in working with school children and be team oriented.
• Possess ability to work in a team and maintain good working relationships.
 Basic services afforded by the program
The program provides basic services such as use of a telephone in cases of emergency, electricity and drinking water.
Services available nearby
Puerto Ayora, the most developed part of the island, is only 15 minutes by bus from the program center. The town provides internet access, tourist operatives and agencies, a post office, hospital, bank, restaurants, among other facilities.
 Accommodation
The accommodations in this project is with an Ecuadorian family who lives in Santa Cruz Island. The house has space for 8 volunteers, the rooms are shared. The house is located near the projects, for this reason the volunteers do not have any issue with their transportation. Related of food, two meals per day are provided by the family (breackfast and lunch) at late afternoon around 19h00 the family prepare a small food like snack. The Sundays they only serve breackfast at 10h00 and a diner.
What should a volunteer bring to the program?
• Insect repellent (containing at least 40% DEET)
• Sunscreen
• Shampoo, first aid kit
• Flashlight
• Batteries/box of matches
• Water bottle/canteen
• Swiss army knife
• Galoshes
• Waterproof jacket
• Warm clothing
• Long sleeved tops/undershirts
• Bathing suit
• Hiking boots
• Hat
• Sleeping bag
• Sandals
• Gloves for utilitarian purposes
• Towel
• Binoculars/camera (optional)
• Sunglasses
• Books (for personal recreation)
 Duration of program
The minimum required period for volunteer work on this program is three months, to take place during the school year, beginning in March and finishing during the first few days in January.
Free time
During the weekends, volunteers can visit the nearby tourist attractions, such as Los Gemelos (twin craters), the Lava Tunnels (on the upper part of the island), Tortuga Bay beach, The Charles Darwin Foundation (on the lower part of the island), among others. There is also the option to participate alongside teachers in group activities during your spare time.
Requirements of the volunteer
Volunteers are expected to possess a lot of initiative and enthusiasm to work with children and to respect the program rules and timetable. Intermediate knowledge of Spanish is required. Should the volunteer not have such knowledge, Ecuador Volunteer can provide guidance as to the best language courses prior to joining the program. |
