Volunteer work in the amazon rainforest / Reconstruction of the rural schools

Reconstruction of rural schools in the amazon rainforest

This project is situated in the Morona Santiago province, in the city of Macas, where there are several schools with only one teacher and kindergartens for low-income children living in indigenous communities in the Shuar sector, located near the city.

Program Description

The purpose with this project is to reconstruct small schools and kindergartens, benefiting pour communities in the Shuar province. The most of the schools are located in the amazon rasinforest. This work is carried out with the participation and contribution of volunteers, who are also helping to buy materials as paint, sheets of zinc to cover the roofs of the schools, nails, screws, brushes etc.

The project is coordinated by the Social Board of Macas, who will provide support for volunteers who are involved as well as community members. There are several places who have suffered damage by deterioration and climate change, and therefore need to be refurbished, but currently don’t have the resources to do so.

Volunteer Work Activities

The volunteers participate in activities as:
- Buying tools and materials for the reconstruction
- Painting the walls of the school
- Fixing the roofs
- Change/renew wooden walls
- Fixing the desks, tables and chairs.
- Fixing or rebuilding sanitary closets.

The volunteer will receive training by individuals who coordinate the project for planning and carrying out this work.

Volunteer Profile

Working in this project does not require any previous experience. But it is absolutely necessary to have a strong interest in helping the poorest sectors.
It takes a minimum of three volunteers for the project to run.

The minimum age for volunteers is 18 years if they come alone and independently. If an entire family wishes to participate in the project, there is no age limit for any child or teenager placed under the care of their parents.

Services near the project

The centers are located in remote communities in the outskirts of Macas, as well as in the city. Therefore you’ll find a local health centre, internet, public telephones, restaurants, travel agencies and other services nearby.

Accommodation

The volunteer will accommodate in the volunteer-house, with shared rooms and bathrooms. Food is included and volunteers get three meals a day. This project has no costs; all meals, lodging and food are paid by the organization.

What should the volunteer bring?

• Mosquito repellent (there is no risk of malaria in this area but there are plenty of mosquitoes)
• Towel
• Flashlight
• Batteries / Matches
• Rain coat
• Rubber boots (preferably to by in Ecuador)
• Working Gloves
• Biodynamic shampoo, sunscreen
• First-aid kit
• Ecological soap for doing laundry in the river
• Sandals
• Bathing suite
• Light clothes (indoor T-shirts, light pants)
• Cotton T-shirts with long sleeves
• Shoes or boots for trekking
• Cap
• Camera -Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Small bags (for trash)
• Sleeping bag

Duration

We require that the volunteer enrolls for this project for a minimum of one month. Working time: Monday through Friday.

Free Time

On weekends volunteers have the option to do some tourist activities in the Amazon jungle near the city of Macas, so as visiting rivers, waterfalls, Shuar communities among other things.

Requeriments

The volunteers must have in mind that at least intermediate Spanish skills are vital for their participation in this project, because without this tool the volunteer will be unable of making a significant contribution. Volunteers must be able to engage in conversations and discussions in Spanish.
Arriving in Quito all non-Spanish-speaking volunteers must pass an exam in Spanish before going to the project. The people of the community speak only Spanish and Kichwa.
Additionally a contribution of $ 150 per volunteer is required for the purchase of materials used in rebuilding schools.

Cost: Free