Reconstruction of Rural Schools in the Amazonian Rainforest

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Morona Santiago

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: All year through

Description: 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 of 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 rain-forest. This work is carried out with the participation and contribution of volunteers, who are also helping to buy materials such 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
- 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.

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

Highlights: 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.

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.

Qualifications: 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.

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 to make 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 in US$: 150USD

Experience Required: no

Age Range: at least 18 years (individuals)

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 3-5

Application Process Involves:

• Other

Ecuador Volunteer Foundation's Mission Statement: We are Ecuador Volunteer, an international nonprofit organization founded in 1999 committed to the provision of volunteering opportunities in social, educational and community development in Ecuador. Voluntary work opportunities based around Quito and main programs offer experiences of cultural exchanges, work and help with local people. We arrange voluntary placements in the environmental or community area. The environmental involves working in nature on a wide variety of projects, the community works are about helping street children, elderly people and educating people. We dedicate ourselves to alternative solutions to these problems, to make a difference and create a better world in Ecuador.

Year Founded: 1999