Development Volunteering (2 programs)


Union of Indigenous Organizations - UNORCAC

About the institution
UNORCAC is in Spanish: Union de Organizaciones Campesinas de Cotacachi and means Union of farming indigenous organizations of the Cotacachi canton. It was created in 1977. Its main goal is to improve the quality of life of the 43 indigenous communities it represents, and hopes to contribute to the construction of a more fair and egalitarian intercultural society, reducing poverty levels, empowering people for self-management, expanding the democratic participation of the communities and strengthening their ancestral wisdom and social organization.

UNORCAC, together with the indigenous communities, founded the community service agency called Runa Tupari (wich means "meeting the Indians") in 2001, in order to develop authentic and sustainable rural community tourism and also help offer volunteers the opportunity to have a unique experience, with a point of view different from any other. The volunteer, while working will be able to experience direct contact with nature, share daily life with local people and have the opportunity to learn from them.

Description of the work
Volunteers can help in many projects depending on the field of experience and interest. Some main areas are:

- Help at the office of Runa Tupari (tour sales, administrative work)
- Apiculture
- Hydro-technical projects
- Environmental education
- Production and sales of traditional product marmalades
- Diverse activities in the organic farms
- Support teachers at the community schools
- Handicrafts – design and production