Enviroment and Agriculture Volunteering (2 programs)
Organic Agriculture in the Andes
About the institution
This project is run by a non- profit Organization established in 1953 that initiated its work in various parts of rural Ecuador. It is an institution that works on rural development projects, aimed at the strengthening of human ability, management of productive resources and environmental conservation. All these projects are orientated toward production improvement with an important agroecological focus, the protection of micro valleys and forests, and environmental education.
Within its work plan, this project promotes the participation of the campesino communities and the local population in processes of building and strengthening their identities. |
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Description of the work
- Educational days: Two days educational program at the hacienda Picalquí. Visitors will participate in a variety of activities, so that a broad overview of the work is experienced. The general formula for the 2 days will be:
Day 1: arrive in the morning, have an explanatory reconnaissance of the hacienda, followed by lunch. In the afternoon organic agriculture will be discussed and practiced.
Day 2: visitors will work with the animals in the morning and in the afternoon will receive a talk about forestation followed by some practical work in the treenursery.
Day 3: visitors leave after breakfast (there will be the opportunity to extend the stay if desired)
- Organic agriculture program (a week): At the hacienda you will learn about organic farming, agro-forestry, animal management (cows, llamas, bees, guinea pigs and others), and the conservation of native forests. You will learn about each subject through daily practical experience and conversations with the staff.
- Cultural exchange program: The program starts with the week organic agriculture program. The additional time is spent living and working with a host family in one of the three rural areas where the foundation has managed development projects. Volunteers will experience daily life in these rural communities, working along side their host family in a variety of activities.
- Teaching program: Includes a month rural community home stay with volunteers working in the schools either assisting or teaching children of ages 4-11 years. During the program volunteers will live with a family in the community of the school and participate in the daily activities of the family whilst not in school
Keep in mind
The work can be quite physically demanding at times, but always enjoyable, as the campesinos are extremely friendly and relaxed. Therefore it is better if you are in good physical health, but far more important is your commitment and enthusiasm to do a good job. You will gain more from the program, and the community will benefit more from your efforts.
Time: Please see: Description of work
What you will get from the workplace
- A first meeting where you will receive all the information you need.
- Frequently following up
- A bilingual volunteer coordinator to help you interact with your supervisor, the staff and any logistical needs.
- Lodging
- A certificate at the end of your volunteer period.
- 3 home cooked meals a day
- Transportation to the community
Board and Lodging: Yes
Costs:
The fees for the programs cover: a payment to the families and the communities for receiving volunteers, a donation to schools for materials, a part of the staff costs at the hacienda, the upkeep of the facilities, transport and food.
A portion helps cover the costs of administration and office overheads and the remainder is used to help maintain the foundation and its rural development work. In this way, every cent of the fee is put to good use to help the people of these communities. The FBU is a non - profit NGO.
All costs include lodging, 3 home cooked meals a day and transportation to the community of your choice. FBU also offer other choices of programs allowing the flexibility of volunteering for any number of weeks, incorporating a stay at the hacienda and/or in a community.
The costs for each program are:
- 2 day program - $60
- A week at the hacienda Picalquí (Monday morning through to Saturday morning) - $110
- Month program: Pedro Moncayo, Intag, Columbe - $330
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Children & Youth 
