Volunteer and Apprenticeship programs at organic farm/ecoschool

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Bahia de Caraquez,  Canoa,  Rural Areas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks

Description: Volunteering is a great way to give back, learn about the world and about yourself! We offer two main volunteering options, one in Bahia and the other at the Rio Muchacho organic farm. Each program provides a variety of activities and learning experiences.

Areas of Work for volunteers:

Volunteers at Rio Muchacho participate in general activities related to agriculture, education and visits, and have as similar timetable as the family and other workers on the farm. Some of the activities will include:

- nursery work, sowing seeds, filling bags, pricking out
- reforestation work, planting, weeding, mulching, staking, pruning
- creation and maintenance of vegetable gardens.
- compost making, planting, harvesting crops
- work in the environmental school, maintenance or giving classes English, art, sport
help in the preparation of food ( especially if you are interested to learn about typical food)
- making banana circles
- simple construction
- artwork, translating, preparation of info and materials for the school
- preparation for groups of visitors (groups of farmers from different parts of the country sometimes stay over night)
- painting
- help in feeding and caring for the animals.
- feeding worms and separating worms from the humus.etc.

The Environmental School

Rural education is very poor and most teachers only work 3 -4 days a week. In 1993 with community participation the environmental primary school was created. The aim of the school was to provide not only a more creative, practical education than in most rural schools but to teach environmental education. The school was built with natural materials donated by the parents. It has been running successfully since 1993 supported by the parents and the farm with help from tourists, friends, family and volunteers.

Highlights: You will be able to contribute to a valuable environmental model for the coast and you'll have the opportunity to learn about organic farming and permaculture.

You will be able to experience a completely different culture and take part in community activities.

It is a good opportunity to practice your Spanish. The family and the workers on the farm speak no English or any other language. We have developed a farm dictionary to help you with the new vocabulary.

Also, you are close to the beach if you want some sun and surf on the weekend.

Qualifications: We prefer that volunteers have:

- At least a few weeks traveling experience in Latin America
- A basic level of Spanish (the experience is much richer for you if you can communicate!)
- Experience working in rural areas, on farms, with plants or in education (this is not essential as long as you are keen to learn)

We recommend that volunteers have health insurance ( important in case of any unexpected health problems ).

Cost in US$: prices range

Experience Required: no

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 Independently Or in Groups

Rio Muchacho Organic Farm's Mission Statement: Rio Muchacho Organic Farm is situated in the river valley of the same name on the mid coast of Ecuador. The trip to Rio Muchacho is a unique adventure with a rich interaction between environment and culture. It is not only a chance to see rural Ecuador as the locals do from the back of a horse but to share, learn, and participate in a different culture.