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Fair Trade Development and Agroforestry Internship in the Amazon Rainforest

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Location Ecuador
Start Date Every Monday
Duration
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The Project

Become a volunteer in Ecuador and join this unique project that works using a holistic market-based approach to blend sustainable economic development, cultural preservation and conservation beneath the Amazonian rainforest canopy. By working directly with indigenous farming families, this innovative social enterprise seeks to regenerate the cultivation of guayusa, a native holly plant used for thousands of years in traditional tea ceremonies. The project works to generate additional incomes based on a fair-trade market mechanism as well as sustaining natural resources by training farmers in permaculture and integrated land use. Importantly, this project also works to restore the ancestral cultural tradition of tea drinking and story-telling. The primary volunteer project, based at a former animal rescue centre, still teems with squirrel monkeys, crocodiles, turtles and other friends from the animal kingdom who’ll keep you company while you work.
Why the project needs you

With the project’s unique combination of environmental, social and business aspects in its work, volunteers receive an opportunity to participate in diverse areas to support the growth of this budding social enterprise. The focus of the volunteer program is working on the foundation’s new Conservation, Training, and Research Centre. With 28 hectares of land there is always plenty of work to be done. Volunteers are needed all year round to help maintain the diverse range of tree and fruit species and agroforestry plots.

Project Location

This project site is located near the small village of Fatima which is about a 30 minute drive outside of Puyo, the remote capital of Pastaza province that divides the southern and northern regions in the Amazon. The combination of the tropical climate, the location along the Equator, as well as the elevational gradient at the base of the Andes Mountains, makes Pastaza one of the richest areas in the world in terms of biodiversity - making it a fascinating place to explore.
Project Facts

• Duration: 2 - 26 weeks
• Cost: £995 ($1741) for 2 weeks, £215 ($376) for each week thereafter
• Requirements: Age 18+
• Location: Fatima, Ecuador
• Project activities: agroforestery, park maintenance, community visits
• Working Hours: Monday-Friday 08.00 - 14.30
• Project Availability: Project start every Monday.
What is included

• Accommodation: Shared room in a rustic cabin with cold showers and dry composting toilets
• Airport pick up
• Escorted travel from Quito to Fatima
• Training: Pre-departure preparation pack, On-site Orientation and Project induction provided
• Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
• Local SIM card: All volunteers are given a local SIM card to use in their mobile phones. The network of the SIM is Porta and your phone must be unlocked to be able to use it
• Activities: Staff help organise evening and weekend activities.
What is not included

• Flights
• Visas
• Insurance
• Return travel from Fatima to Quito
• Food: volunteers all put money in together to buy groceries and cook. This costs around $30 - $50 per week

Project Quality

Kaya evaluates every project we offer to ensure that we only commit to programmes with genuine need for volunteer aid, not just financial assistance. We develop relationships with the projects and help shape initiatives to ensure in the long run that we do not encourage dependence on outside help, but rather establish foundations on which the people can build and develop themselves. We also ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programmes are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations.

Accommodation & Meals

Volunteers stay in a home-stay or volunteer house depending on the project location, where, in most cases, they share their room with other volunteers. Shared rooms are usually single-sex. For most placements two to three meals a day are provided, all included in the placement fees. In most volunteers houses there will be a cook to prepare your food for you and a cleaner to ensure the house is clean and tidy, though in some of our locations volunteers will be expected to assist with these chores.

In-Country Coordinators

Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your programme runs smoothly. They will pick you up from the airport and take you on your orientation. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

24/7 Emergency Support

As well as support from your in-country coordinators, you'll be given access to a 24/7 emergency phone line managed by Kaya staff, in case any problem should arise while you're overseas.

Kaya Help-desk

Each member of Kaya staff have worked, travelled, studied or volunteered abroad, and many staff have visited and volunteered in our projects knowing firsthand the country and nature of the programme placements. Their knowledge of international travel and volunteering is invaluable, and they can give you good advice and tips to make the most of your international placement.

Briefing Pack & Materials

Once you have booked a programme, an information pack will be sent out detailing everything you need to know - from specific project details and vaccinations required to the visa application process.

Airport Pickup

When you arrive at your destination a member of Kaya staff will meet you with a warm welcome at the airport and take you to your accommodation to get you set up for your stay.

Cultural Excursions

Kaya staff are at hand to help organise weekend excursions and activities, which can include visiting cultural places of significance and visiting various projects around the area. This way you can learn firsthand about each project and take part in local cultural and adventure activities.

Arrival Orientation

Shortly after you arrive you will be given your orientation by one of our in-country coordinators. They will show you your placement, local transport, take you into the local town, and show you things you can do in your spare time. Information regarding safety and security will be given along with some much needed lingo when moving and travelling around the area.

Language Classes

You can opt to take Spanish classes during your project, just ask your local coordinator to arrange these.

Funding for Individual Projects

If on your placement you wish to start up your own sub-project, a reasonable amount of funding will be provided. An example is: one volunteer arranged a basketball tournament for the street children where funding was provided for team shirts and trophies. This is a good chance to make your own lasting mark on a project and the people of your chosen country.

Local Community Benefits

Not only is your participation on your project of great help to the local communities, but so is the boost to the local economy that volunteers create while they are visiting.