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- Ecuador Spring Break Sustainable Community Volunteering
What is the Ecuador Spring Break Sustainable Community Volunteer Project all about?
Spend your Spring Break volunteering in Ecuador on this sustainable economic and community development initiative supporting 50 families in their fight to preserve their cultural identity and community. In 1995, with support from NGOs and international cooperation, the project was started and focused on community organization and conservation. Using sustainable approaches including organic gardening, the use of small-scale dairy processing factories, jam making from local resources and ecotourism they have been building sustainable livelihoods and manageable tourism.
The area was designated as a protected area meaning that no incentives were offered therefore avoiding monoculture, agrochemical use, logging and mass tourism. Scientific work in the area have helped to restore the biological and cultural basis by running research projects. Come and volunteer and help the project to continue the progress that has been made while enjoying a full day excursion to Quilotoa volcano and experience one of the most beautiful lagoons in South America.
Why choose this Spring Break Volunteering in Ecuador project?
During your Spring Break Volunteering on a Sustainable Community Project in Ecuador you will not only have an amazing time, but also contribute to an ongoing program that supports sustainable livelihoods and preserves culture, which is incredibly important to the people living here. The impact of your time spent will benefit the community and the environment, and you will gain an incredible insight into local customs. You will be able to meet the project beneficiaries and share your ideas and experiences with the local community, as well as build up experience to add to your CV/resume while improving your Spanish speaking skills.
Role of the Spring Break volunteer
Spring Break volunteers will be involved in a couple of activities, due to the length of their placement. The exact activities will be determined nearer to your placement but could include:
- environmental education for local school children
- forestry research of how to use local resources on non-industry related purpose, for example orchids, medicinal plants etc.
- organic gardening – planting. clearing and harvesting organic plants to support local women
- physical agriculture work on family farms
- community based activities such as maintaining camping trails, developing composting systems, maintaining the camping area etc.
- jam making, food processing or local cheese production
There is always plenty to do and as well as the above volunteers will find themselves participating in social events, sporting activities and festivals that are important to the community.
What skills do I need to be a Spring Break Volunteer in Ecuador?
To join our Spring Break Volunteering in Ecuador you are not required to have any specific skills apart from Spanish. You will need to be proficient in basic Spanish (Level B1) to participate in activities and to gain the most out of your placement and your homestay placement.
All volunteers should be flexible, patient, creative and come with a can-do attitude to make the maximum contribution to the community. Anyone with an interest in organic gardening, jam making, horticulture, early childhood education or community development will really enjoy this placement. You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project.
Where will I work in Ecuador?
You will arrive in to the city of Quito and depending on the arrival time of your flight you may have the time to explore the city. On the Sunday you will travel to Laguna Quilotoa and see the amazing lagoon and its surrounding villages. On day 3 you will head out to the small town of Yunguilla, an hour outside of Quito. Set high up in the cloud forest it is part of a municipal natural reserve and is a beautiful place to stay. There are stunning views of the flora and fauna and you will definitely get away from it all. On the Saturday you will arrive back in Quito with time to attend the City Tour. This is a great opportunity to sample a little of Quito and also experience Ecuador’s beauty.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 1 week
- Cost: £1427 / $2228 for 1 week
- Requirements: Age 16+
- Location: Near Quito, Ecuador
- Working hours: Half day Monday, Full days Tuesday -Friday
- Project availability: Spring Break
- Arrival day: Please discuss with your Kaya Placement Advisor
What is included
- Accommodation: Staying with a host family in Yunguilla, decicated house or homestay in Quito for the first 2 nights
- Food: breakfast and lunch from the Sunday
- Airport pick up and drop off in Quito
- Transfer to and from volunteer house in Yunguilla
- Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation on Saturday and project induction included
- Support: 24 hour support
- City Tour in Quito at the end of your stay
- 1st Sunday you will be taken on a day trip to the lagoons at Quilotoa
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Transfers to and from your project
- Meals beyond those listed above
Easy 4-step application process
APPLY ONLINE
Apply for a Kaya program and pay your application fee to apply for your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW
Once we’ve received your application, we’ll review your details and be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
CONFIRMATION
Following your interview, we will provide you a placement offer. Once you are ready to confirm your placement and dates, you can pay your confirmation fee to book and secure your space.
GET PREPARED
When you have confirmed your project dates we'll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.

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