Volunteer in Amazonian Indigenous Community Development

Project Summary: This project will give you the opportunity to live and work amongst some of the indigenous people of Ecuador. Santa Ana is a multiethnic community formed by members of the Shuar, Achuar, Záparas and Qichwas indigenous tribes. This community obtains their income from traditional sources of commerce: fishing, agriculture, hunting, horticulture, handicrafts, tourism, conservation and reforestation. Santa Ana's community consists of 60 families and is one of the 32 communities in this area.

Where the placement is based

This project is located in the Amazonian Rain forest, in Pastaza, canton Mera about 8 hours away from Quito by car and 45 minutes away from Puyo.

Why the placement needs volunteers

Due to infringing urban development and tourism, these indigenous societies have been forced to compete with major cities in commerce and trade and to reform their lifestyle to accommodate the inflow of tourism into their communities. As a result, they need the help of international volunteers in order to build infrastructure and develop their communities so that they can compete with their more urbanized counterparts and live a sustainable lifestyle.

Program Requirements

This placement is for volunteers interested in the history and culture of the indigenous people of Ecuador. This is an opportunity for volunteers to interact directly and live amongst what is left of the indigenous community in Ecuador.

Your role as a volunteer

• As a volunteer you will have the opportunity to become involved in the following activities:
• Farming tasks related to reforestation in primary and secondary rain forest. The community has two projects of reforestation, Tropical Rain forest and Tsunkinua.
• Horticulture and Pisciculture (tropical fishes) programs in farms of community members.
• Participate in rain forest flora and fauna investigations.
• Work in the construction of the Association Women's Centre in the community.
• Help in the construction of infrastructure of land and maintaining current installations.
• Help in the kindergarten (nursery) of the community.
• Help enabling community capacitating.
• Visiting farms, orchids, hum dales, lakes, Puyo and other communities in the area.
• The elaboration of handmade ceramic.
• Introduce micro managerial systems to the community.
• Possibility of anthropology work for volunteer with experience in this area.

Program Schedule

Monday- Friday, 8 hours per day.

Project dress code

You may become involved in reforestation projects, construction and building work, so we recommend that you bring clothing that you don't mind getting dirty.

Suggested items to be brought to project

• Bug spray - eco-friendly (malaria does not exist in the area but there are mosquitoes which can be annoying)
• Flashlight / Torch
• Wellies / rubber boots
• Heavy duty working gloves
• Eco-friendly soap (for washing clothes)
• Trekking shoes
• a full list will be provided with your uVolunteer project pack upon completion of application.

Accommodation

This project is located in the country side and it requires that volunteers live with families of the community whose customs are very different in relation of our style of life.
Most volunteers will not be given a single private room, they will have to share with another member of the family. Learning to live within a new community is an enriching experience since you are exposed to the roots of its culture. In addition, lodging with communitarian families facilitates greater cross cultural immersion. The community where you will be living will also provide you with daily food. Vegetarians can be accommodated.

Activities and Excursions around project location

Pastaza and its surrounding areas were known as the "Cinnamon Province" in colonial times. Today it is a must-see spot for tourists looking to get in touch with nature and live out an Amazon adventure. The area's exuberant forests and large variety of animal and plant species are its principal attractions.

Puyo, Pastaza's capital, is known for its developed tourist infrastructure, hospitable citizens and tasty cuisine. The Cathedral and Parque Central are meeting points for its hard working townsfolk. One of Puyo's most important monuments is the Macahua, a symbol of the region's handicraft production.

The town of Mera is also a beautiful destination as well as important oil exploration centre. Some points of interest in Mera are its large pool, the bathing areas along the Alpayacu River, the scenic beaches along the Pastaza and Chico rivers, and the falls at Mangayacu, Tigre, and Quilo. You can also visit caves in the May 24th District and walk to Pindo's Lookout.