Indigenous Community Development Program
Program OverviewThis initiative is designed to enhance the social and economic welfare of 43 indigenous communities.
It achieves this by providing comprehensive training in agricultural and livestock production techniques, alongside artisanal and social skills development. The program contributes to building a more just and dignified intercultural society by actively reducing poverty, empowering community members through self-management, expanding democratic participation, and strengthening ancestral wisdom and social organization.Volunteers will benefit from direct contact with nature, share daily life with local indigenous people, and gain firsthand knowledge of their culture and traditions.
Volunteers can provide support across several key areas: – Environmental education – Organic farming activities – Teaching English in community schools – Designing and producing handicrafts – Participating in soccer schools – Performing administrative and guiding work in local community-based ecotourism agencies
Program Highlights:
Cultural Immersion & Homestays: Live with local indigenous (Kichwa) families, experiencing simple lifestyles, traditional food, and cultural practices firsthand. Please note that homestays often lack modern conveniences like hot water or internet. – Education & Language: Support local schools or cultural centers by teaching English, organizing activities for children, and improving academic skills for youth. Volunteers will also have the opportunity to learn basic Kichwa and Spanish. – Community & Family Support: Assist families with daily tasks, including agriculture (farming, harvesting) and making traditional handicrafts, fostering economic strengthening and cultural preservation. – Authentic Experiences: Engage in cultural exchanges, learn traditional weaving, explore local markets, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes during free time. – “Minga” Participation: Short-term volunteers may participate in a minga, a traditional Andean practice of communal work to address specific community problems through collective labor.
Logistics:
Location: Otavalo-Cotacachi, Ecuador (Available year-round) – Duration: 2 to 12 weeks – Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Accommodation: Homestay with full board – Requirements: Intermediate Spanish required; open to all ages