Conservation and Sustainability in the Cloud Forest
This 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.
Program Highlights
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 the 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
Quito
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Testimonials
My teacher Cecilia way very nice and patiant, the lessons were intensive but . I could learn a lot and she was very professional. All the tecahers were are very friendly and fun
The activities are so munch fun and it´s perfect to get to know the other students. German and Fernanda did a fantastic job and i enjoyed all the activities
I felt very confortable in the school and the ambiente is good., i like the garden and that the administration is next to the entry.
“My teacher Cecilia way very nice and patient, the lessons were intensive, but I could learn a lot and she was very professional. All the teachers are very friendly and fun.”
“The activities are so much fun and perfect to get to know the other students. Herman and Fernanda did a fantastic job and I enjoyed all the activities.”
“I felt very comfortable in the school and the environment is good. I like the garden and that the administration is next to the entry.”
The teachers were very good, patient, funny, interesting, combining Spanish classes with interesting information about Ecuador and South America.”
“Fun activities (cocktail-making and football), interesting activities (chocolate-making with cacao), entertaining and well-organized trips (Cotopaxi).
“Cooperative, nice break with cultural insights (food and drink), nice people from all over the world, much positivity.”
“Very good! Adriana was very friendly, and she was very good at explaining in Spanish so that we could understand. I would recommend her to anyone looking for lessons.”
“The activities were very good, and it was nice to get to know everyone at the school. It was also good to meet the other students who were also learning Spanish.”
“Everyone at the school was very friendly and it was a nice environment to practice Spanish.”