School Teacher in the Jungle

Our program

The Sacha Yachana Wasi Christina school was founded in 2001 as part of the umbrella project, "Selva Viva," which also includes a protected forest, a wildlife rescue center, and an ecotourism lodge. The projects work collectively to ensure that the Ecuadorian Amazon and its inhabitants (both human and non-human) thrive in harmony. By volunteering at Sacha Yachana Wasi Christina, you will be part of this very unique project!

We aim to provide high-quality education for children whose communities receive little educational support from government authorities, and have often been marginalized and forgotten by society. Education based on critical thinking and mastery of various languages (Spanish, Kichwa, German, English) provides the kids with more livelihood opportunities and the ability to maintain strong, healthy communities into the future.

The teaching system in small, rural schools in Ecuador follows a distinct education system compared to western schools. Although the school contains over 30 students between the ages of 3 to 11, there are only two teachers and, thus, two classes. This is not ideal, as students of different ages have different educational needs and attention capabilities, but are not able to receive specialized consideration. Volunteers allow for more specialized educational opportunities, and an increase the efficiency of learning for all age groups. Depending on interests and abilities, volunteers may assist in overseeing any age groups or subjects ranging from arts and crafts for young students to mathematics and language courses for older students.

The location

Sacha Yachana Wasi Christina is located within the Selva Viva Protected Forest adjacent to amaZOOnico Wildlife Rescue Center in Napo, Ecuador. It is roughly a one hour drive from Tena, the nearest city. The site is only accessible by canoe via the Arajuno River. Most children live on the opposite side of the river (on Anaconda Island) and arrive each morning on the school canoe. The infrastructure of the school is basic, consisting of three main teaching areas, a playroom for small children, a small field for sports, and living quarters for the permanent teachers. Volunteers stay in the vibrant volunteer house located at amaZOOnico (a 2 minute walk from the school), which is also shared by volunteers from the wildlife rescue center. The volunteer house consists of single, double, and triple rooms, bathrooms with modern plumbing and refreshing cold showers, and a large kitchen with an electric stove and refrigerator. Keep in mind all of this is located in the tropical rainforest, which means wild animals (monkeys, insects, snakes), heavy rain, and high heat and humidity will be a part of everyday life.

What we expect from you

Formal teaching experience and training is not mandatory, but patience and a love for children is a must. Additionally, volunteers must be fluent in Spanish to coordinate with the permanent teachers and communicate with the children. The school day starts at 6:30am and ends at 12:30pm each day from Monday to Friday; therefore, the time commitment is 30 hours per week. Volunteers are expected to be open minded and respectful of cultural differences and act with kindness and respect towards the natural environment and wildlife in the protected area. It is not expected that volunteers bring items to donate; however, this would be greatly appreciated, as many children cannot afford basic supplies (notebooks, pens, arts and crafts materials) and government assistance for providing learning materials is low. Breakfast and lunch is provided to volunteers each day. School volunteers must share dinner cooking duties with amaZOOnico volunteers (each volunteer is usually responsible for cooking dinner once or twice a week). Volunteers are also responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the volunteer house, including sleeping quarters, common areas, bathrooms, and the kitchen.

6:30: Children begin to arrive on the school canoe

7:00: The formal school day begins, the director gives a daily introduction to the entire group

7:30: The children split into their various classrooms

9:00: The children break for snacks and recreational time (volunteers return to amaZOOnico where they will be served breakfast)

9:30: Classes resume

11:30: Children have free time to play sports or other recreational activities

12:30: The school day ends, and children leave on the school canoe

13:00: Lunch is served for volunteers at amaZOOnico

15:00: Once or twice a week (depending on volunteer numbers) you will be assigned to clean the bathrooms in the volunteer house

18:00-20:00: Dinner is served in the volunteer house. Once or twice a week (depending on volunteer numbers), you and one other volunteer will be responsible for preparing the dinner for the group

Weekend days are completely free. Over the weekend, you can explore the various activities in the area or travel to the nearby city of Tena

Free time is precious time 

🧘🏊🚶🛌🚣🧗🤸📚

We expect volunteers to work hard, but we also expect them to take time to slow down and enjoy the experience to the fullest. 

Tourism is the primary source of income for the region; therefore, you will find many opportunities for fun during your free time. Daily tours are offered for various activities including forest hikes, cultural tours of nearby communities, medicinal gardens, chocolate and coffee production, and so on. If you are willing to travel a bit further on your free days, you can also find whitewater rafting and cave exploration, as well as karaoke bars and discotheques for some nighttime fun. If you’re more into relaxation, it’s easy to disconnect with a nice book in one of our comfy hammocks, or by taking a swim in the river on a hot day.