EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure, and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and international interns.
Lobitos is a semi-rural community that suffers from regular blackouts and power cuts. Moreover, energy costs are the highest monthly expense of families that are struggling to get out of poverty. EcoSwell’s renewable energy projects work to combat these issues by providing sustainably sourced energy which is accessible to the more deprived groups within the community. So far we have:
Installed a 2500W solar panel system at the artisanal Fisherman’s Guild Community Hall in 2016 to harness energy from the year-round desert sunshine, thus reducing their operating costs and generating important income for their organization.
Constructed a solar distiller to desalinate seawater and provide clean water for the local community. Lobitos is located in an arid desert landscape, therefore clean water is not readily available naturally and the supply of clean water from the nearby city of Talara fluctuates. This project aims to potentially expand to more units to provide reliable clean water for even more people in the community.
We are currently working on a wind turbine for the Lobitos Medical Post. The blackouts mean that the vaccines stored in fridges expire when they are not kept chilled. The strong winds, especially during the winter months, will provide a readily available backup source of energy at the medical post, thus giving the local community consistent access to vital vaccinations.
We are in need of hard-working interns with an interest and/or background knowledge/experience in renewables to help us in the implementation of these projects.
As a renewables virtual volunteer intern at EcoSwell, you will be given ownership of the projects, directly co-managing our sustainable energy initiatives. The daily activities will vary depending on the progress and stage we are at each project. The online activities for this project may include (but are not limited to):
Feasibility studies
Research into new sustainability solutions
Data monitoring and/or analysis
Report and/or grant/funding writing
Designing renewable energy solutions and implementing any add-ons or improvements to the existing systems.
Leading research and coming up with relevant mechanical and electrical solutions in the construction of wind turbines, solar distillers and other potential renewable energy devices.
You will work directly with the directors to manage the budgets of materials required.
Learn from our educational seminars given by our Directors on topics including: NGO/social enterprise creation and management, marketing and outreach, research techniques and more.
Getting involved in the upkeep of the projects.
Carrying out crowdfunding campaigns to raise funds for the implementation of more energy projects.
This research internship is available all year round and you can join us any time. However, we do ask that you stay with us for a minimum of 2 weeks in order to have enough time to conduct sufficient research, make an impact and get the most out of the experience.
As this is an online internship, you will be able to volunteer remotely using a laptop, tablet or computer from anywhere in the world.
Due to the situation with COVID-19, we are offering these online volunteer internships, in addition to our in-person positions, at a reduced financial contribution.
[Remote] Renewable Energy Internship
Work on designing and implementing sustainable renewable energy initiatives to improve the lives of people in Peruvian vulnerable communities.
$396/week
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