Be a part of creating something meaningful - use your volunteer coordination skills to help manage a volunteer programme that is transforming an abandoned farmhouse into a thriving cultural exchange centre with permaculture gardens, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.
About Us and the Project
Hi, my name's Joshua (UK) and I first came backpacking to Ecuador in 2013 and fell in love with the culture, landscapes and people. I returned in 2017 on a mission to create a space to help low-income, rural communities whilst creating a meaningful experience for travellers to experience new cultures and ways of life.
In 2021, Karina (my partner from Quito) and I founded our project, just outside Guaranda, in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. Our mission is to develop volunteering, tourism and community programmes that preserve local culture and create a meaningful exchange of ideas, worldviews and traditions. Since July, 2021 we've received over 100 volunteers and interns to regenerate local ecosystems, build pride in indigenous culture, provide dignified employment opportunities, offer a wide variety of unique experiences.
We're looking for a coordinator for our free volunteering programme. Main tasks include cooking, cleaning, and some manual labour/gardening. If you have any special skills we're also open to hearing what you have to offer! This volunteer coordinator role is an excellent ways to build your leadership skills and your CV within a social enterprise and NGO.
The Region
The project is on a hillside in the village of Atandahua, just outside of the quaint colonial town of Guaranda in central Ecuador. We're nestled in a valley surrounded by rolling farmland and indigenous communities, with a spectacular view of the majestic Chimborazo Volcano (the point on earth closest to the sun!).
Although stunningly beautiful, Bolivar is one of Ecuador’s poorest provinces. There is a high rate social issues such as child malnutrition (48%), teenage pregnancy (26%) and poverty (40%). With few opportunities, illegal migration to the US has become a huge problem; leading to brain-drain, abandoned older generation and the indigenous culture is at risk of being lost.
The Team
Aside from myself, Karina and our son, Liam (2 years old), we have a range of local employees who work with us in adminstration, the kitchen and on construction projects. We also have a wide range of professional mentors who work on our internship programme with skills in agroecology, anthropology, architecture and more!
We’re delighted to receive your valued contribution to our mission of creating a more prosperous and meaningful world, while trying to make your stay as warm and welcoming as possible.
Cultural Exchange
The people of Atandahua are some of the warmest you will ever meet. You will frequently greet them as they take their cows to pasture or as you jump in the back of a camioneta (pick-up truck) on your way into Guaranda. Being immersed in this environment, you will get to experience what life is really like for the people in the rural Andes.
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