Description

This project grew from course work at the University of Maine, Augusta, USA, done in 2010. It focuses on using principles of environmental science to help the indigenous village of La Libertad, Colombia, live a sustainable, high-quality, lifestyle.

The people of the village need many things. The most important of these include: access to clean drinking water, proper human waste disposal, an adequate food supply, educational opportunities, and gainful employment. I am looking for anyone who may be interested in joining the project in any way. Even if you can't visit the Amazon now, there are always ways that one can support the village from home!

The project is managed and funded totally by volunteers.

Highlights

- Find solutions to challenging problems in the jungle.

- Meet interesting people.

- Help improve, or even save, the lives of others.

- Swim in an Amazonian stream.

- Teach English to eager indigenous youth.

- Live in one of the most biologically intense places in the world.

Travel Types

• 4th World Studies
• Camping
• Canoeing
• Cooking
• Eco Tours
• Ecology
• Environmental Studies
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Homestay
• Native Culture Studies
• Nature Tours
• RainForest Tours
• Tours
• Trekking
• Volunteering

Qualifications

* Outdoor Skills
This is a village with poor sanitation and infrastructure that is in the Amazon jungle, about 25 meters from the river. The weather is very hot and humid, there are many bugs and other parasites. There are piranha fish in the river and poisonous snakes in the deep jungle just outside of the village. The first qualification is to have a good deal of experience with camping and backpacking. If you are not comfortable going on at least a week long backpacking trip, you WILL NOT be comfortable here.

* Language
The villagers speak a very basic form of Spanish. Spanish speakers will have a much easier time communicating. If the volunteer is interested in teaching English, the language issues will be even less of a barrier.

* Money
The villagers have no money. They cannot afford to provide food for volunteers. They do not have enough to feed themselves well, so this truly is a volunteer opportunity. A volunteer can eat well (but a lot of fish!) on 3-4 dollars a day.

* Skills to share
What you could do for a volunteer opportunity may be very personalized. You can help build the water sanitation systems, test water and soil properties, survey the flora and fauna, develop an eco-tourism program, teach English, teach almost an other subjects to a high school level, help publicize the project, fund raise, or anything else we can think of!

* Time
The volunteer time can be as little as one week for a specialized project with approval or months long, depending on what you are doing. Eco-tourists are welcomed for shorter stays of two days.

Minimum Education

Diploma/Certification

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

4 to 20 dollars a day

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Living stipend

Program Fees Include:

The cost is only for food while in the village. What the cost is really depends on what you will be doing. If you want to go on a jungle adventure/tour, the cost will be negotiated with the guide.

A covered tent platform will be provided. Travel expenses, insurance, and other personal items are the responsibility of the participant. If your project includes of material you are responsible for providing these materials. Some things, like basic teaching supplies, should be available.

Experience Required

yes

I would think most people who are interested will have a high school diploma, but if you don't but DO have a skill to share, speak with me!

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Anyone who is interested in travel to the Amazon, or helping a community who lives in the Amazon, would be a typical volunteer. There are many ways to help, some may be abroad, some may be at home.

Age Range

Children with their parents to any age if physically fit.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Disciplinary Clearance Form
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

3 months

Amazon Pueblo's Mission Statement

To help an indigenous community living on the banks of the Amazon River to follow a sustainable lifestyle.

Year Founded

2010