Description

On this project you will be assisting with laborious tasks such as planting and harvesting the vegetables. The garden contains crops including tomatoes, carrots, lettuce, spinach, and radishes. Maintenance also needs to be done on a regular basis, such as watering the plants, applying natural fertilizers, and weeding.

The terrain in the area needs to be levelled to prepare for expansion of the garden. Volunteers may be asked to help shovel and hoe the ground. Areas need to be designated for the tree planting project and the terrain prepared for planting. You may be able to help mark the location for the trees and then help with shoveling and raking of the area to create a suitable environment for growth.

You may be asked to help inform community members about the importance of the project and encourage them to get involved; as well as explaining the necessity of caring for their neighbourhood, by not littering. You may accompany the group leader as she does this periodically by going door-to-door to talk with families.

Highlights

The Asociacion de Vivienda El Universo is a group of community members from the neighbourhood of El Universo, in Lima. They hope to achieve an educated, healthy, and environmentally-sustainable community. This organization relies on the participation and collaboration of women in the community, subseguently helping to ensure that they have a valuable role in their society outside of the home.

The organization was formed in 2008. The true powers of community organization and networking at their highest levels can be witnessed within this group. In the last few years, women of this neighbourhood began coordinating in an effort to accomplish a common agenda. As such, it is a completely grass-roots project, created by the community members themselves. It is led by one woman that provides leadership to the group.

This community-based organization has two objectives to meet the needs of the neighbourhood. The first project is dedicated to the promotion of urban organic agriculture and raising of small livestock to improve the nutritional levels of people in the area. Secondly, they operate a small children's library to help raise the literacy levels
This organization is advancing little by little, although it is a lot of work for such a small group that relies on voluntary community participation. They have so far succeeded in establishing the community garden to share food amongst the community members. They are now working on expanding the garden and incorporating a larger variety of food crops. The library is beginning to attract more and more children who are excited about learning and the opportunity to access books that they otherwise may not have.

The Urban Organic Agriculture Project is a small project based on the participation of community members, so their progress is sometimes slow. They have set ambitious goals of transforming their neighbourhood, (which is currently barren and garbage-ridden), into a green treed area with sustainable food gardens. The community members who comprise this group have given themselves a period of three years to complete the project.

An extra set of hands to assist with the labour of tree planting and cultivating the garden would be a great help towards achieving their goals and moving forward with their project, ensuring that the community will have sustainable access to healthy food and a healthier, more attractive living space. Volunteers with experience and knowledge in organic agriculture would be greatly appreciated.

Qualifications

A volunteer in this placement will need experience with gardening (especially organic gardening); an interest in the environment and sustainable food systems. It is essential to be physically able to perform both light and heavy labour.

Minimum Education

High School

Intern Types

• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Sciences
• Agriculture
• Agronomy
• Ecology

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 2,595 for 4 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

Volunteers who are hard working and committed will be very valuable to this project. You should be willing to participate with the community members and work as a team. As well, an interest in issues of gender, poverty, and food sustainability would be welcomed.

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998