Description

Fundacion Arte del Mundo (FAM) is a non-profit Arts, Language and Literacy organization recognized by the Ecuadorian Ministry of Culture founded with the intention of creating cultural and educational activities and resources to approximately 20,000 residents in an area occasionally affected by the multiple eruptions of Tungurahua volcano.

Their prime focus is operating a children's library (La Biblioteca Interactive de Banos) and offering ongoing classes, workshops and events in all aspects of the arts, language and literacy that will serve toward building self-confidence and vision within the cultural context of the region.

FAM is always looking for talented Spanish-speaking artists, inspiring arts educators and workshop leaders, willing to be hands-on collaborators on projects aimed at children, youth and teachers. They are also seeking longterm volunteers with arts/education management experience to carry on the programs.

They seek volunteer English teachers and voluntary library helpers for their children's library After School Program. They provide English classes for children, teenagers and adults. Each Tuesday they have an Intercambio, (language exchange), for two hours where members of the community and tourists participate in conversation groups. This is very popular with Spanish speakers and they always need English speakers.

We prefer volunteers to speak Spanish at an intermediate level or at least have the willingness and motivation to learn.

Highlights

Besides doing the wonderful job of providing joy and inspiration for the local population, you'll also be able to enjoy the many benefits of living in one of the most beautiful mountain villages in all Ecuador. Baños is often called the gateway to the jungle and is surrounded by verdant mountains, part of the upper Pastaza River watershed a rich and diverse ecosystem.

Baños itself is a vibrant community of about 15,000 inhabitants with several natural hot spring facilities, a famous basilica, a good selection of restaurants, a choice of excellent Spanish schools as well as agencies that rent bicycles and motorbikes and offer a chance to participate in the many outdoor activities and excursions available to discover the surrounding areas.

Qualifications

FAM is seeking talented artists, inspiring Arts Educators, English teachers and workshop leaders, who are interested in sharing their skills at the foundation. We are looking for those who are willing to be hands-on collaborators in our ongoing classes, workshops and events in all aspects of the arts, language and literacy.

If you're experienced and self motivated - someone who is brimming with ideas; someone who can work independently and can carry through a project from start to finish - then we can offer you in house support and lots of eager kids to inspire! We prefer volunteers with a minimum age of 22 with some knowledge of the Spanish language.

Languages

• Spanish
• English

Cost in US$:

Free to volunteer! USD 175 a month for accomodation.

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

We offer private rooms with shared bathrooms and kitchen. Laundry and internet available at a small additional cost. Fun times and great opportunities for our volunteers.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

minimum age of 22

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 weeks

Fundacion Arte del Mundo's Mission Statement

The founding members of Fundacion Arte del Mundo (FAM) recognize the importance of art and literature in the lives of people, especially the lives of children. Art and art-related activities are often the only part of a person's life where there are no right or wrong answers, where all are equal to create and imagine, where you are encouraged to experiment. FAM, located in the town of Baños, Ecuador, is currently working to provide arts and literacy programming for kids and adults in the area, who don't have access to these experiences in their lives due primarily to lack of resources and infrastructure.

Year Founded

2006