Description

Global Citizens Network (GCN) seeks volunteers to participate on our trips to Tumbatu, Ecuador. Carchi is Ecuador's northernmost province and home to many Afro-Ecuadorian communities who live a traditional way of life, very different from other regions of Ecuador. Africans were brought to the country during the Atlantic slave trade. Today Afro-Ecuadorians comprise between 5 -10% of the country's population and remain marginalized from society with limited political involvement and economic development.

GCN partners with the Tumbatu community on a variety of local projects, focusing on the needs of their community infrastructure plans, including building a sports recreation field, concrete bleachers, and central park. Teams continue to work on the central community area that will be used for spectating as well as community meetings.

GCN sends small teams of participants to rural communities around the world where they are immersed in the daily life of the community. Trips to Ecuador last about two weeks; each team is led by a trained GCN team leader. The team works on projects initiated by people in the local community, for the benefit of the community. Such projects could include setting up a library, teaching business skills, building a health clinic, or planting trees to reforest a village. Projects may not be decided upon until shortly before the arrival of a GCN team. Participants should be aware that everything is subject to change.

As worthwhile and fulfilling as the work you do will be, the true rewards come from the cross-cultural learning which takes place on these trips. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning. You may test your skills making local food, visit a nearby tea factory or the family farm, learn a local dance, and discover the history and rich traditions of the area.

When you have the chance to learn first-hand about people from other cultures, you will feel connected to others in ways you may have never experienced before.

Highlights

The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. There is much to explore in and around Ibarra, the nearby colonial capital of Imbabura. In the immediate area you will find several waterfalls, rafting, hiking, horse-back riding opportunities or relaxing natural hot springs, not to mention the paramos of El Angel Ecological Reserve and the Gruta de la Paz (Grotto of Peace). This area is most famous for artisan markets - the biggest is in Otavalo, where indigenous people from dozens of local villages meet in the Plaza de los Ponchos to display their handcrafted textiles.

Many participants build in time before or after the GCN experience to explore the country even more. In the environs there are many options, such as Tena, the gateway to the Amazon jungle, several hours from Ibarra and Cayambe. Moreover, Mindo-Nambillo Forest Reserve is just one hour west of Quito, offering cloud forest tours and access to a delightful butterfly reserve. Quito is easily connected by air or land to other major attractions such as Esmeraldes, Guayaquil, and Cuenca.

*It is important to note that July/August is peak tourist season in Ecuador and all accommodations for free time should be made in advance.

Qualifications

No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills -- some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

1,950 - 2,150 (USD)

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• Medical insurance
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials pre-departure
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

Program costs include most on-site costs (lodging and food), travel to the site, a donation to the project, training materials, t-shirt, emergency medical and evacuation insurance for all trips outside the U.S., and a portion of our program costs. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax deductible.

Credit Available

yes

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees.. these are just some of the people who join our trips.

Age Range

8-85+

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 6-12

Scholarships are Available

Contact GCN staff for more details.

Application Process Involves

• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

1 week

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement

In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.

Year Founded

1992