Description

Make a difference by joining Kaya to build a brighter future low-income families around Guayaquil, give the locals guidance and help in bettering their education and living situations, and strengthening their economy, and support a fantastic center that provides safe haven, schooling and counseling to at-risk children.

Programs:
1. Education and Sustainable Development Programs
2. Work in a Day Care Centre for Child Garbage Scavengers
3. Work at an Orphanage
4. Ecotourism and Conservation in the Mindo Cloud Forest
5. Fair Trade Development and Agroforestry Internship in the Amazon Rainforest
6. Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Galapagos Islands
7. Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Amazon Rainforest
8. Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Andes
9. Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations on the Ecuador Coast
10. Childrens Outreach Providing Education for Child Labour at the Markets
11. Integrated Therapy for Disabled and Learning Difficulty Children
12. Amazon Rainforest Wildlife Rescue
13. Preserve the Rainforest and Local Culture in an Ecotourism Project in the Amazon

We ensure that the members of those communities are open and eager to learn and discover our culture, as we become a part of theirs. The quality and sustainability of our programs are very important to us.

Highlights

Nowhere else on earth will you find so much natural diversity - and all the fun that accompanies it - in such a small country. In one day's drive you can journey from the Amazon Basin across glaciated Andean volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forest and arrive at a seaside village on the Pacific coast, where the water is warm.

Traditionally the impoverished have resided in rural areas but with rapid urbanization over the last 25 years, the urban population in poverty has risen from 1.5 million to around 3.5 million. Some of the characteristics of poverty in urban and rural areas are low educational achievement, informal sector employment, and rented, instead of owned, housing.

Mount Chimborazo:
Mount Chimborazo is an inactive volcano and is the highest peak in Ecuador at 20,565 ft. It is also the farthest point on the planet from the Earth's core. It is a day's climb to the summit from base camp and the awesome towering ice-capped peak is a major incentive to reach the summit.

Paragliding in the Andes:
View the spectacular views of the Ecuadorian Andes through the thrilling experience of paragliding. Carry out a tandem flight and no experience is required. The best places to paraglide are Crucita beach, Pichincha Mountains and the cliffs above Canoa.

Andean Biking:
Ecuador is a premier mountain biking destination with its diversity of biking terrain and scenery. From Quito there are a number of rides ranging from snow-capped Andean volcanoes, cloud forests and jungle upon hundreds of miles of traffic-free trails.

There are great projects doing great work but with more funds and staff so much more could be done. You can offer so many things to Ecuadorians. Volunteers can engage in numerous activities with the men, women and children.

Qualifications

Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Single room in a home-stay
* Food: 2 meals per day Breakfast and Dinner
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Orientation and language classes provided
* Support: 24-hour support
* Excursions: 2 excursions during your stay

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008