Description

Volunteers assist at a program located on the coast on an organic farm founded in 1994. The farm's mission is to spread organic farming practices which make use of bio gas, solar power, composting systems, worm culture, water recycling, reforestation, permaculture and environmental tourism. The program is in the Rio Muchacho Valley, once a dense rain forest, which has since been cleared for agriculture. The farm has a meditation garden overlooking the river. The lifestyle is simple and ecologically-based.

Volunteers participate in general agricultural work such as sowing seeds, pricking, planting, weeding, pruning, creation and maintenance of gardens, compost making, harvesting, pest control, recycling of organic waste, simple construction, as well as feeding and caring for animals.

The working day is divided as follows: from 8am to 12pm general agricultural work is done; from 1.30pm to 4pm volunteers work on agreed individual projects according to their own skills and the farm's requirements.

Volunteers on the farm in Ecuador work on Saturday mornings, but have that afternoon, all of Sunday and one other half day free. During this time they can fish for shrimp or learn one of a number of local skills. Included with the program are room and board in shared accommodation and three meals per day, mainly comprising vegetarian food.

Additional charges apply as follows: transfers to and from the main bus station in Quito - USD 20, (a one-way bus ticket - USD 12. One night's hotel accommodation in Bahia - USD 10-15.

Highlights

* Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organisation that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world.

* Since Love Volunteers is a not-for-profit organization, it is one of the most affordable ways to help out in a developing country while being immersed in the local culture.

* Orientation commences directly after arrival firstly at the Spanish school in the Mariscal area of Quito. A tour of the area lasting approximately two hours will be led by the volunteer coordinator who will also give safety tips and general advice.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old at the start of their placement. Exceptions can be made for under-eighteens accompanied by a guardian. A knowledge of basic Spanish is also a pre-requisite, a more advanced knowledge being regarded as extremely helpful. No matter what your level of Spanish, it is recommended that you sign up for the very affordable Spanish courses offered by our partner.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

4 weeks starting at just USD 550

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes accommodation, three meals a day, an airport pick-up (if required), orientation and 24/7 in-country support

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Other
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

48 hours

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Love Volunteers's Mission Statement

We are a not-for-profit organization that provides fun, rewarding, safe and affordable volunteering opportunities in developing countries around the world. Whether you're planning a week helping a local community as you travel around a country, six months learning the local language, or putting your gap year to good use, Love Volunteers has a program that will give you the best possible experience.

Year Founded

2009