Describe a typical day at work.
A typical day at EcoSwell begins at 9:00 a.m. where we have a meeting every Monday with all staff and interns to plan out the tasks for the week. Once I have ensured that all interns are clear with their objectives and tasks, I usually complete some administration or financial tasks. We have lunch in the early afternoon and afterwards head out into the community to work on the reforestation project or carry out some market research until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m.
Team picture of staff and interns March 2019
Why do you do what you do?
I work at EcoSwell because I am passionate about environmental conservation and cultural exchange. I wanted to gain international management experience and pursue a career in sustainability, and my role with EcoSwell allows me to do that.
What is your favorite part of your job?
The best part of this job is having the opportunity to not only work with a variety of people from all over the world who have a range of skills and assets, but I also get to form relationships with people in the local community. I get to be a part of incredible environmental and social movements that have a positive impact on the local families and biodiversity.
How do you use your education and international background in your current role?
With regards to my education, I apply many aspects of my degree to my work on a daily basis. My degree in geography has provided me with knowledge of ethics in development work as well as a broad understanding of environmental hazards and threats to biodiversity which is vital in carrying out EcoSwell's conservation projects. Additionally, I have been living in South America for the past couple of years so I am accustomed to living and working in a different culture and language. This has helped me to settle into and adapt to my current role in Peru much more efficiently.
Attending a tree conservation event at the University of Piura
What are some current projects you are working on?
We are currently working on the construction of a wind turbine at the local medical post to provide renewable electricity to the community. In addition, we are also working on developing our reforestation project through the implementation of ecotourism in the endangered dry forest in the region. I am consistently working on expanding the international internship programme so that we can bring more talented and skilled volunteers to Lobitos to keep moving these amazing projects forward.
Why should someone choose your organization over competitors?
Our organisation offers meaningful, bottom-up internships which provide valuable international development experience to our interns. We do not offer "voluntourism" style placements—we want our interns to have a lasting impact on the local community and environment, with the opportunity to obtain new transferable skills (whilst also allowing them to take ownership of the projects and apply their existing knowledge and ideas).
Are there any developments with your organization that you would like to share with us?
We are primarily based in Lobitos, a semi-rural surf town where we have a strong relationship with the community. However, over the past two years we have branched out to another rural community called Piedritas, where we have received funding to establish a reforestation and ecotourism project in order to protect local biodiversity and generate alternative sources of income for impoverished residents.
What do you hope participants take away from your programs?
I hope that participants feel inspired by their time with us to live in a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious way, and that they leave EcoSwell feeling like they achieved something meaningful and gain valuable transferable skills in the process.
Working with staff, interns and local families on the reforestation project
How do you help support participants?
I help support the interns who come to Peru by ensuring that their objectives, tasks, and deadlines are made clear upon arrival, that they settle in nicely to life in Lobitos, and are happy and motivated by their internship with us. I work alongside the directors to explain the projects and what they will be working on during their time with us and supervise the handovers of projects to future interns.
Why do you think learning a new language is important?
Learning a new language is vital to cultural exchange and integration into a new community. It allows you to see the world from a different perspective and truly understand the experience of people from other countries and regions around the world. Learning a new language opens doors to not only employment, but also to forming relationships with people you otherwise wouldn't.
What does meaningful travel mean to you?
Meaningful travel means travelling with mindfulness and awareness of the local cultures and environments. It means travelling with the objective to contribute something positive to the places and communities you are going to travel to, whether it be something big or small.
