Staff Interview with Emiel Gieles

What inspired you to work for Local Dreamers?

My first experience in South America was back in 2014 with Local Dreamers. As a boy who just turned 18, I got to know Ecuador and its people far beyond the usual tourism. Taking part in the projects as a volunteer was very special, especially building up a connection with the children from the Soccer School and English school made me want to return. I finished my studies and when the chance came by in February 2019, I didn’t hesitate to apply for the vacancy of project coordinator and it’s amazing to now have a job with so much purpose.

What is your favorite part of your job?

The diversity of tasks that come with the job. Even though there are, of course, tasks that recur, no day is the same. From having Monday morning meetings with the volunteers and interns, to preparing content for social media, and from calling with our partners at the coast and the Amazon, to leading activities at the soccer school and calling with prospective volunteers, for example.

What are some current projects you are working on?

We are always trying to improve and optimize the main projects we have, which are English School, Soccer School, and Swimming School. In 2019, a new partner project called Plato Para Todos took off which provides full lunches to the poorest in the south of Quito for 50 cents.

What advice would you tell your pre-travel self?

Go out there! What all those people say is true: traveling does broaden your horizon. You will learn to be flexible, adapt to new circumstances and cultures, and to place yourself in the position of others and see things in perspective. All these things are very important for the rest of your life.

What makes your organization special?

As Local Dreamers we are aware that we are not able to solve huge problems like poverty and corruption. We offer a safe environment in which Ecuadorian children and youngsters between the ages of six and 16, regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic background, can discover and develop their talents. We create ties that last between different worlds, cultures, and people. We try to broaden one’s view on the world, both for involved Ecuadorians and for international volunteers.

What hopes do you have for the future for Local Dreamers?

I hope Local Dreamers can continue to do what they do best in their current projects and expand in the number of participants of the projects, while maintaining its core values: personal, transparent, and a close-knit community.

What is your organization's mission and how do you continue to work toward it?

Our mission is to create an inspiring and safe learning environment in which Ecuadorian children, youngsters, and international volunteers can discover, develop, share, and connect their talents and dreams with each other. We focus on the needs of both worlds and connect their different cultures and people with one another. The projects offered work towards it by organizing activities at the soccer school, swimming school and English school, and various other projects.

What do you hope participants take away from your programs?

I hope they take away that happiness can be in the small moments and things. For me, for example, I will never forget the moment when I slipped during the soccer practice and all the kids were laughing at me. I hope they realize how everything that is usually taken for granted is not that normal as it seems and to value smaller things. 

If you could participate in one of Local Dreamers’ programs, where would you go and what would you do?

Well, since I coordinate the projects, I get to participate in projects such as the English school, soccer school and swimming school, which are a perfect combination between learning possibilities on managing aspects and interaction with another age group from a different culture. Going to the Amazon project was also an eye-opener. I would love to take part in the partner projects at the coast and the Galapagos islands.

Why do you think learning a new language is important?

A new language opens a new world. Comparing my first adventure with my current adventure, knowing now that I’ve been practicing my Spanish for years and having decent fluency, I notice that it is a very important part of your stay and the way in which you connect with locals.

What advice do you have for individuals thinking about going abroad?

Think about what motivates you, and try to learn at least the basics of the language before departure, this way you’ll be able to establish more meaningful relationships. Try to step into the adventures with an open mind and without too many expectations. Of course you need to prepare well, which would also mean taking into account possible difficulties. 

What does meaningful travel mean to you?

Meaningful travel goes beyond the usual tourism. It usually means staying at one place for a longer time. That is why Local Dreamers has a minimum stay of at least four weeks, because it wants to assure personal impact. It includes building connections with the host family, participants of projects and fellow volunteers. It is not just about having a good time.

What does ethical global engagement mean to you?

It conveys acting in accordance with awareness about cultural differences. Important is providing tools and interchanging knowledge both ways, with clear transparency and communication on the mission and vision of the organization.

What qualities in program and host community relations are important to you? (And your organization?)

Communication: it is always very important to us to have clear communication before, during and after the stay, in order to give both parties the best experience possible. Transparency: Another key factor for our organization is to show where the raised funds go to and what it is used for. Personal: We like to maintain the personal approach that is characteristic to us, an ambience in which volunteers, interns and coordinators are close together.