VOLUNTEER WORK IN ECUADOR

In 2007 OIKOS organises in collaboration with FBU (Fundacion Brethren y Unida) , a local non-profit organisation, several working holidays in Ecuador.

The fee of participation (including the annual membership-card of OIKOS) is 80,00 Euro and has to be paid when applying for a program. 
The program-fee is 100,00 US-Dollar (lodging and full board) and 70,00 US-Dollar (bed and lunch) and has to be paid to the work-coordinator on arrival in Ecuador.

FBU also offers mid- and longterm volunteering programmes at the hacienda and in communities, in agriculture or teaching . If you are interested, contact us to receive more information.

TO PARTICIPATE TO A WORKCAMP CLICK HERE

Work: We invite you to spend an educational and enjoyable week at our hacienda in Picalquí, set in beautiful, tranquil grounds with stunning panoramic views of the Andes.

At the hacienda you can learn about organic farming, agro-forestry, animal management (cows, llamas, bees, guinea pigs and others), and the conservation of native forests. You will learn about each subject through daily practical experience and conversations with our staff.

Please note there will never be more than four volunteers per Ecuadorian staff member in order to facilitate learning. Our volunteer program caters for those with experience in these subjects, and those without who simply enjoy life in the countryside.

 

Vegetable garden : prepare organic seed beds, cultivate medicinal plants, worm compost
Tree nursery : prepare seeds and substrate, graft plants, transplant seedlings
The fields : use the "azadón" to cultivate the land, water crops, harvest fruit and vegetables
Guinea pigs : collect feed and sex them (as a traditional meal, the "cuy" forms an important part of local culture)
Bees : weather depending, enlarge the colony, prepare new hives, harvest (and sample!) the honey
Cattle : milking, feed them, make organic compost  

A day in the community : pass a day working with a family on their land to experience how they live and learn various aspects of rural Andean life.

Location: The hacienda Picalqui is 1.5 km south of Tabacundo, one and a half hours north of Quito on the Pan-American highway.

To get here take any bus from Quito heading towards Otavalo, either from the bus station "Terminal Terrestre", or for those with a greater knowledge of Quito, along the "Occidental". 

Ask for Picalquí / Tabacundo and pay $1.25. After the "Peaje Cochasquí" (a road toll), you will see black and white signs on the right side of the road counting distance. At 22km you pass through a community called "La Esperanza", at 23km you have just passed the entrance to the foundation (this is 1.5 kms before Tabacundo). You can see a large yellow sign for “Picalqui” on the right hand side, hanging in a tree. Get off and walk down the lane for 400 metres to reach the hacienda.

From Otavalo take any bus heading to Quito and get off 1.5 km after Tabacundo, about 1km after "El Control" (all bus drivers know this) and just after a road side restaurant on the left hand side. The fare is $0.75.

For those staying a month or more, after the induction week we will arrange transport to the family in the community of your choosing.

Accommodation:If you select the week program you will stay at the hacienda Picalqui.
Hacienda Picalqui : here we have private rooms with access to hot showers. We cook healthy meals, using ingredients harvested from our own land. To relax we have a football pitch, ping-pong, volleyball and basketball as well as scenic walks around the hacienda.  

Notes: Useful things to bring

· Clothes to work in (you will get dirty!)
· Warm clothes (also light, quick drying clothes are useful in Intag and Puyo due to the humidity)
· Waterproof clothing (a poncho will be useful in Puyo)
· Swimming gear
· Sturdy shoes for working and walking in, and a pair for sport

· Rubber boots are required for Puyo (they can be bought there) and may be advisable depending on the season in Pedro Moncayo, Intag and Columbe.
· Sun screen (factor 30 is advised due to the strong equatorial sun)
· Mosquito repellant (primarily for Intag and Puyo)
· Flash light
· Towel and wash kit

 

It is neccessary to have a basic knowledge of Spanish!

TO PARTICIPATE TO A WORKCAMP CLICK HERE

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