SOLARIC - Team Volunteering in Otavalo, Ecuador

Description

To apply you ALSO need to fill in this form: https://forms.gle/cpocEUWXCWW6Df2f7 SOLARIC is looking for 20 volunteers who will be divided into two groups working in the Calpaquí and Karabuela communities. Volunteers will support local schools by organizing summer camps for youth (ages 12-18), focusing on education, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness. While each group will work in a different community, they will collaborate closely, exchanging experiences and supporting each other throughout the project. Key Activities: - Organizing educational and recreational activities for children. - Promoting environmental sustainability and ecological awareness. - Supporting language learning and intercultural dialogue. - Encouraging creative expression through arts, music, and storytelling. - Working hand in hand with local teachers, community members, and fellow volunteers. SOLARIC is coordinated by: Infinite Opportunities Ass. (BG), Cazalla Intercultural (ES), VASE (EC)

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers will stay in a shared apartment in Otavalo, living together under communal rules and dynamics. The apartment includes essential facilities for a comfortable stay. Volunteers will manage their own meals, either cooking together or individually. Local markets and supermarkets offer a variety of fresh and affordable food options. Volunteers will commute daily by local bus from Otavalo to their assigned community: Calpaquí (20 min) or Karabuela (30 min). Volunteers will travel all together to Otavalo, with a group trip organized by the sending orgs.

Training during the activity

Pre-departure training will be provided by Cazalla Intercultural (ES) and IOA (BG), covering project expectations, cultural adaptation, and logistical preparations. The training will be online, on the 2nd and 3rd of June 2025. On-site training, coordinated by VASE, includes: - Introduction to local communities and project goals. - Intercultural learning sessions to enhance communication & teamwork. - Workshops on child engagement techniques and community development. - Weekly group reflection meetings for experience-sharing, planning, and collaboration between both volunteer teams.

Participant profile

We are looking for 20 volunteers, aged 18-35, residents of any eligible ESC country. We welcome proactive and motivated applicants who share the core values of the ESC. Young people with fewer opportunities are invited to apply and indicate the type of support needed to ease their engagement and active participation. The following characteristics will be evaluated: - Passion for education, community work, and sustainability. - Open-mindness, adaptability, and eagerness to embrace cultural diversity. - Readiness to work in a team-based environment, collaborating with fellow volunteers and the local community. - No specific skills required, but experience in teaching, facilitation, or youth work is a plus! - Knowledge of Spanish language is not required. Please note that a new rule regarding past participation of volunteers was introduced in the 2024 Programme Guide, limiting the participation to maximum 12 months. For Teams volunteering Eligibility : Candidates must be 18 to 35 years old, reside in one of the eligible countries (EU Member State, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Turkey) and have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training. When adding together this new volunteering opportunity and any previous participation in EU volunteering programmes, the total duration cannot exceed 12 months.

Activity dates

From 10/07/2025 to 07/09/2025

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Activity location

AV DE LOS SHYRIS 37-27, QUITO, Ecuador

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Volunteering teams

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Looking for participants from

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Activity topics

Citizenship and democratic participation

Education and training

Working against discrimination (including gender discrimination)

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Deadline for applications

Application deadline: 10/04/2025 23:59

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