The “Cielo Azul” foundation works in different communities around Otavalo (30.000 people) with indigenous people in their rural schools. At the moment, there are 11 schools cooperating with ̈Cielo Azul”. Our aim is providing education to the communities. The projects are schools in the rural surrounding of Otavalo where the volunteer teaches English and (depending on him-/herself) also Arts and Sports.
Otavalo, an indigenous town about 2 hours from the north of Quito
Motivation and adaptability Basic level of Spanish At least 18 years old Travel with international medical insurance and damages to third parties insurance Entering the country with the valid volunteer VISA It is essential to enter the country with a valid medical insurance – provided by the volunteer. It is an obligation to enter Ecuador with a volunteer VISA. VASE is responsible for providing the essential visa documents and instructions on how to apply for it. The volunteer finances all the costs of the VISA issuing. We are generally open to all profiles. It’s an advantage to speak good Spanish because the local people often speak Kichwa and you don’t learn a lot of Spanish in the family. They have to be very flexible and adaptable because the schools generally suffer from poor management and so things are always changing a lot. Volunteers have to communicate with people and integrate themselves within their community. Sharing food or activities with the family and the teachers can open doors.
VASE covers the cost of the public transport in the connection with getting to and from the project. VASE offers a small remuneration for the volunteers, in the approximate amount of $30 per month. VASE ensure a Spanish language course for all the volunteers at 30 hours minimum. It is possible to extend the Spanish language course for 20 hours for the price of 140 euros. VASE organizes 3 camps for the volunteers who stay for 12 months: 1. 3 days of the Orientation Camp: at the arrival 2. 5 days of the Mid-term Camp: the middle of the project duration 3. 2 days of the Final Camp: the end of the project duration As an introduction part to culture, VASE takes volunteers to several representative places to get to know Ecuadorian culture. VASE has security protocols and an emergency phone number therefore, the volunteers are monitored, as well as have access to VASE staff at any time. Each volunteer has the support of a VASE coordinator and a mentor.
The volunteer works from Monday to Friday every morning between 8am and 1.30pm. S/he helps in the school in the areas of: English, Sports and Arts or in other areas where help is needed. Depending on the school thy will be working at, the volunteer can help in the school garden harvest vegetables for lunch of get active offering workshops or free-time activities for the children. Many families live from agriculture and expect that volunteers to help in this task and in their daily activities (e.g. help with the homework).
The volunteer lives in a local family in the community during the week. The family offers a simple life and food, most of the families neither have hot water, nor internet, nor washing machines, and sometimes they cook on the open fire. Because of this situation we have a flat in the center of Otavalo and it is open on Wednesdays and weekends for washing clothes and for taking a hot shower. Once a week, we meet with all volunteers to share experiences, plan activities and work tasks, and resolve problems. Normally we visit the volunteer four times a year directly in his or her project, or more often if necessary. Every three months we have a meeting in our office with all the mentors of the volunteers to exchange and cooperate. VASE provides 3 meals a day for each volunteer.
Working hours are usually 30-40 hours per week, Monday Friday. Some projects may require work on the weekends, but you will always have two days free per week. Through VASE and its network of projects, VASE offers volunteers the possibility of participating in cultural events, as well as in particular economic, social, political, security training, and current topics. In addition, VASE offers its staff and volunteers, in accordance to their capability and will, to develop social initiatives, such as intercultural evenings, donations to orphanages, and camps for children in situations of vulnerability. As an introduction part to culture, VASE takes volunteers to several representative places to get to know Ecuadorian culture.
