idealistas.org

The project is based in the community called “La Esperanza de Azama” located 5 kilometers outside the town Otavalo, well known for the handicraft markets, and only one and a half hours away from Ecuador’s’ Capital, Quito. They require volunteers in two areas, educational and medical, as the community doesn’t have the sufficient funds or resources to employ teachers, doctors or nurses in order to help develop the community further.

Educational Section

Project Description
The project offers different areas of work, in order to escape the extreme poverty in which they live. They have the complete equipment required for a dental surgery and medical clinic. The objective of this project is to care for the habitants of the community as well as those of nearby towns, helping them principally with prevention medical checks, pediatrics, gynecology, family support & advice and dentistry. It is important to stress that the priorities of this project are to give full medical and educational attention to people in extreme poverty. It is essential to find the economic resources to cover the costs of the program.

Volunteer Work Activities
There are two are areas in which the volunteer can participate according to their level of experience. The volunteer will have all the possible guidance in relation to the work that should be carried out within the community.

AREAS OF PREVENTIVE SUPPORT

- GPs, Pediatricians, Gynecologists: Family support & advice, supervision of children from the ages 0 to 12 years old, adolescents and adults, genealogical supervision, presentations and discussions about illness prevention for the communities.

- Nurses: Presentations and discussions of illnesses, apply injections, home visits to monitor children’s health.

Timetable

Monday to Thursday:
Full Patient Attention 10:00 – 12:00
15:00 – 17:00

Friday
Patients Medical Attention 10:00 – 12:00
Children & Adult Discussions 15:00 – 17:00

AREAS OF DENTAL SUPPORT

- Dentist: Dental supervision of children and adults in order to prevent oral infections.

Timetable

Monday to Thursday:
Full Dental Attention 10:00 – 12:00
15:00 – 17:00

Friday:
Oral infections and caries prevention 15:00 – 17:00

Volunteer Profile
The volunteer is required to be a professional with experience in all of the areas mentioned.

Basic Services within the Project:
The volunteer will have access to telephones in case of emergencies, basic utilities and a community medical centre.

In relation to the volunteers´ safety one of the main risks is the constant change of weather and the adaptation to the different types of food. On top of the change in diet, the water is not drinkable and it is recommended that the volunteer buys bottles of water.

The volunteer can feel completely safe as the priority of the community is the safety of the volunteer and they will be treated as a member of the community.

The project counts on the full-time coordinator Margot Cifuentes who is aware of all aspects of the project and she is there to offer all the support that she can to the volunteers.

Services Close to the Project:
The project is located 10 minutes from the town Otavalo and 12 minutes from the town Cotacachi, in which the volunteer will have access to hospitals, internet cafés, travel agents, restaurants, supermarkets and many other services alike.

Accommodation
The accommodation where the volunteer will live for the duration of their stay is in a family home community based where they will have a room in which to stay and complete access to the bathroom shared by the family.

This does not include meals throughout the day as the families do not have the financial satisfaction to cover the costs of extra food, for this reason it is asked that the volunteer contributes towards the purchase of food for their consumption and of their host family at an estimate of 150 USD each month. The type of food is based on traditions of that area, typical Ecuadorian food; if the volunteer is a vegetarian it is recommended that they prepare their own food to avoid any type of inconveniences.

What does the Volunteer need to bring?
•Batteries / Matches
•Rain Jacket
•Walking Boots
•Shampoo, Sun screen, First Aid Kit
•Ecological soap (to wash the clothes)
•Sandals
•Jacket (warm jumper/fleece)
•T-shirt with long sleeves and t-shirt colors like brown, green, blue and beige.
•Sweater for warm afternoons
•Many pairs of socks
•Camera - binoculars
•Earplugs if you can’t sleep easily.
•Books
•Candies, chocolates, something else that makes you feel comfortable.
•Books to teach English (for volunteer interested)
Volunteer time
The duration of the project is at least 1 month. We recommend the participation of two months to give more continuity to the activities of volunteerism.

Free Time
Within the area are offering free trips to volunteer to holy sites and attractions. For those activities are not necessary financial resources as well as dance classes, sports, traditional games, cooking classes. Additionally, the volunteers can also visit the province of Imbabura known for its lakes and its tourist attractions.

Requirements
Is required for the medical area people with experience in the above activities, or who have completed their university studies. Additionally, we ask to the volunteers to not interfere in the decisions of community organization, be responsible to their work and activities. The project requires an intermediate level of Spanish. If the volunteer does not have this level, Ecuador Volunteer, can help you find the best program to improve your skills in Spanish before beginning the project.

COSTS:
Inscription Fee: 200 USD
Project Cost: Free

If you are interested in this volunteer position please contact Francisco Pastor at info@ecuadorvolunteer.org or call ++ 593 2 2557749 or ++593 2 2226544 (Fax). You can also visit our webpage, http://www.ecuadorvolunteer.org