Huayra Causay means “winds of life” in Quechua (Ecuador’s indigenous language).
Huayra Causay are pathfinders, dreamers and innovators who believe it is necessary to change our way of living in order to redress the balance between nature and humankind; a balance that is systematically under attack.
Huayra Causay contributes to this redress through promoting and supporting alternative approaches to agriculture.
• Are you looking for a life-changing experience?
• Do you have some spare time and want to do something worthwhile?
• Do you want to travel, live and work in a small Latin American community?
• Are you interested in sustainable agriculture and non-profit organizations?
• Are you hard working, pro-active and ready for a challenge?
If “YES!” is the answer any, or all, of the questions above, then come to Ecuador and volunteer with the Huayra Causay organization.
The volunteers participate in daily agricultural activities with the communities or host families. Volunteers will be able to join local projects and assist in the areas of farming, ecology and education.
For people who are willing to embrace new life opportunities, ecotourism activities could be the chance to expand creativity while positively impacting the community.
We will also engage in a data collection effort in certain communities, in order to gather information about the families who reside there. This information is to be used for future projects. Statistics gathered by Huayra Causay will help facilitate programs with other grass roots organizations and evaluate the impact of the projects.
Regarding the research projects, Huayra Causay can help you to localized and join projects in specific areas of interest, such us: birds, plant and botanic compiling, ecology.
Finally Huayra Causay also looks for people can help us on line. There are tons of ideas that can be set on Huayra’s Causay web site, and if you have some free time to donate and work trough internet, let us know.
The volunteer in Ecuador cannot be less than three weeks up to year. There is a extension visa or changing visa type that the volunteer have to do in order to stay longer in Ecuador. All procedures have to be made by the intern; however the intern will receive assistant and information from Huayra Causay to accomplish it.
Each volunteer will work an average of 6 hours daily, from Monday to Friday. The volunteers have the weekends are off.
Assistance from Huayra Causay
The staff of Huayra Causay will always keep in touch with all volunteers. You will become part of the team.
Before volunteering with us, Huayra Causay will assist you with travel information and any inquires you would have about Ecuador.
Once in Ecuador, the transfer from the airport to the hostel and as well toward the community will be organize by Huayra Causay.
The first night in Quito (hotel) and breakfast for the night after the arriving.
The staff from Huayra Causay will permanently assist you during your volunteer time.
Camping day on one of the Volcanoes avenue (groups of 5 people minimum).
Orientation meeting about living in Latin culture, communities, traditions and life.
Not include
International airfare and corresponding airport departure taxes.
Personal Internet time and phone calls
Cost for Spanish courses
Travel insurance
Ecuadorian Visa
Personal expenses
Trips
Personal requirements
• An application form must be completed and send it by email (on the web site).
• 21 years old or older.
• Minimum basic level of Spanish for speaking and intermediate level for comprehension.
• Good health conditions: be able to work under tropical or Andean temperatures. Perform outdoor activities related with agriculture: planting, picking and more.
• Have an interest in sustainable agriculture, rural development or ecology, and have a positive attitude towards these means.
• You should know that you will be placed in rural communities; your living conditions will be basic: tap water, electricity, and in some cases it may involve sharing rooms.
Preparing for volunteer in Ecuador
• Practicing Spanish. Huayra Causay can assist with information about Spanish classes. The volunteer will decide where to attend classes
• There are only two international airports in Ecuador. All flights should arrive at Quito´s airport to get the airport shuttled by Huayra Causay
• Obtain health insurance before arriving to Ecuador
• Bring your personal lap top. It is essential if you are going to work in Huayra Causay office in Quito
• Any person outside Ecuador must contact Huayra Causay about volunteer projects at least two months in advanced. People who are already in Ecuador, and are planning to stay in the country to a minimum of one month can contact the organization two weeks in advanced
How long are the volunteer assignments?
A minimum of two weeks, and a maximum of two years. If you volunteer for at least two (three) months we can provide you with a volunteer certificate.
Do I need to get a visa to travel to Ecuador?
If your stay is less than 180 days, you will be given a visa as your enter Ecuador.
If you are staying longer than 180 days, you will need to get a student or volunteer visa before you depart. However, some nationals will need to check with their local Ecuadorian Embassy.
What kind of volunteer work exists?
You can participate in the areas of: health, ecology, nutrition, teaching, or helping us as a cyber-volunteer. We can also facilitate research and thesis programs.
Ecuador has 4 natural regions: Sierra, Coast, Jungle and Galapagos Islands. Huayra Causay can offer 15 different volunteer locations throughout Ecuado, some are running by Huayra Causay some are from other organizations. Below are some of the areas of volunteer within Ecuador:
Rural Child education: language teacher, health, sexual education, nutrition
Nutrition, health
Environment
Research
Jungle
Research
Teaching: other languages, environmental classes for children
Conservation
Ecotourism
Galapagos (Enchanted Islands)
We can provide contact information about volunteering in Galapagos. However Huayra Causay itself does not have its own projects on the Islands.
Is there a fee program?
Yes. It covers your food and lodging while staying in the communities, as well as, your transfer from the airport (on your arrival), and orientation meeting. There will be personnel from Huayra Causay visiting regularly to be of assistance, assess the projects, and to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
# Weekly cost
Price US$
1
175
2
344
3
438
4
584
5
731
6
877
7
1023
8
1169
Is there any booking fee?
There is not any previous application fee. Huayra Causay believes that volunteers will follow through on their commitment to work on designated projects in Ecuador.
Where does my money go?
We use around 60 percent of the program fee to cover project execution, administrative, recruitment and new project development costs. The remaining 40 percent goes directly to the community, in the form of accommodations and meals.
It is very important to know that if a volunteer extends his or her time more than 3 weeks, the fee will be reduce by as much as 15 percentage from the third week onward. This reduction will be charge to NGO administrative cost but not from family part. Payments
Once in Ecuador the volunteer needs to pay in advanced for the time he/she expects to stay in the community.
How can I apply?
If you are interested in Huayra Causay’s volunteer program, please fill out the APPLICATION FORM
