Our
Mission
As a volunteer of this program, you will
live with a small native community of the Ashaninka tribe. You will have the
opportunity to have a positive impact on the families, especially the children,
who need support in academic as well as social skills, in the development of
self-esteem, and ecological awareness.
Location
and Climate
This small communal tribe consisting of
about twelve families resides and animals like many dogs, cats, birds, etc, on top of a small mountain in the rainforest
about 20 km from the city of Satipo. The climate here is warm to hot with
varied levels of humidity, depending on the season.
Economy
This community still lives in a
traditional, simple way. Their livelihood is farming, growing mostly their own
food which consists mainly of yucca, bananas, and oranges. They also grow
coffee and cacao. These families live in very basic houses or huts constructed
of natural materials.
Schools
This community has an elementary (or
primary) school consisting of one large room that only the children of this
community attend. There are currently 11 students aged 5-12 in grades 1 through
6.
Volunteer
Work
Among several opportunities to support this
community, you could help the children of the family sharing with them positive activities to help them learning to use their social skills,
children
would appreciate help and attention with their homework. You could also provide
support with organization by providing a schedule and developing a routine for
them. This will give the children a sense of reliability, security and a sense
of independence. This routine could include physical hygiene, helping with
household chores and time for play. Teaching them to play together will foster
establishing and following rules. Team sports, and board games, which you could
bring as a gift, are especially beneficial.
You might also want to help with chores,
farming, construction or anything else for which you see a need or benefit. Be
part of the community!
What
to expect
Please be aware that living with this tribe
is very, very basic! Food is prepared over an open fire. Bathrooms are
outhouses without sit-down toilets and tap water for flushing. There is running water from faucets outdoors,
not in the houses. There is an outdoor shower with solar heated water and one
in an outhouse. The water is supplied from a waterfall!
There is electricity, meaning some outlets are
available to charge your phone. There is a TV in the volunteers’ quarter and a
signal for your cell phone. Your bed is
simple with a mosquito net. If other volunteers are there, you will share the
room (with four beds). The village has a store where you can buy basic items.
The nature around is gorgeous with hiking
opportunities and a beautiful view from the top of this small mountain.
