Colibris

General Info

The Colibris are a group of women living in the village of Marianitas, in the Chocó cloud forest bioregion of northwestern Ecuador.

The mission of the women is to provide a sustainable future for themselves, their families and their community, while protecting the incredibly rich diversity of their natural resources.

Some of our projects

CRAFTS VOLUNTEERS
The Colibris need help with developing new, quality designs and products to expand their ranges of arts & crafts products. The ideal crafts volunteer will have some artistic ability and a basic level of Spanish. Skills in helping promote and sell the artwork would be a plus. A minimum commitment of 2-3 weeks is requested, and a longer stay is ideal.

ENGLISH CLASSES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
The Colibrís would like to improve their English skills, as well as the skills of their children. For the women, having basic English skills enables the group to better sell their arts & crafts products. The children also face better future educational and employment prospects with better English skills. Volunteer teachers also incorporate environmental education principles and nature appreciation in their classes, and take children on birding and other outdoor excursions.
Some basic Spanish skills would be helpful but are not necessary. Prior experience in teaching English or environmental education is not required, but enthusiasm and cultural respect are important.

ORGANIC GARDENING and REFORESTING
The Colibrís Women´s Cooperative would like assistance in developing organic gardens for themselves and the wider community. Volunteers would ideally have some experience with organic gardening, but an enthusiastic outlook, willingness to learn and cultural sensitivity are most important. The Colibris are also developing a tree nursery to serve as a source of native trees for reforesting local pastures and deforested areas.
A minimum commitment of about 4 weeks is requested for volunteers working in these areas. Basic Spanish language skills are desirable.

OTHER PROJECTS & RESEARCH
Gap year students are welcome, as are university students and researchers, who may propose their own projects in biology, conservation, community development, etc. For longer stays the group can offer rental of a private house with room for up to 6 persons.