Newsletter: ¡Volunteers Making their Mark!
- Joshua Holmes
- Aug 25, 2023
- 3 min read
The following is an El Terreno newsletter published on 25th August 2023
Things have been quiet here in Atandahua, as we reflect on several month's of internship projects, volunteer groups and community activities - and now it's time we're gearing up for new arrivals at the end of this week!
If you're considering joining us here in Ecuador, make sure you read to the end of this newsletter!
Joshua Holmes
Founder, El Terreno
Gina's House Takes Another Leap Forward!
Throughout the second half of July, we received another EcuaExplora volunteer group to help us accelerate the completion of Gina's cabin. In two short weeks we made com amazing progress - replacing the roof, building the extension structure and plastering the downstairs adobe walls!
We also had lots of fun! Delivering language exchange classes with local children, delivering Ecuadorian cooking classes and heading out on day trips - including a spectacular day on Chimborazo volcano!
This also marked the end of significant internships from Alina (Germany, 4 months) and Elise (Sweden, 6 weeks). They have contributed massively to the design and construction of this important restoration project that will to bring a much needed income to a local low-income family through tourism.
Watch Their Final Internship Presentation Here:
We are looking for more passionate Architecture & Sustainable Construction interns to help complete this project. If you are a student, recent graduate or simply have construction skills, we would love to have you join our team!
Community Mapping Research Concludes
You might recognise Amaan from our last newsletter as part of the community water research project. He decided to stay with us for an extra 6 weeks to deepen his knowledge and experience, looking into the community resources through a mapping.
This involved around 20 interviews with local community members and key stakeholders, to identify the resources, dynamics and opportunities for the community of Atandahua.
See the final presentation of what he discovered as part of his internship:
"I spent 3 months interning at El Terreno, I learnt so much and genuinely felt I made an impact. I had so much fun on this internship but more importantly, for my personal goals, I learnt a huge amount about development in real-life contexts. What I loved most was the balance between the freedom to design and implement my own project with a team of like minded interns while also having constant access to field experts - their support was invaluable.
"Among other things, key activities included community site visits, attending conferences and field research. Furthermore, having the weekends free allowed time to travel Ecuador and visit other areas of Ecuador - something i was very grateful for! Overall, I really enjoyed my internship and feel it has been a key part of my journey in the field of international development."
- Amaan Nath, UK
If you want to make a difference through a hands-on project, while developing your professional skills alongside trained professionals, get in touch to arrange what an personalised internship might look like for you.
#Social Impact
Successful Summer School
For two weeks in August we delivered a summer school for 22 low-income children from the area. Delivered by our language teacher Carolina and he husband, as well as and a skilled set of young educators from Aprender para Crecer, we led 8 afternoons filled with classes in art, music, dance, science, English, martial arts and more!
As many of the children had never left the local area, we took the children to Salinas de Guaranda on the last day for a factory tour and pizza! All in all, a wonderful experience.
These activities are made possible thanks to the generosity of people like you, many who make a small monthly contribution to benefit the low-income communities surrounding El Terreno.
Please consider becoming a monthly supporter.
Download Your Free Tourism & Activities Guide!
There are so many fun, adventurous and cultural activities to do here at El Terreno, so we've put together a guide to get your juices flowing!
If you're wondering what you can get up to if you were to join us here, just click the link below and download the guide to access the best local and regional activities this beautiful province has to offer:
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