Support Community Initiatives in Indigenous Communities in the Amazon

Name: Support Community Initiatives in Indigenous Communities in the Amazon
Brand: Manna Project International
SKU: 143582
Rating: 4.91 (23 reviews)

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4.91 Rating

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Location

Ecuador
- Amazon
- Amazon

Length

1 to 52 weeks

Project Types

Business Community Development Service Learning Sports Youth Conservation Environmental Conservation Reforestation Teaching ESL Computer Literacy Health Elderly Care Indigenous Rights Professional Development +5

Need-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, BIPOC funding

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Program Details

Language

Spanish

Age Min.

Age Max

Timeframe

Short Term Spring Break Summer Winter Year Round

Housing

Apartment Guesthouse Host Family

Groups

Small Group (1-15) Medium Group (16-30)

Travel Type

Budget Older Travelers Solo Women

Pricing

Starting Price

900

Price Details

EXPENSES:
$900-$1,300 per month depending on length of stay

Manna Project's Program Coordinator position is among the most affordable long-term volunteer options available.

WHAT IT COVERS:
MPI provides a living package for volunteers that covers housing, food, transportation within country (including to/from the airport), visa, cultural experiences, quarterly professional retreats, and professional development from community leaders as well as international development professionals and an alumni network of 2,000+ including lawyers, CEOs, start-up founders, social workers, doctors, and many more.

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities Airport Transfers Equipment Meals SIM cards Transportation Visa Wifi

What's Not Included

Airfare Travel Insurance

Last Updated: Nov 06, 2023

Last Reviewed: Aug 23, 2024

Wish List

7 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Since 2004, Manna Project has offered life-changing cultural immersion experiences, allowing our volunteers to integrate themselves into the communities we serve, forming authentic relationships and gaining a first-hand understanding of the complexities of international development. MPI operates in the Kichwa town of Shandia in the Ecuadorian Amazon where we collaborate with local community members and volunteers to realize the shared goal of breaking the cycle of poverty.
At Manna, you will be part of the process of community development, leading already established programs and creating new ones where the community's visions intersect with your own education and passions. This unique model is designed to fulfill our mission of positively impacting underserved communities while empowering our volunteers to become social change makers. This position is perfect for someone looking to expand their leadership development, while experiencing a new culture and making lifelong friends.

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Video and Photos

Program Director with local community members

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Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

We are a very small organization and we strive to work directly with our volunteers to give them individualized support. All participants on site have one-on-one support from our onsite staff as well as a Program Director who serves as a peer mentor. In addition to offering individualized attention, we are also able to be flexible to use our vast network to offer even more individualized support and professional networks and connections.

LGBTQIA+ Support

Impact

Sustainability

We're onsite in the Amazon Rainforest working with communities that are directly impacted economically and physically by global climate change. We explore programming that will help keep the Amazon Rainforest the necessary ecosystem that it is as well as sustainable programming that encourages a stewardship with nature.

Ethical Impact

We prioritize community-driven development, empowering local voices and promoting sustainability in all our projects. We operate with transparency and accountability, ensuring that donations and resources are used efficiently to benefit the communities we serve. Additionally, we place a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity and respect, fostering relationships built on trust and mutual understanding in all our initiatives.

Program Highlights

Deeper Cultural Immersion: Living within the community and sharing daily experiences provides a more profound cultural immersion experience, fostering genuine connections and friendships.
Individualized Contribution: Depending on your skills, interests, and the needs of the community, you may have the opportunity to develop and lead individual projects, tailoring your contributions to specific community needs.
Mentorship and Learning: You will be mentored by and become a mentor to local community, including personal guidance, support, and educational opportunities. This mentorship can be a meaningful and transformative experience for both parties.
Resume Enhancement: Your volunteer experience with MPI is a significant asset on your resume, with experiences that include Public Health, WASH and engineering, business development, education, and international development among others.
Everything you need to live and work in Ecuador for the length of your stay including food, visa, housing, transportation in-country, and professional retreats

Program Impact

Volunteering with Manna is all about making a big impact, here's what you can expect:

Empower Communities: Dive into indigenous Kichwa communities, making a lasting impact on education, healthcare, and economic growth.

Skills That Rock: Level up with essential skills in education, healthcare, and project management for maximum impact on your personal journey.

Be the Game-Changer: Take the lead, make those game-changing moves, and see the world transform before your eyes.

Global Changemaker: Travel, embrace diverse cultures, and amplify your impact, all while creating worldwide connections.

Ride the Impact Wave: Forge connections that last a lifetime, both with fellow volunteers and the communities you serve.

Values Redefined: Reevaluate your purpose, adopt social responsibility, and become a global citizen in the making.

Fuel Your Ambition: Kickstart careers in international development, social good, and more, driven by your passion to make an impact.

Impact in Action: Watch your moves create waves of positive change, leaving an indelible mark on yourself and those in your new community.

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Program Reviews

4.91 Rating

based on 23 reviews

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Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 91.3%
4 rating 8.7%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.85
Support 4.9
Fun 4.95
Value 4.8
Safety 4.85

Good for Students, Building your resume, Adventure travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 23 reviews

I loved working with Manna. The entire program is individual-focused, which allowed me to work in the projects that matched my interests. I came to Manna very interested in the culture and challenges of the Kichwa community, so the opportunity to work with ecotourism allowed me to supplement my classroom education with real life experience. I really enjoyed the way Manna encouraged community connections. During my time with Manna, I was able to talk with the local community members and play with the children. I felt like these interactions outside of work allowed me to really bond with the community. Also, Ecuador is such a beautiful place. Manna acknowledges this, and encouraged us to explore a little. During weekends we would swim in local lagoons, walk around the nearby city, and enjoy the more touristy side of the area. This experience was not only incredibly eyeopening and educational, but fun! Manna takes care of nearly everything, and I felt safe and cared for during my time there.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice is to put yourself out there. It can be really intimidating to interact with the community because of the language barrier, or the fear of being in a new place, but those interactions are honestly so valuable. I had some of the most enriching moments during conversations with the community members or the children. Everyone I met during my time here was incredibly kind and friendly, so don't be afraid!

Pros

A beautiful environment full of interesting plants and animals
A chance to make a difference while exploring Ecuador
Meaningful interactions with the local community

Cons

Incredibly humid weather
A sexist culture that sometimes made me feel uncomfortable
Lots of mosquito bites

Manna offers a unique and positive volunteer experience. It's especially great for someone who has not lived abroad for an extended period of time before. The staff and other volunteers are friendly, helpful, and wholly committed to Manna's mission.

Living in the group home provides a natural social outlet. I am still friends to this day with several of my co-volunteers! However, this means that you have to be intentional about exploring the community and country if cultural exposure is important to you. Luckily, the volunteering schedule is flexible provides ample opportunity to explore the Ecuador. We frequently took weekend trips into Quito and hiked up the mountains.

Manna excels at partnering with the community to meet their needs and foster relationships. Its services are created and operated with input from the local population. Manna also includes its volunteers in the strategic decision-making on how to allocate its resources, or develop new programming.

Pros

Live and work with a group of other volunteers
Volunteers can be involved in operational decisions within Manna
Ecuador is beautiful and Manna gives you time to explore it

Cons

The cost can be prohibitive - I recommend securing most funding before you go
It won't be as meaningful if you aren't conversational in Spanish

Getting to volunteer as a program director in Ecuador is definitely an eye opening experience which involves a lot of personal and professional growth. In my six months spent volunteering in the rural community, I got to become a part of the community and share many memorable experiences. I saw first hand the positive impacts that the volunteers had on the communities they served. Overall this was a very meaning experience and a big part of my personal life that I would love to share with others.

Pros

leadership opportunity
helps improve communication skills
helping others

Cons

anxiety with traveling
stress
getting used to a different lifestyle

Over Spring Break 2023, I led a trip of twelve students from Michigan Technological University on an Alternative Spring Break trip to Sangloqui in partnership with Manna Project International. Their staff was truly fantastic and the trip was one of the most affordable we were able to find! Both Jeff and Abby helped make arrangements for our trip and ensured our students were prepared for the journey and Abby was with us every step of the way when we were in the country. She was an excellent translator, bonded with our group quickly, and shared great insights to make the experience more impactful. Our service was well balanced with experiencing the cultural aspects of the area, including an Empanada making class, several meals at local restaurants, and a day exploring Quito. Abby was adaptive to our needs and sought to match our interests wherever she could. This included increasing our hours of service when asked, incorporating regular opportunities for reflection, and arranging a tour with a technological university in the area. More than one of the twelve students who participated showed serious interest in returning for a program director role in the future, which I think speaks to the strong connections that were made, the positive experiences that were had, and the impact of our time in Ecuador.

Pros

Great cultural experiences with local residents.
Supportive and adaptive staff who translated on our behalf.

Cons

The only one I can think of is a handful of downpours. Pack an umbrella and a raincoat!

MTU Alternative Break Participants outside Manna Project

Working with Manna Project International was an unforgettable experience. The culture, the locals, the staff were all amazing. The work was meaningful and there were many people who we got to assist daily. There is also a large amount of people who are highly motivated to learn English and their energy is contagious which leads the teachers to be more enthusiastic when teaching. Lastly, the nature and hikes in the area are unbelievable. You can hike volcanoes within a few miles from the center or you can go on a bit of a road trip into the great Amazon Rainforest!

I had such a wonderful time volunteering with Manna Project International. This experience was supposed to be about helping others, however, I feel like I learned so much more than I gave to people. My experience was so insightful and enriching and I am forever greatful to have had this opportunity. The community members I interacted with in Ecuador were so kind, welcoming, and made me want to become a better person. I am very passionate about the work that Manna does and I am proud to have worked with an organization that makes such a large different in peoples lives.

Pros

Cultural Immersion
Travel
Helping Others

My experience was incredible, from working with the PD's to constantly having support from Abby. We learned a new song called Piel Canela when dancing with elderly homies. We grew a craving for Choco Bananas. We were able to connect with younger members of the community and play fun games with them. We were able to practice our spanish skills with younger generations and those who worked at the market. Embracing the challenge of a communication barrier is what really drove our group closer. We were able to experience a blend of service projects, excursions, and cultural immersion.

Pros

Being forced to step outside of my comfort zone
Connecting on a deeper level with other members and the community we served
The cost was incredibly affordable for the plethora of experiences we had.

Cons

The communication prior to the trip in terms of lodging.
Toilet paper shortages
Felt a little unplanned at times.

Conga Line after and elderly dance and singing class

Painting a Basketball Court for Fundacion de Ninos con Destinos.

Being an intern at MPI has certainly helped me learn more about myself and how a group of people can make such large impacts in the lives of others. Here at Manna, participating in the weekly activities, teaching English classes, leading fundraising initiatives, researching grants, and designing for the social media platforms have all been both successful and influential. Working with MPI has certainly been a great experience I will remember for life, as the people are so kind and brilliant about Ecuadorian culture and overall improving lives from education, health, wellness, and community programmes. I encourage everyone to volunteer at MPI, as it is certainly a valuable experience.

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would change the strategies I used in teaching the kids and incorporate more interactive games and exposures to English through reading short stories and songs. Despite the virtual setting, I would like to improve on making strong social connections.

Questions & Answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose to work for Manna Project International for a variety of reasons! I really love Latin American culture and wanted to spend my gap year in a Latin American country. I also really appreciate Manna's commitment to establishing authentic relationships with the community and work toward sustainable change. When I interviewed with Manna, I had so many questions about my role and life in Ecuador. They were so patient with me and took the time to answer all my questions in full detail. I could tell that they cared a lot about making me feel safe and comfortable--that just really sealed the deal for me.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

I know that there are a few universities that are connected with Manna and therefore facilitate the application process, but I found Manna on my own! I completed each step of the application process on my own, but Manna makes it really easy for you! With regard to getting my Ecuadorian visa documentation in order and organizing my flight to Ecuador, that was a joint effort between me, the Manna Country Director, and my fellow Program Directors that had already been working for Manna at the time.

Everyone working for MPI works hard to give you detailed information for how to arrange everything and to answer any question you may have, so it is all very doable. When I landed in Ecuador, the transportation from the airport to the Manna volunteer house was all arranged for me and it all happens very smoothly.

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What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

One piece of advice I would give is to be the best team player you can. The work that we do as volunteers for Manna is very much a collaborative effort. If one member of the team isn't giving the job their full effort, everyone else suffers and that can be really hard on morale.

Being a team player means being flexible, being reliable, and having good communication skills. If you come into this position with the mentality that you are going to strictly do only your job and nothing beyond that, you will not have an enjoyable experience. There will be times where you might occasionally be asked to work on days that you don't normally work--be flexible and have a good attitude about this.

Working for Manna, and all nonprofits in general, really requires an "all hands on deck" mentality. There is always big need when it comes to philanthropic causes and there are never enough hands. Remember to keep in mind why you joined in the first place: to serve others. There will be plenty of time to have fun, but helping others should be your priority.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Program Directors work Tuesday through Saturday because those are the days that our Community Center is open. On week days, our Community Center is open from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM and on Saturdays it is open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Every Program Director is responsible for certain programs that are offered through Manna and take place during Community Center hours. While the Manna programs that Program Directors lead may vary, each Program Director is usually responsible for at least one English class; often a Program Director will lead one Children's and one Adult's English class.

Program Directors also have the opportunity to get involved with programs that are offered through local organizations with which Manna partners. That being said, during the mornings on Tuesdays through Fridays, Program Directors normally are either at their partner organizations or they are prepping for their programs.

During the rest of the day on Tuesdays through Fridays and on Saturdays, Program Directors are working at the Community Center. On Sundays through Mondays, we often travel and explore Ecuador!

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Going into this experience, my biggest fear was definitely whether I was going to be able to adapt to using my Spanish at a sufficient level when necessary.

I knew that I was going to be leading programs in Spanish and that I would have to use public transportation, so if I ever got lost I would have to use my Spanish to find my way. My level of Spanish when I came was slightly below intermediate so, looking back, it's a little funny that I was so scared. There are other Program Directors who have come to Manna not knowing any Spanish at all!

Within a couple weeks of being in Ecuador, my fears about my Spanish faded significantly. Manna provides all Program Directors with about a week of one-on-one Spanish language schooling, which really helps boost things. Additionally, Manna is really good about pushing its volunteers outside of their comfort zone to practice their Spanish on a daily basis, which can be a little nerve-wracking at first, but you *really* grow from it in such a short amount of time; this is SUPER helpful for getting you to feel comfortable quickly.

My views on this issue have definitely changed after being with Manna for a while. My own experiences and my experiences observing other Program Directors with even lower levels of Spanish fluency adapt to all of this have made it very evident to me that it really isn't about how much Spanish you know, it's about how much you're willing to put yourself out there and try.

What traditional food would you suggest travelers try when they visit Ecuador?

Definitely go to Selva Alegre near Quito to try cuy! Cuy is a delicacy that is beloved by the natives in both Ecuador and Peru. It's guinea pig. I know, I know, it sounds gross, but you SERIOUSLY have to try it! Surprisingly, it tastes a lot better than you would expect and it makes for a cool story. If you look at the photo of me that is included here, you'll see that I'm holding a stake with roasted cuy.

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

What is your favorite travel memory?

I have been lucky enough to travel a lot throughout my life. It is hard to pinpoint one travel memory in particular, but one that has always stuck with me is this moment at a community center in Managua, Nicaragua where we were singing with the community members. I looked out at the children playing on the playground and with the pigs in the farm and in that exact moment I realized that my perception of what happiness meant universally could not be more incorrect. These families, who owned very little and spend most of their days wondering where their next meal will come from, were the happiest and most friendly people I have ever met. It was the most inspiring realization of my life.

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Since working for Manna Project International, which is my first position working for a nonprofit organization, it has opened my eyes to so many international issues that I didn't pay as much attention to before. It's easy to get wrapped up in your bubble, but once you open yourself up and step outside of your comfort zone to new experiences, cultures, and places, you realize how important it is.

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What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

I think my favorite stories are hearing about how volunteers end up being other volunteers' bridesmaids and groomsmen, and remain close for years after their time with Manna Project.

Something else that has always stuck with me is how our volunteers expect to travel abroad and really change and impact our communities, which they do. However, they don't realize how much the communities and community members end up changing them even more. They go in with an idea of what to expect, and often have their world rocked in the best way.

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

If I could go on any program, it would be our 13-month Program Director position. Once on site in Ecuador, a large percentage of our 3, 5 and 7-month Program Directors end up extending their time to the 13-month position and beyond because they find they need more time with the community and fellow volunteers. It is so much more than just a volunteer position where you travel and learn about a new culture - it really is a very crucial component of all of our alumni's resumes, and I find that the leadership and professional experience that they gain with the 13-month position carries over to their jobs once they complete their time with Manna Project.

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What makes our company unique is the relationships that are formed. We refer to ourselves as the Mannamily. Whether its the close relationships between our community members, volunteers, staff, board, alumni or donors, we all take immense pride in being a part of something bigger together. Part of an organization that is bringing sustainable change to underserved communities in Latin America.

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

The biggest factor in being a successful company is purpose. Without purpose, there is no change and no growth. We take pride in our community needs assessments to make sure that we are only providing services and programs that are tailored for our specific communities. If for any reason one of our programs becomes irrelevant, we assess this and change the program accordingly.

About Manna Project International

Manna Project International (MPI) - Inspiring Change Together MPI is a 501(c)3 non-profit where young professionals bring their passion and skills to serve communities in need. Our model is all about communities helping communities. In Ecuador, volunteers from one month to one year work together on education, health, and livelihood programs to...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Alumni Interviews

Kate Clendenen

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

What traditional food would you suggest travelers try when they visit Ecuador?

Staff Interviews

Jackie Kinsella

What is your favorite travel memory?

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?