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 (22 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

Financial Support

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: May 22, 2023

Wish List

5 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.

Popular Programs

Kids at a community health and nutrition class

Public Health

One of the most pressing needs in Shandia is improved access to clean water. While 90% of residents have water piped into their homes, it comes untreated from the Napo River and results in high rates of water-borne illnesses, intestinal parasites, and other heath issues throughout the community. To help address this, MPI is launching a comprehensive water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) program as our first project in Shandia that will take a practical and theoretical approach to public health.

The youngest members of our community enjoying a movement workshop

Childhood Development

Ecuador, like much of the world, has high rates of gender-based violence, environmental destruction, and poverty. At Manna, we believe that children are the key to long term, sustainable change in communities. Through arts classes, sports camps, health and wellness workshops, English classes, and after school clubs, Manna aims to create a more confident, engaged, and passionate generation in Shandia that can change the world.

Afterschool conversation club with our teens

English Teaching

Shandia is located in the Amazon, a region whose mountains, waterfalls, and rivers attract tourists from around the world. Because of this, ecotourism is rapidly growing and the ability to cater to an international audience is important to be able to sustain the local economy. Manna hosts English classes for different levels as well as conversation hours, community events, and supports English teaching in the schools to serve the community goal of increasing ecotourism.

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Program Reviews

4.91 Rating

based on 22 reviews

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Rating Spread Volunteer

5 rating 90.91%
4 rating 9.09%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Impact 4.85
Support 4.9
Fun 4.95
Value 4.85
Safety 4.85

Good for Students, Building your resume, Adventure travelers

Showing 17 - 22 of 22 reviews

Volunteering with Manna has been one of the most amazing years of my life. It has without a doubt exceeded my expectations. I have had the opportunity to work on a range of programs such as teaching English to adults and kids, tutoring, planning and executing programs such as Kids Cooking, Adult Cooking, and Adult English Conversation Club. In addition, I work with a multitude of partner organizations such as a local university to TA in English, an educational center for people with special needs to assist with their swim therapy, and another local university to assist with their nutrition courses. On top of all that, I do several internal and organizational roles, such as finances, grant writing, recruitment, and inventory. I have gained so much valuable experience! Much of what I learned can be applied to my future in medicine, even if it is not directly medically-based. My favorite part of Manna is the ability to work with likeminded individuals. My fellow Program Directors are all so passionate and driven, and it is such a treat to be able to work on a team with them. In addition, we all live together. We're all good friends, and we travel together on the weekends. The fact that Manna gives you a unique volunteering opportunity along with a social component is what I think makes Manna so great and different. Finally, the last thing I have to say about Manna is that Manna creates sustainable change among the community. Community members are constantly expressing their gratitude for having Manna in their community. I have loved developing relationships with our community members, as some of them have become true friends. They are constantly inviting us to do things with them, such as hiking a mountain or making humitas at their house! It truly feels good to know that we are working hard and that our work is a making a difference.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My biggest is advice is patience! The great thing about Manna is that you can come to Ecuador with any level of Spanish, including not knowing any Spanish. The network at Manna is so great that you can get by without knowing any Spanish as you are constantly surrounded by people who know both Spanish and English. With that being said, you can still learn Spanish fast! I came here not knowing Spanish, and after one year I am fully conversational. However, it wasn't as if I was thrown into the big scary ocean when I first came here as I could depend on people in the Manna network to get by. And through learning through community members and the kids who come to the community center, I learned quickly! It did require a lot of patience though, as at first I would easily become frustrated. With patience and effort, anyone can learn Spanish during their time at Manna.

My position as a volunteer for Manna exceeded my expectations in every way. I originally applied to be a volunteer for Nicaragua, but was unable to do so because the political situation in Nicaragua made it unsafe. I didn't know what to expect from the change in my role, but I firmly believe that things turned out for the better. Ecuador is such a beautiful country and the community we serve is filled with incredibly warm-hearted individuals that you can feel good about serving. The type of volunteers that Manna attracts are driven, passionate leaders who you will benefit on a personal level from spending time with. The level of autonomy that Manna volunteers are given is incredible. Volunteers are regularly challenged and given numerous opportunities to gain valuable, hands-on professional experience. I applied to law schools during my time with Manna and admissions officers from several top 14 law schools were very impressed by my experience with Manna and noted in their acceptance letters that they would like to learn more about my time here. This role is not only a wonderful resume booster, but also a wonderful life changer. Living in Latin America teaches you to be fearless, flexible, and adaptive. Life in Ecuador is very different from the United States and there is something to be said about learning to live in a culture that is very different from your own. Something that I think is really special about Manna is there are many different length positions that they offer! You don't have to commit yourself to spending two years in a position within a country you know little about.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Be flexible and adaptive! Latin America is very different from the United State. You cannot expect things here to work the same as in the US. People here are much more laid-back and operate on very different schedules. It takes a little time to adjust but you just have to be patient! Additionally, if you are interested in becoming a member of the Manna team, you should know that teamwork is imperative. Good communication skills and a commitment to helping out are essential!

Read my full story

I served as a Program Director with Manna Project International from August 2018 to December 2018 at their Ecuador site. As a Program Director, I had the opportunity to lead several community programs including Kid's and Adult English and an English class for aspiring English teachers. I also worked at Manna's local community center and with several community partners, including a shelter for teenage mothers, a program for adults with disabilities, and a local university. One thing that I really loved about my experience with Manna is that I could tailor my experience based on my interests. I am very interested in education so that was the focus of most of my programs. However, other program directors did more health and economic development-based programs. I also helped with organizational roles within the non-profit, including running their social media pages and writing grants. These roles are great resume builders! I think that being a program director is a great post-grad experience- you get to experience another culture (and not just as a tourist- Manna really inserts you into their local community), learn/practice your Spanish, and have many invaluable professional development experiences. Also, the Manna staff was very supportive during my experience as a Program Director. Sometimes it can be difficult living and working in a foreign country, but the support I received from Manna helped me navigate these challenges. I really think the large support network you receive separates Manna from other similar programs.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

The craziest thing I ate in Ecuador was "cuy" (in English- guinea pig!). It is very popular in Ecuador so I had to try it, but it definitely was not my favorite Ecuadorian dish. That being said, I love Ecuadorian food and miss it a lot now that I am back in the U.S. Hornado is definitely my favorite dish- it is a roasted pork dish that is usually served with tortilla (fried cheesy potatoes), mote (corn), and tomatoes and onions. One of the neighbors to the community center made the best hornado and we would go after our classes on Saturday mornings.

I have been involved with Manna Project International for the last few months. The energy and dedication that I see from the board members, the executive director, the country director and volunteers are amazing.

This program is a great way for young volunteers to learn how to work in a team, build their leadership skills and help those in need. It's a great work experience to add to your resume. The costs are very reasonable to cover your living expenses. It's also a wonderful opportunity for new retires seeking to give back their wealth of knowledge and experience.

The positive change that this organization brings to communities in Ecuador are wonderful and exciting to witness. I am looking forward to getting more involved in the near future with this team of volunteers and professionals.

Manna is a mission driven organization that offers amazing opportunities to individuals who want to have a fulfilling overseas experience. I've seen graduates of the program get amazing jobs afterwards both in the public and private sectors. I cannot recommend Manna strongly enough to those who want to make an impact. Program costs are low, especially for the management and international development experience that you will have upon the program's completion. Others in the organization, including the staff, current and former volunteers, and board of directors exude senses of purpose and passion. They're great resources to learn from and have the values they refuse to compromise. My Manna experience has so far been incredible and I look forward to my continued commitment to the organization.

So far, volunteering with Manna Project International: Ecuador has been an incredible experience! Even after just 4 months I have learned so much about myself, how to work in a team, how to navigate cultural differences, how to be a strong leader, how a non-profit functions in a foreign context and, of course, I have greatly improved my Spanish. Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of my experience has been building relationships with our community members. I have enjoyed getting to know our students and the leaders of the partner organizations.

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...