Afro-Ecuadorian People of Tumbatu, Ecuador

Xperitas partners with the Afro-Ecuadorian people in Tumbatu, a small agricultural community located in northern Ecuador. The first Africans were brought to the country during the Atlandtic slave trade and are part of a rich and contested history. Today, Afro-Ecuadorians comprise between 5-10% of the country's population and remain marginalized from society, especially in rural areas.

Community members have struggled against systemic exclusion since the time of slavery. Shared projects include creating a community plaza, building irrigation ditches, gardening and making repairs to community buildings.

Trip participants have the opportunity to get immersed in a cross-cultural education while living and working with the local people. In the past, teams have worked on a variety of projects in Tumbatu, such as creating a community plaza, building irrigation ditches or making repairs to community buildings.