This program is based in the indigenous communities surrounding Otavalo, bringing you into the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes. The Otavaleño indigenous hold remarkably strong ties to their native culture and traditions. Here you will embark on building energy efficient stoves with the families in the communities, which decrease wood consumption and remove smoke from inside the house.

How this program makes a difference:

Currently, families cook on open fires inside their homes, with smoke inhalation a daily occurrence, especially for the young children still draped over the mother's backs over the open fire. By building enclosed brick stoves with chimneys to take the smoke away, the air is cleaner. Also, due to the design, the stoves use less wood, leaving more time for work and study and less damage to the surrounding environment. Unofficial recent studies have also shown that the home is warmed by the stoves more so than the open fires, due to the slower-burning of the wood.

Highlights:

-       Make a visible hands-on difference in the future of indigenous communities

-       Get immersed in the local culture

-       Experience and live amongst the beauty of the Andes

-       Start and finish the stoves from scratch

-       Receive one-on-one Spanish tuition

-       Horseback riding available in the surrounding areas

No special training or qualifications are required as you will receive training in the field.