TRAVEL TO THE AMAZONIAN RAINFOREST AND HELP THIS RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOP SYSTEMS FOR CLEAN WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE
This project is about as grassroots as it gets. Manna Project International, an organization with almost two decades experience in Latin America, has recently started working to find ways to supply Shandia, a settlement of around 350 in the Amazonian Rainforest, with clean drinking water and sanitation. You’re going to help them work out how..
Having identified one of the most pressing needs of the community as water, sanitation and hygiene, Manna plans to implement a comprehensive Water Sanitation and Hygiene ( WASH) program in Shandia. This could: construction of a water filtration system, testing and treatment of intestinal parasites, and provision of WASH education programs and resources.
In these early stages of development, your internship will be spent helping to establish, define and structure the WASH program may play in the community in years to come. You’ll play a role in deciding how WASH education will be implemented, identifying obstacles to the program and finding their solutions.
In true start-up style, interns can expect to work outside their academic focus and contribute to other projects and initiatives. So, you might come away with some experience in marketing, fundraising, education and financing too. First of all though, this internship is for those with an interest in public health and project management.
It’s the ideal opportunity for the right intern to make a huge impact for this indigenous community
ORGANIZATION
You’ll be working with Manna Project International. This nonprofit works to connect young talented advocates for social change with projects where they can serve disadvantaged communities and help break the cycle of poverty. Their mission is to enact social change through ‘communities serving communities.’
Their projects take a holistic approach to community development, developing systems for health, economic development, education and whatever else is needed. They’ve been working in Latin America since 2004, and their projects serve more than 3.000 community members a year and help to break the cycle of poverty.
TASKS & REQUIREMENTS
This project being in its early stages of development, interns can expect to take on a variety of roles and tasks, including assisting on projects outside their academic focus. These might include:
What you’ll do during the internship
- Assisting with the logistical planning and problem-solving for construction of the water filtration system
- Researching which WASH educational programs will be most effective in the community, and how they can be facilitated
- Researching community needs, conducting needs assessments, and writing impact reports to measure the community’s development
- Creating and managing community development programs, such as English teaching or youth sports
- Getting involved with the daily operations of NGO management, including: fundraising, marketing, financing and education
- Building relationships with the community
Requirements
This being such an adaptable program there aren’t strict requirements. However the ideal intern will show:
- Adaptability and open-mindedness are a must
- A passion for community development and an interest or willingness to engage with rural Kichwa culture
- Independence and initiative
- Engineering (ideally with a focus on Water and Sanitation) or project managing experience would be a bonus
- Spanish is not required, however it is encouraged that interns put some effort into learning as it will help building relationships with community members
WHERE YOU’LL STAY
Shandia is a small rural settlement of around 300 people situated in the Amazonian Rainforest Region of Ecuador, a short distance from the town of Tena. The residents of Shandia are an indigenous Kichwa community speaking predominantly Spanish and the traditional language of the region, Kichwa — less than 10% speak English.
Being the Amazonian Rainforest, weather is hot and humid year round and you can expect a wealth of rivers, waterfalls, and outdoors activities in the area.Interns will stay in one of two houses both of which are within walking distance of the school and Manna’s centro. Both are well-equipped with wifi, a full kitchen, and interior bathrooms.
DATES & RATES
Ideally internships start in January or July, but if you prefer different start dates please contact us and we can discuss it during the selection process.
What you’ll pay (2023 rates)
3 months USD 3,900
4 months USD 5,200
5 months USD 6,500
What you are paying for:
- Careful matchmaking. It takes time to find the right internship for each person, and we take this process very seriously.
- Initial interview with one of our team to gauge your skills, interests, and desired learning outcomes.
- Project transport
- Accommodation in shared house. You will share your room with 2-3 people. If you are interested in a single room, please contact us for availability and prices
- Airport transfer
- Three meals a day
- Professional development training
- Spanish classes
- Assistance with your visa arrangement & other preparations
- An orientation program with your supervisor.
- On the ground support during your stay
- Regular check ins during your internship with you and your supervisor.
- Access to free workshops with a focus on career development
- Troubleshooting if needed
- A reference letter at the end of your internship
Excludes:
- Flights
- Visa, medical and travel insurance costs for the duration of your placement – must include cover for repatriation
- Drinks, snacks, and items of personal nature (f.e. curios, gifts, clothing)
- Costs for additional excursions or activities
QUICK FACTS
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Shandia, Ecuador |
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Community Development NGO |
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Education, Research, Operations, Construction, Engineering, Public Health |
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Min. 3 months |
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From USD 3,900 |
INTERNSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Get involved with a wide variety of nonprofit and community development work as you contribute to different projects
- Seize the opportunity to head up a project in this grassroots organization
- Provide life-saving WASH systems to an impoverished community
- Live and work in the Amazonian Rainforest region as part of a Kichwa community
- Join a global community of like-minded advocates for social change and community service
3 MONTHS USD 3,900
4 MONTHS USD 5,200
5 MONTHS USD 6,500
4 MONTHS USD 5,200
5 MONTHS USD 6,500
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to apply for this internship, here’s what to do:
APPLY
Fill in the application form (it will show in a new screen) which includes sharing your CV to us
SPEAK WITH AN ADVISOR
We’ll set up a call with you to go through your application.
INTERNSHIP MATCHING
If we feel it’s a good match, we’ll set up a call between you and the supervisor for this internship.
PAYMENT
If everyone’s happy, we’ll provisionally confirm your placement! We’ll then send you the invoice for the deposit, getting started with the booking process and all the info you need.
CONFIRMATION
Only once we receive payment of the deposit your placement will be confirmed.
NEED TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY FIRST?
Or if you’d just like to ask us some questions about this internship first, just fill in the contact form below. We’ll be happy to assist!
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