Las Tolas
Volunteer
In Las Tolas, the volunteer projects are as flexible - and as productive - as you are. In addition to everyday family activities, we will create a custom volunteer program for you based on your expressed interests. As a volunteer, you are more than welcome to choose a theme for your stay, try a variety activities, or change projects as you see fit once you arrive in Las Tolas.
The volunteer projects available include:
Re-forestation Project
Working on different community activities
Creation of footpaths in the cloud forest
Working in the plant nursery
Organic Farming
Teaching English
Special Projects
Special Learning Opportunities - see separate page for more information
Community Re-forestation Project
The community have come together and bought a piece of land, where they would like to plant 25,000 trees to grow and use for re-forestation work in the area. The cloud forest and the trees within them forms a vital part of the life and work of Las Tolas and this re-forestation project will make a big difference.
The community would love volunteer assistance to contribute towards this important project and to the community for years to come.
Creation of footpaths in the cloud forest
With the aim of conserving the precious cloud forest, but also opening up some of the delights to locals and tourists alike, there is a need for help with the creation of footpaths and traibls through the cloud forest.
Working on different community activities
Improving farm lands, improving housing conditions, building infrastructure, community education. The community often organise a "minga" and get together to work on or improve an aspect of the community. These are often great social events as well as a sense of achievement to see what you have accomplished together at the end of the day.
Working in the plant nursery
The community group have a shared plant nursery and vegetable garden, which you can work on. This might involve planting seeds, harvesting vegetables, weeding or making improvements and signs.
Organic Farming
In addition to everyday family farming opportunities in town such as milking cows by hand, feeding farm animals and weeding gardens, Las Tolas also has specialized farming volunteer opportunities.
The organic coffee plantation, is one of the most interesting farms in Las Tolas. Volunteers have the opportunity to learn the entire coffee-making process, from cultivating coffee plants and roasting the beans, to drinking that perfect cup of organic coffee.
Teaching English
There is the opportunity to teach English in the Las Tolas primary school in term times - from May to February.
Assist our teachers, such as Karina (pictured) or design your own lessons.
Special Projects
Many volunteers have developed special volunteer projects during their stay in Las Tolas. One volunteer learned to cook Ecuadorian cuisine with the town chef, Hermenia. When she returned to her home country, she held a benefit dinner featuring Ecuadorian cuisine. With the proceeds, she bought a tank of water for the entire community of Las Tolas.
We are open to any ideas and suggestions to utilize your special talents or interests.
Volunteer Projects