Sustainability and Community Development Volunteer (Amazon Rainforest)

About the Role:

Manna Project International is seeking motivated and passionate volunteers to join our team in the Ecuadorian Amazon, working closely with the indigenous Kichwa community in Shandia. This unique opportunity allows you to contribute to sustainable development initiatives focused on environmental conservation, agriculture, and community resilience while gaining invaluable hands-on experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Kichwa community to design and implement sustainability and environmental education initiatives.
• Support local efforts in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, and reforestation.
• Assist in maintaining community gardens, seed banks, and permaculture projects.
• Conduct workshops and educational activities focused on environmental awareness, waste reduction, and eco-friendly practices.
• Participate in data collection, program monitoring, and community feedback to improve sustainability efforts.
• Work alongside local farmers, community leaders, and Manna staff to strengthen environmentally and economically sustainable livelihoods.

Qualifications:

• Strong interest in sustainability, environmental conservation, or community development.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to adapt to new environments and work collaboratively with diverse groups.
• Patience and flexibility for unpredictable community work pace.
• Self-starter capable of autonomy.
• Basic proficiency in Spanish is preferred but not required.

Benefits:

• Gain hands-on experience in sustainability and community development.
• Enhance your language skills and cultural understanding through immersive experience.
• Build your resume with unique and impactful work experience.
• Develop valuable skills in project management, cross-cultural communication, and sustainable agriculture.
• Contribute to long-term environmental and community resilience in the Amazon Rainforest.

Why Join Us?

This volunteer experience offers a unique blend of professional development and personal growth. You'll have the chance to apply your academic knowledge and passion for sustainability in a real-world setting, while learning from and contributing to an indigenous community working toward a greener future. This is more than just volunteer work—it’s an opportunity to broaden your global perspective, deepen your environmental awareness, and make a lasting impact.

About Manna Project International:

Manna Project International (MPI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit empowering young professionals to apply their skills through community service. Operating in Ecuador, MPI employs a collaborative community-based model, addressing education, health, and livelihood growth in underserved communities.

Scholarships and Academic Credit are available

It is the responsibility of the student to arrange for approval for academic credit from the appropriate academic department prior to accepting the internship for credit.

Program Cost:

All volunteers are required to live onsite in the Manna House for safety and community-building experiences. Some exceptions are granted. The cost starts at $2,310 for 5 weeks or $1,300 per month for stays of 3+ months. This includes all on-ground transport, food, housing, Wi-Fi, tourism and cultural events, a professional development curriculum and certificate, as well as 24/7 emergency support.

Manna staff provides fundraising training for volunteers who wish to fundraise for their living costs or apply for grants. Scholarships are also available for volunteers with demonstrated financial need.