Help Teach English and Art at Sinchi Warmi Community!
The experience
Join a women-led Indigenous community in the Ecuadorian Amazon!
You will teach basic English and art to community members of all ages through fun, creative lessons 5 days a week with weekends off.
No experience needed just a positive attitude and a willingness to connect. You will also help around the lodge as needed (guests, gardening, small projects). Flexible schedule, cultural experiences, and authentic jungle life.
What you offer
25 hours of help per week
Social Work:
Help with volunteer work in local projects and communities.
Teaching Languages:
Teaching a language to the host, guests, or local communities.
What you get
2 days off per week
Private Room:
You will have a bed in a private room. In other words, a room just for you.
Shared Dorm:
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other travelers.
Team Dorm:
You will have a bed in a shared room, which means you will share the same room with other people.
Discounts on Restaurants:
Get discounts at nearby restaurants.
Discounts on Tours:
Get discounts for tours and excursions around town.
Free Laundry:
You can use our laundry room freely.
Free Tours:
We’ll take you on tours and rides around town. For free!
Language lessons:
Take free language classes at our place.
Use our equipped kitchen:
Feel free to use our kitchen and make your own delicious food.
Basic Internet Access:
Basic speed internet for you to work remotely
Dedicated Workspace:
Specific space for you to work remotely
Requirements
Fluent English or Beginner Spanish
Between 18 and 50 years old
Welcomes solo volunteers, couples, and partners of volunteers
What's not included
Flights, Travel Insurance, Internal Transportation and Visa
Program Details
Join us in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon and experience life in a unique, women-led Indigenous community called Sinchi Warmi which means "Strong Woman" in the Kichwa language.
Over 15 years ago, a group of 13 women and 3 Amazonian men from the San Pedro community came together to establish the "Sinchi Warmi" association. Our collective mission was to create a project centered around community-based sustainability and equity. The birth of Sinchi Warmi stands as a testament that indigenous women can pave the way for a promising future for our children while preserving our cultural identity and the natural environment.
We are looking for enthusiastic, patient, and creative volunteers to help teach basic English and art to local children and community members. Some students are complete beginners, so no prior teaching experience is required. Just bring a positive attitude and a willingness to connect.
This is a unique opportunity to live in the jungle, immerse yourself in Indigenous culture, and make a meaningful impact through education and creativity.
Who this experience is for:
This experience is ideal for someone who is adaptable, easygoing, and genuinely interested in cultural exchange. You are a native english speaker or are fluent in English and have at least a beginner level Spanish to communicate with community members. You don’t need to be a professional teacher just someone who is patient, creative, and willing to engage.
If you’re looking for something polished or resort-like, this probably isn’t it. But if you want something real, meaningful, and a little adventurous, you’ll feel right at home here.
Activities & Shift
What you will be doing:
Your main role will be helping community members of all ages, learn basic English in a fun, supportive environment. Lessons will be around 1-2 hours in the afternoon, with extra time beforehand for preparation, and you’ll be volunteering about 5 days a week with weekends off. There’s no strict structure, so creativity is key. You may also meet with members to help you make your lessons more valuable by including words and phrases often used at the lodge for guests and in the Amazon in general.
Art activities are also a big part of the experience, giving you a chance to lead drawing, crafts, or other creative sessions that bring people together.
You don’t need to bring teaching materials, but feel free to bring some if you want to. It may also be beneficial to come with ideas that don’t rely on supplies.
In addition to teaching, you may be asked help around the lodge when needed for a few hours a day. This could include things like assisting with guests, small building projects, gardening, crafts, or general support. It’s all very flexible and depends on what is happening at the time.
Rules
This is a community-based experience, so we ask that you stay open, help out where you can, and be respectful at all times. Respect is very important here, not only toward community members, but also the lodge, the animals, and the surrounding nature.
Additionally living in the Amazon is an adventure in itself. It can be hot, humid, muddy, and full of life, so flexibility and a good attitude go a long way.
You’ll be surrounded by animals, both domestic and wild. Dogs, cats, chickens, and parrots are all around the property as they are pets, but you may also encounter mosquitoes, insects, spiders, and occasionally snakes. Being comfortable around nature (and bugs!) is important.
Lastly, bring your own items like bug repellent, long pants, closed-toe shoes or boots, a rain jacket (in rainy season), and sunscreen which are highly recommended.