Volunteer at the Rio Muchaho Organic Farm

Volunteer at the Rio Muchacho Organic Farm

There is a lot of experience in organic farming in the mountains and in temperate climates in general, but there is little on the coast (except a couple of large banana plantations).
Río Muchacho now has an important role in demonstrating alternatives like biogas, solar power, composting systems, worm culture, water recycling, reforestation and forage systems, permaculture, organic farming techniques and environmental tourism. The farm now receives many community and student groups who come to learn about these alternatives. For those who haven't the time to volunteer, but wish to study spanish while learning about organic agriculture, Vida Verder offers a Spanish Program at the Rio Muchacho Organic Farm.

The farm is privately owned by an Ecuadorian/New Zealand couple Dario Proaño and Nicola Mears who are strongly committed to environmental and community work in this area and also in Bahía. They were instrumental in the creation of Bahía ecocity and continue to coordinate an environmental education program and paper recycling project in the city. The farm receives no support from organizations or foundations.

The Rio Muchacho School-
Rural education is very poor and most teachers only work 3 -4 days a week. In 1993 with community participation the environmental primary school was created. The aim of the school was to provide not only a more creative, practical education than in most rural schools but to teach environmental education. The school was built with natural materials donated by the parents. It has been running successfully since 1993 supported by the parents and the farm with help from tourists, friends, family and volunteers.

Areas of work for volunteers
Volunteers at Río Muchacho participate in general activities, related to agriculture, education and visits, and have as similar timetable as the family and other workers on the farm. Some of the activities will include:

nursery work, sowing seeds, filling bags, pricking out.

reforestation work, planting, weeding, mulching, staking, pruning.

creation and maintenance of vegetable gardens.

compost making.

planting, harvesting crops.

work in the environmental school, (see below and in the “our projects” section of the web page ) maintenance or giving classes English, art, sport

help in the preparation of food ( especially if you are interested to learn about typical food)

making banana circles

simple construction

artwork, translating, preparation of info and materials for the school

preparation for groups of visitors (groups of farmers from different parts of the country sometimes stay over night)

painting

help in feeding and caring for the animals.

feeding worms and separating worms from the humus.etc.

Weeding and applying liquid fertilizer Planting sugar cane

teaching/working at the Environmental School

Cost
Volunteers pay US $ 350 per month for food and lodging. We prefer a one month commitment, so that you can learn the ropes and so that there is some continuity for the family/ animals and plants. There are no refunds. We prefer that volunteers start at the beginning of the month as we do an orientation program which will help you on your stay. Two days free are given per week- Saturday afternoon, Sunday (the same day as the family and workers on the farm). The other half day is a "cultural afternoon " midweek which may be to go fishing shrimp or to learn how to carve mate, make coffee, chocolate, palm seed rings etc. The rest of the afternoon is yours.

What kind of people to volunteer?
We prefer that volunteers have...

At least a few weeks traveling experience in Latin America

A basic level of Spanish (the experience is much richer for you if you can communicate!)

Experience working in rural areas, on farms, with plants or in education (this is not essential as long as you are keen to learn)

We recommend that volunteers have health insurance ( important in case of any unexpected health problems )

Note: This is an isolated rural area where electricity and TV have existed since 1998. The local people have lived a simple but rich life without access to or knowledge of modern conveniences. There are no phone, fax and internet services at the farm ! We communicate by short wave radio with Bahia.

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