Volunteer Hub
Renewable Energy Volunteering - Peru (2024)
Organisation Details
EcoSwell
Activity type: International , Practical Work and DIY, Research, Science and Technology
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: EcoSwell is a multiple award winning non-profit located in Lobitos, the surfing paradise of northern Peru. Students who have participated in EcoSwell's volunteering programme have described their experience as life altering and transformational. The organization focuses on helping vulnerable communities in Peru develop sustainably by carrying out infrastructure projects, socio-environmental and educational initiatives, thus implementing the United Nations SDGs.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +35,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Students can choose to volunteer at EcoSwell in the following disciplines:
- Renewable Energy
- Public Health
- NGO Management
- Ecosystem restoration & reforestation
- Water and Sanitation
- Research
- Marketing and social media
Through their work EcoSwell have impacted over +35,000 people, working hand in hand with local communities, with local government, private sector entities and with some of the best universities in the world.
Description of role: EcoSwell is a surfing-inspired and multiple award winning sustainable development non-profit (NGO) driving the development of poor Peruvian coastal communities through a path of sustainability. We develop environmental, educational, infrastructure and socio-economic projects working hand in hand with local communities and international volunteers.
Many of the areas we work in face frequent power outages and high energy costs, which affect the well-being and development of the communities we help. EcoSwell’s renewable energy projects aim to solve these problems, and those of other similar places in Peru, by offering clean and affordable energy that reaches the most vulnerable groups.
As a volunteer, you will have the chance to join us in various renewable energy initiatives, such as:
- UPS + Solar systems for medical centres: Help us install backup power systems that protect vital medical equipment and services from blackouts. We have already completed two projects in Lobitos and Talara, and we are expanding to more locations.
- Hybrid micro-grids for off-grid communities: Get involved in bringing clean and reliable electricity to remote villages that have never had access to the energy grid. We have successfully implemented a hybrid wind-solar system in Justo Pastor, Nazca, and we are looking for more partners and sponsors to replicate this model in other areas.
Residential PV systems for off-grid families: Help design and install solar panels for individual households that lack energy access. We have given a family of five their first taste of modern amenities, such as lighting, refrigeration and entertainment, and we want to help more families achieve their energy dreams.
- Solar distillers for water purification: Build and test solar devices that produce fresh water from seawater. Water scarcity is a serious problem in the northern coast of Peru, and we are working on finding a scalable and sustainable solution.
- Improved cookstoves for health and environmental sustainability: Help us create and improve cookstoves that reduce smoke and wood consumption. Many families in the region still rely on open fires for cooking, which harms their health and also the ecosystem. We want to offer them a better alternative that saves money and protects nature.
- Energy consultations for energy efficiency: Raise awareness and empower families to become more energy resilient and independent. We offer free energy consultations where we assess their needs and provide them with advice and assistance on how to reduce their energy bills, adopt energy efficient habits, and install solar PV systems if possible.
We need volunteers with a strong interest and/or background knowledge in renewable energy or sustainability to come and support us in these ongoing projects in northern Peru. The benefits of taking part in this volunteer experience include:
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real positive impact on vulnerable communities.
- Work and learn alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
- Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Accommodation & Travel:
It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.
During your volunteer time with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteer interns sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water, and a garden.
Extra Activities:
Interns work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches, and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:
- Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.
- Yoga classes
- Swimming with turtles
- Fishing, sea-lion, and whale watching trips with local fishermen
- Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem
- Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants
- Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.
Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of your volunteering experience, they are highly accessible nonetheless.
Many of the areas we work in face frequent power outages and high energy costs, which affect the well-being and development of the communities we help. EcoSwell’s renewable energy projects aim to solve these problems, and those of other similar places in Peru, by offering clean and affordable energy that reaches the most vulnerable groups.
As a volunteer, you will have the chance to join us in various renewable energy initiatives, such as:
- UPS + Solar systems for medical centres: Help us install backup power systems that protect vital medical equipment and services from blackouts. We have already completed two projects in Lobitos and Talara, and we are expanding to more locations.
- Hybrid micro-grids for off-grid communities: Get involved in bringing clean and reliable electricity to remote villages that have never had access to the energy grid. We have successfully implemented a hybrid wind-solar system in Justo Pastor, Nazca, and we are looking for more partners and sponsors to replicate this model in other areas.
Residential PV systems for off-grid families: Help design and install solar panels for individual households that lack energy access. We have given a family of five their first taste of modern amenities, such as lighting, refrigeration and entertainment, and we want to help more families achieve their energy dreams.
- Solar distillers for water purification: Build and test solar devices that produce fresh water from seawater. Water scarcity is a serious problem in the northern coast of Peru, and we are working on finding a scalable and sustainable solution.
- Improved cookstoves for health and environmental sustainability: Help us create and improve cookstoves that reduce smoke and wood consumption. Many families in the region still rely on open fires for cooking, which harms their health and also the ecosystem. We want to offer them a better alternative that saves money and protects nature.
- Energy consultations for energy efficiency: Raise awareness and empower families to become more energy resilient and independent. We offer free energy consultations where we assess their needs and provide them with advice and assistance on how to reduce their energy bills, adopt energy efficient habits, and install solar PV systems if possible.
We need volunteers with a strong interest and/or background knowledge in renewable energy or sustainability to come and support us in these ongoing projects in northern Peru. The benefits of taking part in this volunteer experience include:
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real positive impact on vulnerable communities.
- Work and learn alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines & backgrounds.
- Live and work in a surfing paradise in northern Peru, the land of endless summer.
Accommodation & Travel:
It’s easy to get to Lobitos! There are daily flights from Lima to Talara where you will be met at the airport and driven directly to Lobitos.
During your volunteer time with us, you will be provided with comfortable accommodation in the EcoSwell House, including all meals (healthy) and airport pickup/dropoff. This is included in your financial contribution. Volunteer interns sleep in shared dorm rooms with shared bathrooms and access to a shared living room, office space, kitchen, internet connection, clean water, and a garden.
Extra Activities:
Interns work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. The northern coast of Peru has amazing waves, beaches, and towns to go visit, with lots of different activities on offer such as:
- Surf lessons with local instructors in Lobitos. Alternatively, rent one of our EcoSwell surfboards and head out to the waves by yourself.
- Yoga classes
- Swimming with turtles
- Fishing, sea-lion, and whale watching trips with local fishermen
- Trekking and birdwatching in the native Dry Forest ecosystem
- Eat traditional Peruvian food at local restaurants
- Visits to other nearby beaches and towns within hours of Lobitos to explore more Peruvian landscapes, culture & history.
Please note that these activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of your volunteering experience, they are highly accessible nonetheless.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Practical Skills, Project Management, Research, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: Yes
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Monday AM, Monday PM, Tuesday AM, Tuesday PM, Wednesday AM, Wednesday PM, Thursday AM, Thursday PM, Friday AM, Friday PM
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: +30 hours per week
Location:
Villa de Oficiales 270, Barrio Centro
Lobitos