Volunteer Hub
Research Volunteering in Peru 2024
Organisation Details
EcoSwell
Activity type: Administration, Business Management, Community Work, Culture, Environment and Gardening, Finance , Fundraising, International , Research
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: As a Research Volunteer, you will be given ownership of research initiatives, working alongside members of the community and the team. The daily activities will vary depending on whether you are conducting your own research or supporting us with a current project. This may include but is not limited to:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Research
This research project aims to quantify the impact that we have on the communities we work with in relation to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Volunteer are needed to help conceptualize the methodology and carry out data collection via surveys with members of the local community.
- Groundwater research
After winning a research grant from the Royal Academy of Engineering-UK (RAEng) by the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), we have been conducting groundwater research in Lobitos in partnership with UK universities. This study aims to investigate the extent & quality of groundwater resources in the region that could potentially be sustainably tapped into, managed and used for reforestation, irrigation or potentially human consumption by local communities. Volunteers are needed to support the team in fieldwork, community workshops, analysis of qualitative and quantitative data that has been collected and report writing.
- Public Health
Conduct research associated with our public health awareness initiatives aimed at improving people's quality of life through nutrition and sexual education.
-Business Plans/Models
Get involved in developing a business plan/model for bird watching ecotourism in the equatorial dry forest, one of the most endangered forests in the world. The long-term goal of this initiative is to provide an economic alternative to illegal logging of poor settlements located in our zone of influence. This project will have a huge impact on the lives of the locals, on the species that will be saved by the preservation of the forest, and will help mitigate the impacts of climate change from the forest's conservation.
- Your own research: Dissertations (Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
Create an appropriate research methodology for your own academic research as a part of your university studies which would be applicable and relevant to the sustainability work that we lead. We have received many volunteers from various world class universities who have carried out successful socio-economic and scientific fieldwork projects as part of their degrees with us. Depending on the nature of your research, you may be required to bring certain equipment and resources to aid in data collection.
BENEFITS OF JOINING THIS PROGRAM
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real and positive impact on a vulnerable community.
- Carry out a successful and impactful research project work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines.
- Receive ongoing guidance throughout the research process from our experienced team; from before you set off for Peru, during your volunteer time with us, and when you get back to university afterwards.
- 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 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
Volunteer interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 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, and if you are an experienced surfer, 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.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Impact Research
This research project aims to quantify the impact that we have on the communities we work with in relation to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Volunteer are needed to help conceptualize the methodology and carry out data collection via surveys with members of the local community.
- Groundwater research
After winning a research grant from the Royal Academy of Engineering-UK (RAEng) by the UK’s Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF), we have been conducting groundwater research in Lobitos in partnership with UK universities. This study aims to investigate the extent & quality of groundwater resources in the region that could potentially be sustainably tapped into, managed and used for reforestation, irrigation or potentially human consumption by local communities. Volunteers are needed to support the team in fieldwork, community workshops, analysis of qualitative and quantitative data that has been collected and report writing.
- Public Health
Conduct research associated with our public health awareness initiatives aimed at improving people's quality of life through nutrition and sexual education.
-Business Plans/Models
Get involved in developing a business plan/model for bird watching ecotourism in the equatorial dry forest, one of the most endangered forests in the world. The long-term goal of this initiative is to provide an economic alternative to illegal logging of poor settlements located in our zone of influence. This project will have a huge impact on the lives of the locals, on the species that will be saved by the preservation of the forest, and will help mitigate the impacts of climate change from the forest's conservation.
- Your own research: Dissertations (Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
Create an appropriate research methodology for your own academic research as a part of your university studies which would be applicable and relevant to the sustainability work that we lead. We have received many volunteers from various world class universities who have carried out successful socio-economic and scientific fieldwork projects as part of their degrees with us. Depending on the nature of your research, you may be required to bring certain equipment and resources to aid in data collection.
BENEFITS OF JOINING THIS PROGRAM
- Enhance your CV and gain professional hands-on experience managing sustainable projects in an international development NGO, having a real and positive impact on a vulnerable community.
- Carry out a successful and impactful research project work alongside experienced & passionate people from a range of disciplines.
- Receive ongoing guidance throughout the research process from our experienced team; from before you set off for Peru, during your volunteer time with us, and when you get back to university afterwards.
- 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 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
Volunteer interns work between 9am to 5pm on weekdays, 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, and if you are an experienced surfer, 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: Creative Skills, Administration, Leadership, Oral Communication Skills, Project Management, Research, Written Communication Skills
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