Volunteer Hub
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (In-Person)
Organisation Details
EcoSwell
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: DESCRIPTION OF ROLE
EcoSwell is a 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 interns. This program offers the opportunity to volunteer at a world-class archaeological site with the Wiese Foundation.
Peru is rich in archaeological history that predates the Incan empire. However, limited conservation efforts, awareness, and resources can restrict the access and opportunity to conserve this important heritage. Archaeological sites like El Brujo in Magdalena de Cao, Trujillo located on the northern coast of Peru, demonstrate how archaeology and cultural experiences can engage communities and support sustainable development through research, conservation and community engagement while preserving Peruvian culture.
This is a joint-program between EcoSwell and the Wiese Foundation. So far the initiatives include:
- The conservation of artefacts in a world-class museum and archaeological research station. More than 39,000 items have been excavated to date and just over 2,000 have been catalogued. These include mommies, ceramic pots, bottles, cups, jewellery, kitchen utensils, weapons, human remains and clothing textiles. This initiative aims to record and conserve these precious pieces.
- Archaeology research on specialized in-house projects and ongoing discoveries. Beyond excavation, the Foundation research has unravelled secrets of ancient civilizations, including research on the construction process of the Cao Viejo temple, the funerary context of the Lady of Cao mommy and the human settlement patterns in the Chicama River Valley. This initiative aims to share the Foundation's research knowledge on both a national and international level.
- The Brujo archaeological site serves as an education centre welcoming more than 47,000 visitors annually. The Foundation organizes dynamic events and workshops for the local community. Among the annual events that are organized is the International Archaeology Colloquium, exposing the research advances of the Foundation. This project aims to advance social impact by empowering local communities through education and cultural engagement.
We are in need of hard-working volunteer interns with a background knowledge/experience in archaeology, anthropology and/or historical studies to come to Trujillo and help us in the implementation of these project initiatives.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES
Volunteer interns work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. Based in the safe and welcoming town of Magdalena de Cao, you’ll have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and community life.
Accommodation is provided in the Wiese Foundation residence, where you’ll live alongside professional staff dedicated to archaeology and research at the Wiese Foundation. This setting offers an unparalleled experience—sharing daily life with passionate experts, gaining insight into their work, and participating in a rich exchange of knowledge and culture.
Please note that sightseeing activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of the volunteer internship.
EcoSwell is a 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 interns. This program offers the opportunity to volunteer at a world-class archaeological site with the Wiese Foundation.
Peru is rich in archaeological history that predates the Incan empire. However, limited conservation efforts, awareness, and resources can restrict the access and opportunity to conserve this important heritage. Archaeological sites like El Brujo in Magdalena de Cao, Trujillo located on the northern coast of Peru, demonstrate how archaeology and cultural experiences can engage communities and support sustainable development through research, conservation and community engagement while preserving Peruvian culture.
This is a joint-program between EcoSwell and the Wiese Foundation. So far the initiatives include:
- The conservation of artefacts in a world-class museum and archaeological research station. More than 39,000 items have been excavated to date and just over 2,000 have been catalogued. These include mommies, ceramic pots, bottles, cups, jewellery, kitchen utensils, weapons, human remains and clothing textiles. This initiative aims to record and conserve these precious pieces.
- Archaeology research on specialized in-house projects and ongoing discoveries. Beyond excavation, the Foundation research has unravelled secrets of ancient civilizations, including research on the construction process of the Cao Viejo temple, the funerary context of the Lady of Cao mommy and the human settlement patterns in the Chicama River Valley. This initiative aims to share the Foundation's research knowledge on both a national and international level.
- The Brujo archaeological site serves as an education centre welcoming more than 47,000 visitors annually. The Foundation organizes dynamic events and workshops for the local community. Among the annual events that are organized is the International Archaeology Colloquium, exposing the research advances of the Foundation. This project aims to advance social impact by empowering local communities through education and cultural engagement.
We are in need of hard-working volunteer interns with a background knowledge/experience in archaeology, anthropology and/or historical studies to come to Trujillo and help us in the implementation of these project initiatives.
EXTRA ACTIVITIES
Volunteer interns work between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays but evenings and weekends are free for you to spend as you wish. Based in the safe and welcoming town of Magdalena de Cao, you’ll have a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Peruvian culture and community life.
Accommodation is provided in the Wiese Foundation residence, where you’ll live alongside professional staff dedicated to archaeology and research at the Wiese Foundation. This setting offers an unparalleled experience—sharing daily life with passionate experts, gaining insight into their work, and participating in a rich exchange of knowledge and culture.
Please note that sightseeing activities are separate and are not included in the financial contribution you make as part of the volunteer internship.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Oral Communication Skills, Research, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: No
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: 40
Location: