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Organizational and Program Information

What is the New Era Galapagos Foundation?

What is the relationship between NEGF and La Fundación Nueva Era Galápagos (FNEG)?

What programs are offered?

What is the schedule of classes?

Is the NEGF a registered 501(c)(3) organization?

If a local resident approaches me about giving English lessons on a private basis, is it all right to go ahead with this?

What is the New Era Galapagos Foundation?

The New Era Galapagos Foundation (NEGF) is a grass roots non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands through the empowerment of local residents via educational programs and environmental action projects.

What is the relationship between NEGF and La Fundación Nueva Era Galápagos (FNEG)?

The NEGF and FNEG are partner organizations, each based in the United States and Ecuador, respectively. FNEG, a registered non-profit organization under the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Ecuador, provides all of the educational and conservation programs to the residents of San Cristobal, Galapagos. NEGF, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the State of Arizona, supports the mission and goals of FNEG through fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and general organizational support.

What programs are offered?

NEGF offers educational programs in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to children of all ages and adults. In addition, it offers special programs and activities in outdoor education, environmental education, art, and Scouts.

What is the schedule of classes?

New Era Galapagos runs an educational program parallel to the school year. Whereas in much of mainland Ecuador the regular school year runs from approximately late September to the end of June, in the Galapagos and some of the other coastal regions, it runs from April to January. New Era classes are held in three 3-month cycles - trimester 1: April-June, trimester 2: July-September, trimester 3: October-December. Each semester lasts for ten weeks. There is a 2 week gap between semesters during which there may be some informal revision classes if there are available volunteers and sufficient student interest. A summer camp program is held for 4-5 weeks, mid-February to mid-March. Adult classes continue in the evenings during the mid-January to March period.

English classes are held three afternoons a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for one hour each) for children during 4 time blocks (2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm, 5-6pm). Adults and older youth typically attend the evening class from 6-7pm.

Students are divided into classes for five age groups: 5-7, 7-9, 10-12, 13-16, 17+ (adult) and six levels: Beginners, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-intermediate, and Advanced. The majority of the students are at the first two or three levels. Most of the classes have between 8 and 25 students but higher level classes may be smaller. In the larger classes, there may be two teachers sharing the teaching responsibilities.

Is the NEGF a registered 501(c)(3) organization?

Yes, the NEGF is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation under the Internal Revenue Services. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

If a local resident approaches me about giving English lessons on a private basis, is it all right to go ahead with this?

It's best to talk with William Puga first, to ensure that locals aren't taking advantage of volunteers and that we give a relatively consistent response. Some volunteers have bartered the giving of English lessons in exchange for drawing lessons, reduced Internet fees, use of a bicycle, etc. But it's best to negotiate these arrangements with William's knowledge.

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