New Era Galapagos Foundation

Anyone can!! That is the simple answer, as really anyone can volunteer with New Era Galapagos if you have the right approach and an open, positive mindset.

We are looking for inspiring individuals who want to make a real difference to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands. NEGF offers real volunteering experiences, giving volunteers the opportunity to become immersed in the local community and impact the lives of the local people who live in San Cristobal.

Age is not a criteria which we use to select our volunteers on. You can have just left school or be taking a career break, as long as you have a positive attitude and outlook on life then you will be welcome at New Era Galapagos.

Experience in teaching is not essential, but is always welcome and will only help your experience in San Cristobal.

Skills we Look for in Volunteers

1 Ability to Teach Foreign Languages
Anyone trained in the instruction of foreign languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, and Italian. Learning English is a means to transfer the idea that they are very privileged to be living in such a beautiful environment and that it is their duty to look after it.

2 Environmental Education
The children need to be taught to take pride in living in such a fragile environment and to understand how they can play a part in saving the environment. They are being taught the importance of picking up rubbish and not dropping it in the first place, and that they are part of the solution to the problem of not taking pride in their environment. They are being taught to tidy up the community. They have to be taught to protect their heritage.

3 Art
Anyone with a background in art and a keen interest in working with children on community and classroom projects is needed. At present the children are involved with painting ecological murals on school walls. This project may be extended so that they paint other walls in the town. They are being encouraged to make their town more beautiful and to take pride in looking after it.

4 Working with Children
Anyone with experience in working with children, elementary education, technology training, outdoor education, or other potentially related fields are certainly welcome to contact us at any time regarding a possible volunteership.

5 Spanish Speakers
Generally, we expect all volunteers to have some exposure to the Spanish language, and preferably to have at least the ability to converse at a low level. However it is not necessary. Volunteering is a great way to improve your Spanish skills, and lessons and conversation exchanges can be arranged for your stay here.

6 Computing Skills
It is possible for volunteers to work on computing projects and help the community advertise their businesses and develop websites, wikis and blogs, as well as updating websites.

7 Special Needs
Volunteers who have a background in working with special needs children and adults are also welcome to apply.

8 Nursing and Medical Services
Volunteers are needed to help out in the local hospital and teach children about living healthy lives and preventing diseases.

9 Educating the Local Population/Guest Lecturers
Lecturers from most fields are welcome to give guest lectures to the children and local community, on any subject. 700 school children are waiting for lectures from you on any suitable topic.

10 Gardening
Along with painting murals, the children are planting trees and bushes to make the environment more beautiful.