Av. Amazonas N21-217 y Roca

Telf. 2564840/2550208 Quito,

www. ecotrackers.com

R. C. U. 17918186870001

e-mail: ecotrackers@gmail.com

End of Volunteer Placement Report. (Report by President of Ecotrackers: Maximiliano Moreno 27/03/07)

Name of Volunteer: Michael Phelps

Michael undertook a volunteer placement with Eco-trackers in February 07. Having previous teaching experience in South Africa and Cambodia, he expressed a preference to teach English in a rural location in the Amazon Basin.

Michael and his fiance, Lisa, started their own project in San Jose, named 'Teaching English to protect the Amazon jungle'. They taught English at three different schools in the area. Each class varied in age from 6 years to 20 years old, which shows that Michael has a flexible approach to the work, and adapts easily to the children's needs according to their varied ability.

Michael is a highly motivated individual, which was shown during a weekend spent camping in the Amazon Jungle, at a location where there are plans underway to accommodate future volunteers. He was one of 5 volunteers which had to build a shelter for camping, and he motivated the group to get the work done.

He also shows a keen interest in ecotourism and the environment, and was involved with the reforestation of the banks of the River Morona, which have been destroyed due to logging in the past.

During Michael's placement in San Jose, he was invited to go on a 6 day canoe expedition, from Ecuador to Peru, which was the first of it's kind in history. He assisted the crew with the final preparations of the canoe, which were necessary before departure. His team working skills, and physical ability was very much appreciated by the organisers of the expedition.

Overall, Michael has been an asset to Eco trackers. He has shown that he is a motivated individual, and takes on new tasks with a positive approach. Michael can teach English as a foreign language very proficiently. He also developed a good relationship with the children at the schools and community of San Jose, evidenced by the increasing attendance of the children in the classes he taught.

Michael returned to Quito after his placement and canoe expedition, and promptly wrote up a report on his experiences, and more importantly, an evaluation of the current standard of English language, and teaching levels at all three schools. Michael was one of the first volunteers to be placed in San Jose, and his report will be used as a precedent for future volunteers who will continue his work.

Michael's report can be found on the Eco-trackers website.

Maximiliano Moreno

Presidente de Ecotrackers