The project

The project
We were assigned a specific project titled ‘Teaching English to Protect the Amazon Jungle’. The main objective being to teach children specific vocabulary relating to the Amazon Jungle e.g names of plant, animal and insect species that live in the Amazon Basin. By doing so, the children would benefit in the future if they were to become bilingual tourist guides in the area.
In addition to teaching English, weekends, would be spent on the Ecuador and Peru border, where there are plans to build a new Volunteer lodge with facilities, and a shop. This area will be used to accommodate future volunteers.
Also, there would be opportunities for us to be involved in the re-forestation of the sand banks on the Morona River, caused by subscidence due to logging in the area.

Location and getting there
The location options were discussed, and it was decided that we go to San Jose, a small town near the Peruvian border.
Our journey involved taking the 18.30 hrs bus from Quito’s main bus terminal to Macas. This journey can take between 9 and 11 hours. We chose to spend one night in Macas before continuing to San Jose. Macas is a small town with shops and restaurants, and accommodation options. The next morning we left Macas at 6.45 hrs, and travelled by bus to San Jose. This journey can take from 8 to 12 hours, on a very slow and bumpy road. It is recommended that you buy snacks and water in Macas, as there are no eating options on the way.