Public Health Internship in the Ecuadorian Amazon

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Runa Foundation is developing a new partnership with Water Ecuador, a foundation based in Ecuador that works to provide clean and affordable drinking water to impoverished communities. Currently, Water Ecuador has focused its work with communities on the coast but now they are looking towards working with communities here in the Amazon. This will be a grass-roots start-up project and we are looking for interns who are self-motivated, energetic, and adventurous!

Intern Duties:

Needs Assessment Surveys

• Finding communities interested in collaborating with Fundación Runa and Water Ecuador

• Creating an assessment survey to determine water problems and needs of the community

• Assessing current knowledge, attitudes and practices about water-related issues in the selected communities

Funding Research

• Research and write grants to help fund community projects based on the results from the community needs assessment surveys

Water Quality Testing

• Basic quality testing of local drinking water in collaborating communities

• Teaching these methods of testing to community members

Assessing Water Purification Techniques

• Research on best ways to purify water in communities

• Assess current water practices used by the community

Education

• Developing education curriculum for use in communities

• Educating students and community members about clean water, proper hygiene, pollution and contamination of rivers and water sources

• Involving students and teachers in the education process

• Educate community members on how to purify water simply and cost effectively

Qualifications

• Fluent or conversational in Spanish and English

• Able to develop and implement a project with limited oversight

• Interest in working and living in an indigenous community

• Ability to problem solve and work independently

• Excellent organization skills

• Research experience a plus

Please send the following directly to our Program Manager at volunteer@runa.org.

1. A simple resume

2. Letter of intent (including which project you are applying for and why you want to intern)

3. Two references (email addresses are OK)

If you are interested in working with us or have any questions about the internship program please send an email directly to volunteer@runa.org

Dates are flexible throughout the year.

Costs:

8 weeks room and program fees...........$1600

10 weeks room and program fees............$2000

Additional weeks...............................$200/week

Optional Homestay fee...........................$60/week

(Homestay includes all meals, lodging and transportation to/from homestay community)

*Program fees include living accommodations. Food and travel expenses are not included