Building/Construction Design Internships, Ecuador

Building and construction design internships are available inEcuadorworking with CRACYP in the subtropical foothills of theAndes. CRACYP (which stands for Rural Reforestation and Progress Network Corporation, in Spanish) is a non profit organisation working in over 200 communities on the borders of the Cotopaxi, Bolivar and Los Rios provinces inEcuador. Applications are now being accepted for 2013.

CRACYP's aim is "Progreso Verde" or "Green Progress" - conservation of the environment and economic and social development of local communities. We aim to transfer appropriate technology and sustainable alternative agricultural methods, in exchange for community participation in reforestation. This process also increases the production alternatives and resources of the communities involved, improving their quality of life. Many of our projects involve organic cultivation and/or fair trade certification.

In order to expand the local economy and help stem rural-urban migration in the region, CRACYP is developing an eco-tourism project. Infrastructure will consist of several cabins constructed near the littlevillageofJilimbí, which is a farming community at the edge of forested Andean foothills. Two of the main attractions will be exploring the ecosystem via guided hikes, and experiencing the local culture through visits to sugarcane cultivators who make organic, fair trade alcohol. CRACYP will provide education and job training for members of the local community so that they can eventually assume control of all levels of the business.

Building and construction design interns will work with community members to come up with designs for these basic cabins and other ecotourism infrastructure using limited local materials (cinder blocks, concrete, some wood, bamboo). Depending on the length of the internship, interns may have the opportunity to work with community members to coordinate and carry out the construction process.

This is a great opportunity for those studying construction engineering, design, architecture, building or related fields who are interested in rural development to gain practical field experience. Interns will gain valuable leadership, project management, communication, and Spanish language skills.

Internships are available for 4 to 12 weeks, any time between now and November.

More details: Download the information pack from www.progresoverde.org/internship.html or email internship.ecuador@yahoo.co.uk. Please quote reference SDConFeb13 when you apply.