Los Voluntarios

Robert, the owner of the Katitawa School, estimates about 250 volunteers have cycled through the school in the past few years.

Since I've been here, about half of the volunteers have been from the United States, the other half from elsewhere. At the moment I write this, we have people here from the U.S., Canada, Czech Republic, Portugal, Holland, Brazil and France. In the past month we've also had volunteers from the U.K. and Australia.

Kevin and Alicia pose while the other Kevin watches Jared practice for music class

Donna (right) works with Francisca in the garden.

 Most of the volunteers are in their 20s (I'm the old man by a few years). Most stay for a month or two, though some are here for a bit longer. A lot come right after college or while they are taking a year off. Others like me have quit their jobs and are traveling before finding another job or going back to school. For most this is one stop of many in their travels.

Brinn enjoying her final day at the school.

Lauren gives Eric a ride on her shoulders.

 We all live at Hostal Pachamama (Mother Earth in Kichwa), and for having anywhere from eight to 15 people sharing a house at any given time, I am amazed at how harmonious the group has been. New people are quickly assimilated and pick up the routine, and everybody is very considerate. I'm sure having someone who cleans the house for us is a big factor as well, but it really has been an easy place to live. We have communal dinners and often take weekend trips together as well.

Hostal Pachamama

It takes the kids about five minutes to warm up to new volunteers, maybe less. They are very used to having new people show up and instruct them, so beyond the usual difficulties of getting 6-9 year olds to concentrate on anything, the turnover doesn't seem to faze them.

Francisco loaded down with Kevin and Francisca as Valeria tries to figure out of there's room for her anywhere. No volunteer has ever left Katitawa School without knowing that "Carga me" means "Carry me."