New Era Galapagos Foundation, San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

Make a Dream Come True

2012-01-05T05:13:00.001-08:00

Sponsor a Wish

Make a Dream Come True

Sponsor a Teenager from the Galapagos

Teenagers from San Cristobal have been offered places on Coast School’s summer school in the UK in July and August 2012. http://www.coastschools.com/.This a wonderful opportunity for them to visit the UK and experience living in another culture. In order to allow them to do this, we need to raise enough money for their airfares. If you would like to contribute, please contact williampuga1@gmail.com.

Volunteer with NEGF

2011-07-21T04:15:00.001-07:00

Sponsor a Wish

Make a Dream Come True

Sponsor a Teenager from the Galapagos

Please send your enquiries to williampuga1@gmail.com. Thank you.

Introduction

As a non-profit foundation made up entirely of volunteers, we are always looking for individuals interested in understanding the needs and interests of the people of San Cristobal, Galapagos. Moreover, we seek open-minded individuals who share our passion for the environment and its conservation, and who would appreciate the opportunity to live and work in a natural paradise like the Galapagos Islands. Generally, we look for individuals specialized in one or more of the four programs we offer:

International volunteers play an invaluable role in our strategy by providing residents who are otherwise unaccustomed to contact with outsiders native English instruction and, more importantly, the opportunity to develop the social and cultural skills necessary to interact with international tourists through intercultural exchange.

Students and host families alike are able to establish and nurture relationships and friendships with teachers from all over the world, and develop the self-confidence and cultural knowledge needed to deal with different cultures and languages in a professional and friendly manner.

Volunteers typically live with local host families, arranged by NEGF, that enable a valuable cultural and financial exchange for both parties.

If you are interested in this remarkable opportunity for adventures, personal growth and service, do not hesitate to contact us on williampuga1@gmail.con for more information. Please download the form, complete it and send it back, along with a copy of your passport.

We would appreciate it if you would look at our wishlist and bring any items that you think would be useful for the foundation when you come to the island.

You will find more information about volunteering

with NEGF if you click on the link below.

http://captainandclark.com/2011/09/17/volunteering-with-new-era-galapagos/

If you are looking for a summer school in the UK, Coast School would be a good choice for teenagers.
Click on Coast Schools for more information.

Skills Needed and Volunteering Opportunities

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SKILLS WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS

1 Ability to Teach Foreign Languages

Anyone trained in the instruction of foreign languages, including English, French, German, Japanese, and Italian. Learning English is a means to transfer the idea that they are very privileged to be living in such a beautiful environment and that it is their duty to look after it.

2 Environmental Education

We need students and/or professionals with a background in environmental or other life sciences, with a passion for sharing their knowledge and the patience to work cooperatively with children and young adults. The children need to be taught to take pride in living in such a fragile environment and to understand how they can play a part in saving the environment. They are being taught the importance of picking up rubbish and not dropping it in the first place, and that they are part of the solution to the problem of not taking pride in their environment. They are being taught to tidy up the community. They have to be taught to protect their heritage.

3 Art

Anyone with a background in art and a keen interest in working with children on community and classroom projects is needed. At present the children are involved with painting ecological murals on school walls. This project may be extended so that they paint other walls in the town. They are being encouraged to make their town more beautiful and to take pride in looking after it.

4 Working with Children

Anyone with experience in working with children, elementary education, technology training, outdoor education, or other potentially related fields are certainly welcome to contact us at any time regarding a possible volunteership.

5 Spanish Speakers

Generally, we expect all volunteers to have some exposure to the Spanish language, and preferably to have at least the ability to converse at a low level. However, it is not necessary. Volunteering is a great way to improve your Spanish skills, and lessons and conversation exchanges can be arranged for your stay here.

6 Computing Skills

It is possible for volunteers to work on computing projects, help the community advertise their businesses and develop websites, wikis and blogs, as well as updating websites.

7 Special Needs

Volunteers who have a background in working with special needs children and adults are also welcome to apply.

8 Nursing and Medical Services

Volunteers are needed to help out in the local hospital and teach children about living healthy lives and preventing diseases.

9 Educating the Local Population/Guest Lecturers

Lecturers from most fields are welcome to give guest lectures to the children and local community, on any subject. 700 school children are waiting for lectures from you on any suitable topic.

Volunteers from all walks of life are invited to share their skills with the local community and provide new ideas for volunteer projects.

10 Gardening

Along with painting murals, the children are planting trees and bushes to make the environment more beautiful.

11 Teaching Music and Dance

Volunteers are also welcome to transfer their skills in music and dance.
http://www.performingartsabroad.com/galapagos

12 Helping with Fund Raising

The institute is always in need of funds to buy paint, stationery, books and other supplies. People with a background in fund-raising are also needed here.

If you are interested in this remarkable opportunity for adventures, personal growth and service, do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Please download the form, complete it and send it to williampuga1@gmail.com, along with a copy of your passport.

We would appreciate it if you would look at our wishlist and bring any items that you think would be useful for the foundation when you come to the island.

Time Commitment

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Time Commitment

Anyone interested in volunteering with the New Era Galapagos Foundation should commit him or herself for more than a month, but the amount of time you want to stay here is negotiable. Your time on the island will pass very quickly and even after 3 months you will want to stay longer.

Application Form and How to Apply

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NEGF Application Form

If you are interested in this remarkable opportunity for adventures, personal growth and service, do not hesitate to contact us for more information. Please download the form, complete it and send it back to williampuga1@gmail.com, along with a copy of your passport.

Full Name
Address
Next of kin
Date of birth
Occupation
Skills
Passport number
Mobile number
Nationality
Email address
Website address
Languages
Educational qualifications
Experience
Possible dates for volunteering
Why do you want to volunteer?
How did you hear about NEGF?

Date: Signature:

FAQs

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Location

1) Where are the Galapagos Islands?

The Galapagos Islands are located approximately 1,000 km (625 miles) off the coast of Ecuador. They are comprised of thirteen islands and over forty islets. Some 18,000 humans inhabit five of the islands (San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Isabela, Floreana, and Baltra), and 97% of the islands' total area is designated as National Park land. San Cristobal Island, the easternmost island and home to the New Era Galapagos Foundation, has roughly 5,000 residents.

New Era Galapagos Foundation - Organizational and Program Information

2) What is the New Era Galapagos Foundation?

The New Era Galapagos Foundation (NEGF) is a grass roots non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands through the empowerment of local residents via educational programs and environmental action projects.

3) What is the relationship between the NEGF and La Fundación Nueva Era Galápagos (FNEG)?

The NEGF and FNEG are partner organizations, each based in the United States and Ecuador, respectively. FNEG, a registered non-profit organization under the Ministry of the Environment of the Republic of Ecuador, provides all of the educational and conservation programs to the residents of San Cristobal, Galapagos. THE NEGF, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation in the State of Arizona, supports the mission and goals of FNEG through fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and general organizational support.

4) What programs are offered?

THE NEGF offers educational programs in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to children of all ages and adults. In addition, it offers special programs and activities in outdoor education, environmental education, art, and scouts.

5) What is the schedule for classes ?

The NEGF runs an educational program parallel to the school year. Whereas in much of mainland Ecuador the regular school year runs from approximately late September to the end of June, in the Galapagos and some of the other coastal regions, it runs from April to January. The New Era classes are held in three 3-month cycles: April-June, July-September, October-December. A summer camp program is held for 4-5 weeks, mid-February to mid-March. Adult classes continue in the evenings during the mid-January to March period.

English classes are held four afternoons a week (Mon.-Thurs., one hour each) for children, during three time blocks: 3-4 p.m., 4-5 p.m., and 5-6 p.m. On Friday afternoons no regular classes are held, but the children may come to watch movies or participate in special activities. English classes are held four evenings a week (Mon.-Thurs., one hour each) for adults and older youths during two time blocks: 7-8 p.m. and 8-9 p.m.

Students are divided into classes for beginning, elementary, or intermediate levels. There are also a few advanced students. The majority of the students are at the beginning or elementary levels. Most of the beginning and elementary classes have between 8 and 25 students. In the larger classes, there may be two teachers sharing the teaching responsibilities.

6) Is the NEGF a registered 501(c)(3) organization?

Yes, the NEGF is a registered 501(c)(3) corporation under the Internal Revenue Services. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

7) If a local resident approaches me about giving English lessons on a private basis, is it all right to go ahead with this?

It's best to talk with William Puga first, to ensure that locals aren't taking advantage of volunteers and that we give a relatively consistent response. Some volunteers have bartered the giving of English lessons in exchange for drawing lessons, reduced Internet fees, use of a bicycle, etc. , but it's best to negotiate these arrangements with William's knowledge.

Volunteering for the New Era Galapagos Foundation

8) Is it possible to volunteer with the NEGF?

As a non-profit organization staffed entirely by volunteers, the NEGF is always recruiting individuals for volunteer placements on San Cristobal Island, Galapagos. Volunteers should be prepared to commit a minimum of three months in one (or more) of the following program areas: English as a Foreign Language, Environmental Education, Art, and/or Admin/Management/Development. Most volunteers teach English. Some combine that with involvement in one or more of the other areas. Interested candidates should send their resumes to info@neweragalapagos.org no later than two months prior to the start date of the session they are interested in.

9) How many hours a week does a typical volunteer work?

Though volunteer schedules vary depending on the area to which they are assigned, most volunteers work approximately 20-25 hours per week. For example, English teachers typically provide 4 hours of classroom instruction daily (Monday-Friday), not including lesson plans and general classroom preparation. Those volunteers involved with environmental education or art activities usually are involved in these activities on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings, as well as several hours each day from Monday-Thursday.

10) What kind of volunteer makes a good fit with the NEGF?

If you are looking for an interesting island experience, in a friendly and low-key community, with incredible wildlife all around you, San Cristobal may be the location for you. If you are looking to party, in a location with serious nightlife, the New Era Galapagos Foundation, and San Cristobal Island, will not be a good fit.

An intermediate level of Spanish is desirable, Although it is not necessary, you will get more out of the experience and be able to interact more effectively with local people if your Spanish skills are at this level.

You will need to bring a positive attitude, a sense of humor and a very flexible state of mind. The Galapaguenian way of life is laid back, people are frequently late, and apparent commitments can be somewhat fluid.

11) Does the NEGF offer any paid positions?

Due to extremely limited financial resources, the NEGF does not offer any paid staff positions at this time.

12) How much does it cost to volunteer with the NEGF?

All NEGF volunteers must pay for all transportation costs to and from the Galapagos Islands, as well as general living expenses while in the Islands. The NEGF provides all volunteers with a waiver for the $100 entrance fee charged upon arrival to all visitors of the Galapagos. There are no additional charges.

13) I am interested in volunteering with the NEGF, but I can't stay for three months. Is this OK?

Normally, volunteers are expected to commit to at least a three-month stay. During some periods of the year, for example, the children's camp program, held during February and March, a shorter commitment will be considered.

14) Does the NEGF require volunteers to speak Spanish?

Volunteers interested in teaching EFL do not need to be Spanish speakers, though some basic Spanish knowledge is recommended. Volunteers interested in all other program areas must possess conversational Spanish at the intermediate level or higher.

15) Do volunteers have the opportunity to travel to other Galapagos Islands?

During their service, all volunteers are expected to fulfil the duties assigned them. However, all volunteers are encouraged to explore the island of San Cristobal to its fullest. Due to the distance between islands and the time associated with boat travel between each island (4 1/2 hours to the closest inhabited island, Santa Cruz), volunteers are recommended to visit other islands either before or after their service begins. Having said that, virtually every volunteer has travelled both by car and/or panga, local motor boats, to visit the many unique and spectacular areas of San Cristobal Island, including Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock), Playa Ochoa, La Galapaguera, and other designated tourist sites.

16) What is the contact information for the New Era Galapagos Foundation and where is it located?

It is located near the national bank, on 12 de Febrero y Alsarcio Northia. The phone and fax number is +593-05-2520-531.

17) Will I be using standard textbooks?

There are many educational resources available - grammar textbooks, workbooks, NS supplementary materials for different levels and appropriate for different ages. These have been organized and catalogued, with an annotated resource list available, to help volunteers gain easy access to the available resources.

Course materials and ideas for teaching may also be found in http://callingthegalpagos.pbworks.com.

18) What kind of educational support and technology are available?

There is one classroom with a white board. Additional equipment includes an audio tape/CD player. There are three computers in the office available for use by volunteers for preparing materials and two small laptops for the children.

19) Can I bring anything to help the NEGF?

Basic educational supplies are always needed. If you are willing to bring along boxes of crayons, erasable markers (for whiteboards), pencils, and colored pencils, they will be much appreciated and well used. We use these supplies on a regular basis and can always use more. Other supplies that would be helpful to bring include colored paper (construction paper), paints, erasers, and small pencil sharpeners. Additional instructional materials would be helpful, especially a complete or advanced grammar text.

20) What should I bring to San Cristobal?

There are also a number of things that you can bring that will enhance your personal experience here on the island. Past volunteers have set up a small lending library of paperback novels and other books for pleasure reading Rather than taking them home when they leave, they have chosen to leave them behind for the benefit of other volunteers. Also, if you want to bring a soccer ball (futbol), volleyball, basketball, or frisbee, there will be many opportunities to use them for recreational purposes. Any of these, or snorkeling equipment, that you want to leave behind when you go home, will be well appreciated by other volunteers.

Travel Information

21) Are there options to travel between the islands within the Galapagos?

There are daily boats and a daily (normally) small plane, between San Cristobal and Santa Cruz.

Boat:

There are boats to Santa Cruz from the island every day at 7am. The cost for the boat is $25 one way.

Plane:

Emetebe Airline flies a small plane daily (as long as there are passengers), usually in the morning, between San Cristobal and Baltra and sometimes goes to Isabela as well. The office is located at the airport in San Cristobal. The cost for the plane is a lot higher than the boat.

22) Do I need to get a special visa?

Although Ecuadorean law says that if you will be in the country for more than 90 days, you need to get a special visa, we do not recommend that you do this. Previous volunteers have had considerable difficulty when they have gotten a special visa. Information is inconsistent among consulates, not infrequently the wrong visa is issued, the paperwork required is extensive, to change or renew a special visa requires traveling back to Quito, and it is costly to obtain a special visa.

We recommend that you come to Ecuador without a visa. You will be issued a tourist visa upon your arrival in the country. When passing through customs, it is best to simply say that you are a tourist and not to mention that you will be doing volunteer work. If you plan to stay more than 90 days, you can easily get your visa renewed in the local police station/immigration office in San Cristobal.

23) I understand that there is a $100 National Park entrance fee to be paid upon arrival in the Galapagos, but that as a volunteer, I can get it waived. How do I go about doing this?

Someone from the New Era, either William Puga, the Program Director, or another volunteer, should meet you at the airport. A letter from William should have been sent to the National Park, and they should have it in hand. It is best to have William email you a copy to carry with you in your possession as well. If they cannot locate that paperwork, tell them that they should have received such a letter from William.

Life on San Cristobal Island

24) What is the difference between San Cristobal and Puerto Baquerizo Moreno?

San Cristobal is the name of the island. Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the name of the principal town on the island, a port on the ocean where the New Era Galapagos Foundation is located. The population of the whole island is approximately 6,500, most of whom live in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno.

25) What is the weather like on San Cristobal?

There are two seasons in the Galapagos, a dry season and a wet season. Surprisingly, the "dry season", from June to November, tends to be cloudier and cooler, and frequently there is a mist in the air, called the garúa, more so in the highlands than in town. While real rain is infrequent, it does occur during the dry season. When the sun is out, it can be quite warm, even hot, and evenings are quite cool. The "wet season", from December to May, tends to be much hotter, with more frequent rain and also more intense sun.

26) In which time zone is San Cristobal?

The Galapagos are one hour behind Quito. They are parallel to MDT (mountain daylight time) or CST (central standard time) in the U.S.

27) What is daily life like in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno?

The pace of life in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and on San Cristobal is laid back and casual. While many people have emigrated here from mainland Ecuador, many others have lived here all their lives. They live here for the tranquility and peaceful lifestyle of the island. The local people are very friendly and helpful. Dress and customs are informal.

28) What kind of transportation is available on the island?

While a few people in town have private cars or trucks, you will notice white taxi/trucks available everywhere. For $1, you can ride anywhere in town, and for a couple of dollars you can get a ride to El Progresso. You can walk from one side of the town to the other in about half an hour.

29) What kind of housing and restaurants are available?

Several different types of housing are available. The most common arrangement is to rent a room in the home of a local family or small apartment. Some arrangements have access to kitchen facilities; others do not. Occasionally, it is possible to both live and eat meals with a family, but this is not common. Some volunteers cook their own meals; others eat in local restaurants, some with a contracted arrangement to eat all their meals there.

The cost for accommodation ranges from $10 per night in a house with a family, including hot water, kitchen facilities, WIFI and an ensuite bathroom, to $15. Eating in different restaurants can be done relatively cheaply. Cooking for yourself can cut costs. Most people end up combining cooking with eating out.

30) What if I don't have accommodation lined up when I arrive? Where can I stay upon arrival?

There are several relatively inexpensive hotels in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Among them are Hotel Chatham and Mar Azul, located just a couple blocks from the airport and also a couple blocks from the center of town. Others, including the Hotel San Francisco, are in the center. They cost $10 to $15 per night.

31) What health and safety precautions should I be aware of?

You should either buy and drink only bottled water or you should boil water before drinking it.

With food, be sure to wash well all fresh fruits and vegetables before eating them. With packaged food, look for expiration dates before you purchase them...the health department frequently has to confiscate food because stores sell food beyond the expiration dates.

If you drink alcohol, it´s best to stick to beer and wine and not to drink hard liquor. Not infrequently bottled liquor has been tampered with, with ethyl alcohol or some other toxic kind of alcohol being substituted.

Relatively speaking, San Cristobal is very safe. Unlike the mainland, there is very little theft and little concern for crime. However, normal precautions should be taken.

32) What kind of medical care is available on the island?

Minimal medical care is available, including minimal surgery. Major problems or accidents require transportation to the mainland for care.

33) What is the typical food eaten on the islands?

Almuerzo is eaten in the early afternoon and is the largest meal of the day. Typically, it consists of two dishes, soup, and some kind of fish, chicken or meat (often fried), rice and/or potatoes, and vegetables. Merienda, the evening meal, is similar, but usually on a lighter scale. There are many fresh fruits available on the island, many grown locally. There are also many vegetables available, some grown locally, but many transported from the main land.

34) Is it safe to drink the water?

You cannot drink the water on the island. Bottled water can easily be purchased, at a relatively low cost. Sometimes the local hospital makes available a water tap in its courtyard. When this occurs, you can fill jugs of water for free...this water is fine to drink.

35) What kind of banking facilities are available?

There are two banks on the island, Banco del Pacifico and Banco Nacional. Hours are Mon.- Fri., 8 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. and Sat., 10 a.m.-12 noon.

The ATM/cash machines are outside, open 24 hours and accept the following cards: Mastercard, Cirrus, and Maestro. Check on the back of your ATM card to see if it has one of these symbols.

36) What kind of currency does Ecuador use?

Ecuadorean currency was discontinued several years ago. U.S. currency is now the standard and used regularly, both bills and coins.

37) Can I use a credit card on the island?

You can use a credit card for nice restaurants, but you are unlikely to want to count on using one. Any place that accepts them will charge you a significant additional fee for its use. Most stores, markets, hotels, and small restaurants (the majority) will accept only cash.

38) Can I get access to the Internet on San Cristobal?

Yes, there are a number of Internet cafés on the island. However, the cost is more expensive than on the mainland. They currently charge $2-3 per hour.

39) What do I do about laundry?

There are several laundries in the town that wash and iron clothes.

40) What is there to do in my free time on San Cristobal?

The options for evening entertainment are pretty limited. There are two discos in town and they tend to attract a young, local crowd. There are a few bars, where volunteers hang out, drink a beer or two, and play pool.

There are many more options for daytime activities, taking advantage of the natural environment of the island. Such activities include swimming, snorkeling, surfing, hiking, biking and wildlife watching.

San Cristobal is also home to an excellent Interpretation Center just at the edge of town near Playa Mann. It provides an excellent history and overview of the development of the islands and of some of the issues the island faces today. More information may be found http://sancristobalisland.blogspot.com.

Additional Places to Visit:

- La Lobería - approximately a half hour walk from the airport. Many sea lions live on this beach and it is a great place to watch them, and take photos and or videos, and watch iguanas and many sea birds along the rocks.

- El Progreso - located up the hill up the main road from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, it is a small village, with the original settlement on the island It is easily accessible by bike (as long as your gears work, as it is uphill!), or a sturdy walk or an inexpensive cab/truck ride.

- La Soledad - a very small settlement not too far beyond El Progreso. There is not much there except a nice mirador (view point) up above a little church, looking out onto the sea on the south-western side of the island.

- El Junco - a lake on the island, formed within the remains of an old crater It is near the highest point on the island, a bit beyond El Progresso.

- La Galapaguera - a protected area where large tortoises are cared for, fed, and raised.

- Puerto Chino - a lovely little beach on the southeastern side of the island, with fine white sand, good swimming, and seabirds. It is accessible via taxi/truck to the end of the road, and then it is an approximately 30-minute walk from there.

- Leon Dormido/Kicker Rock - only available by boat (about a 1-hr. ride from town). It is a great place for snorkeling, and wildlife watching (sea lions, masked boobies, frigate birds, and sharks).

41) If I have extra time or want to learn more about other organizations and issues on the island, are there opportunities for additional volunteer work in other organizations?

There are a number of other educational or social programs that can sometimes utilize volunteer assistance. Arrangements for contacting one of these or other organizations may be worked out with the assistance of William Puga.

42) Are there past volunteers that I can contact who will share their experiences with me and give me advice?

Yes, a number of past volunteers are available for that purpose. Please email William at williampuga1@gmail.com, and he will put you in contact with current or former volunteers.

Laptop Appeal

2011-04-21T06:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.latafoundation.org/projects/galapagos-laptop-and-projector-appeal/

Supporting conservation, social development and language classes in San Cristóbal

The New Era Galapagos Foundation provides not-for-profit extra-curricular educational classes for 100 youths and around 20 adults living in San Cristóbal. The New Era Galapagos Foundation has been operating for 14 years and has an emphasis on conservation, social development and language teaching for the purpose of maximising employment prospects. Indeed, some of their former students are now working as tour guides and marine biologists.

We are appealing for a serviceable laptop and projector to help them. We hope to source these from travel companies, tour operators, hotels or businesses based in Ecuador.

Date project approved: 09 March 2011

Stories from the Galapagos

2011-03-30T22:04:00.000-07:00

http://worldchallengeus.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/stories-from-the-galapagos/

Frequently Asked Questions

2011-01-11T14:14:00.000-08:00

Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation	What is the accommodation like?	All the accommodation is screened by the NEGF and most of the families have been hosting volunteers for years.
	How much does accommodation cost?	From $8 to $15 per night, depending on the facilities. Some rooms have Internet access, ensuite bathrooms, washing machine and kitchen facilities.
	How far is the NEGF from most of the accommodation?	Most places are 10 minutes walk from the foundation.
Fauna and Fauna	Is it easy to see flora and fauna on the island?	Sea lions lie on the beaches in and around town, and may be viewed or swum with. Giant tortoises, iguanas and birds may be seem in the highlands. You may swim with sharks, rays, iguanas, sea lions and turtles.
Food	How much does food cost?	$3 upwards for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are small shops selling most types of food, and one supermarket.
Laundry	Is it easy to do laundry on the island?	There are several laundries around town and they charge by the kilo to wash and/or dry clothes.
Organisation and Programmes in NEGF	Do the programmes run all year round?	Yes
	Can I bring anything for the NEGF?	Yes. We always need books, software, laptops, educational and educational supplies. Check our wish list for the latest needs.
Pharmacies	Are there pharmacies on the island?	There are several selling basic medicines. IT is suggested that you bring your own supplies to the island.
San Cristobal	Information about San Cristobal may be viewed in http://sancristobalisland.blogspot.com
Summer Camp	When is summer camp held?	January is used for planning and it runs from the first week in February until the second week of March.
Surfing	Where can we surf?	There are good surfing beaches near the main town.
Travelling to Other Islands	Is it easy to travel to other islands?	Santa Cruz is about 2 ½ hours away by boat. It costs about $25 to go there. Floreana, Isabella and Seymour may be visited by boat from Santa Cruz on day trips.

Information about San Cristobal Island

2011-01-08T16:31:00.000-08:00

If you wish to find out more about the island, click on San Cristobal Island.

Pack for a Purpose

2010-12-13T08:27:00.001-08:00

Improving the Lives of Children Five Pounds at a Time

Pack for a Purpose is a simple concept that makes a big impact on the lives of children around the world. Getting involved is easy. The organization is dedicated to providing information so individual travelers can bring needed educational materials and medical supplies to children in the communities they are visiting.

World travelers and entrepreneurs Rebecca and Scott Rothney with the help of several friends launched the website www.packforapurpose.org in December 2009. The organization was founded on the principal that every little bit helps and all it takes to get involved is to use a small amount space in your luggage for supplies when packing for a trip abroad.

When travelers visit the site they follow four simple steps. The first step is to select their destination. They then find their lodging which lists the sponsored community project and the needed supplies. Next they choose which supplies they wish to bring with them. 5 pounds is recommended. Last they pack them in their luggage and deliver them when they arrive at their lodging. Each listing on the Pack for a Purpose Web site has been contacted about the program, provided the needs list, has agreed to participate and will eagerly welcome all contributions from travelers.

“Five pounds can be as much as 400 pencils or five deflated soccer balls,” said Rebecca Rothney. “The first time we took supplies, we visited a local school in Botswana and the kids were playing soccer with a ball of rags tied together with string. It’s startling to see just how little some of the schools and clinics have to work with. I believe we can all find a little space in our luggage for a bag of supplies. If enough people make small contributions, we have the potential to make an enormous positive impact.

One of the first contacts Rothney established for the program was Michelle Puddu of Wilderness Safaris in South Africa. Rothney and her husband had personally worked with Puddu to bring many hundreds of pounds of school supplies to South Africa and Botswana over the course of several different trips.

“The idea is a brilliant one – it costs almost nothing on the part of the donor, just a great deal of kindness and a small amount of effort,” Puddu said. “This is the type of goodwill that nobody really thinks about, but makes a big difference.”

“As word spreads and more travelers participate, we have the potential to deliver several tons of needed supplies each year directly to the people who need them.” Rothney said. “Everyone wants to make a difference, vacation travelers, honeymooners and business travelers, and the Pack for a Purpose website will make it easy to contribute in a meaningful way.”

For Non-government Organizations

We believe that Pack for a Purpose® could provide additional resources to projects you already support. Through our nonprofit organization's informational website, Pack for a Purpose® promotes ongoing documented community projects in travel destinations all over the world. With a small amount of space and little effort, travelers can make a positive impact in the communities they visit.

Lodgings, resorts and hotels provide us with information about the service projects they support, including a list of supplies they need. This information is then posted on our website. It is used to inform travelers about opportunities to assist the communities they visit by packing up to five pounds (2.2 kilos) of requested supplies in their luggage. Travelers then leave the supplies at the lodging, to be delivered to the sponsored community project.

There is no cost to participate, and the benefits are limitless! It only takes a few minutes to go to the “Contact” page on our website, enter in the necessary information in the “To Submit A Lodging” form, and become part of the Pack for a Purpose® network (http://www.packforapurpose.org/docs/contact.shtml). Not only will you receive free publicity for your property, but you will inform travelers about supplies needed to support your worthwhile projects.

For more information, please feel free to explore our website, http://www.packforapurpose.org/. All of the destinations that we are affiliated with to date are posted there, and are valued partners in their communities. We have received news and editorial coverage in a number of media, including ABCNews.com (http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/pack-purpose-helps-needy-africa/story?id=9744358&page=1), the International Ecotourism Society (http://www.yourtravelchoice.org/2010/03/making-a-difference-five-pounds-at-a-time/) and page 37 of Virgin Blue’s May 2010 in-flight magazine (http://voyeur.realviewtechnologies.com/?iid=35082). To see additional coverage, please visit the “News” page on our website (http://www.packforapurpose.org/docs/news.shtml).

We hope you will choose to become part of the Pack for a Purpose® network of projects and destinations. Doing so will not only enhance your web presence, but most importantly will benefit the worthwhile projects you support in your local communities!

Should you have any questions, please contact me at info.packforapurpose@gmail.com.

CALLing the Galapagos

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CALLing the Galapagos is a project to develop the computing skills of children and teenagers living on the inhabited islands of the Galapagos, namely San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela.

The project is being developed by the New Era Galapagos Foundation on San Cristobal Island, under the supervision of Dot MacKenzie.

More information about the NEGF may be found in http://neweragalapagosfoundation.blogspot.com. Information about San Cristobal Island may be found in http://sancristobalisland.blogspot.com.

The NEGF has recently received two laptops from the One Laptop per Child Organisation, http://wiki.laptop.org/. They will be used to help teach English and environmental and computing skills.

More information about the work of the NEGF may be obtained from
williampuga1@gmail.com. Volunteers may work on the island all year round.

PowerPoints

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Eco Scout Activities, New Era Galapagos Foundation

Donations

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1 The New Era Galapagos Foundation would like to thank Cambridge University Press (Quito and Dubai) for the book donation. The books will be used by students attending English classes in the foundation.

2 We should also like to thank the One Laptop per Child organisation for donating two laptops.

3 We should like to thank the 2Simple Software Company for their donation of 20 licences for our children to use Purple Mash Software. We will display their work once they start using it. Click on Purple Mash for more information.

4 We should like to thank Metropolitan Touring for the donation of a projector. Click on Metropolitan Touring.

5 We should like to thank Coast Schools for their donation of 2 places in their summer camp in 2012.

Testimonials from International Volunteers

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Testimonials from some of our volunteers may be found in Volunteers and Testimonials.

Click on Matt to read his testimonial.

Click on Sally to read hers.

Pam´s Testimonial

Never before having had the opportunity, now a widowed, retired nurse, I decided to ‘bite the bullet’ and take a year out!

I arrived at Nueva Era with my co-ordinator from the British organization I had registered with, Outreach International, which had found this project in which to place me. I´m a grandma of 6 from Jersey in the Channel Islands.

I met the director, William Puga, who seemed unphased by my advanced years and who welcomed me warmly.

Never having taught English before, and only half-way through my TESOL course, it was daunting to say the least, to be faced with over 100 new faces in five hour-long classes on the first day. I joined two other first-time English ‘teachers’ and we set to!

To be honest it was truly a baptism of fire, but one that I have grown to love. The kids individually are great – collectively, a challenge. My oasis at the end of the day is to teach the adults.

Would I recommend this work and Galapagean life-experience to anyone else? Oh yes!

Dot's Testimonial

I volunteered with NEGF for 3 months last year and for 2 weeks earlier this year, and found it to be a really great experience. William works hard and tirelessly for the community on San Cristobal Island. While I was there, the children were involved with painting murals on the outside of school walls and tidying up their grounds. Nearly every Saturday, groups of eco scouts carry paint and paintbrushes and proceed to brighten up their environment. Some of them have also been involved in planting trees. Groups also visited the Interpretation Centre to learn about the history and geography of the islands, and learned more about what it means to be a child of the islands. There were volunteers from the UK , the USA , Canada , Singapore and Spain while I was there, having a wonderful time and enjoying their work with the local children, including teaching English and working in the local special needs facility. One volunteer was there for the whole of 2011. Being there was life-changing and I hope to go back to work with the great people there. When we think of the Galapagos, we always think about the fauna and flora, but tend to forget or not know that there are people there who will welcome us into their community and give us a far deeper understanding of the Galapagos. All sorts of volunteers are useful to the community. More information may be found in http://neweragalapagos.blogspot.com
http://sancristobalisland.blogspot.com.

Teaching Materials and Ideas

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Primary and Secondary

Hands across the Oceans

IELTS 1

IELTS 2

All Write Jawi

ESL/ESL Student Showcase

Webheads

Learning with Computers

Photos of Eco Scouts

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You will be able to see more photos if you click on August 2010.

There are two groups of scouts - the 7 to 10 year olds and the 11 to 15 ones.

Information for Prospective Volunteers

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The following document has been created to fully inform individuals about the NEGF and what is expeced of volunteers.

After carefully reviewing the information below, if you still have questions, please contact our coordinator:

William Puga

Director/Founder

New Era Galapagos Foundation

Office: 593-05-2520531 – cel 099640929

Email: williampuga1@gmail.com

New Era Galapagos Foundation's Mission Statement

The New Era Galapagos Foundation was founded with the commitment to an inclusive and therefore effective conservation that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and awareness to the inhabitants of San Cristobal Island.

NEGF´s programs aim to raise public awareness of the value of biodiversity, get local people, primarily youth, involved in protecting their natural resources, and endow local residents with the skills and awareness for non-resource extractive employment in industries such as ecotourism, science, and conservation.

NEGF is situated in San Cristobal, in the town of Puerto Bariquezo, often referred to as the capital of paradise. It is officially, however, the capital of the Galapagos Islands.

VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS

SUMMER CAMP

· The summer camp runs from the first week of February till the second week of March. The time schedule is Monday to Friday from 8:30 am till 12:00 noon.

· Children will work with volunteers on art activities, English language learning, environmental education, eco scout activities and sports, with field trips and excursions on Fridays. All instructions and activities are taught in English.

· We suggest that volunteers arrive in the Galapagos by the 1^st or 2^nd of February and stay until the second week of March to participate with the summer program.

ENGLISH FOR ALL PROGRAM (SCHOOL YEAR LONG)

· Volunteers assist with or lead English classes Monday through Thursday. The sessions for the school year program are as follows: April to December. We accept volunteers for a minimum of a month, but we prefer that volunteers plan a stay of two months or longer to fully benefit the students attending the program.

· Additional community activities take place on Saturdays with the eco-scouts.

ECO-SCOUT ACTIVITIES

· Saturday community activities offer fun opportunities to participate in boat trips, island field trips, beach cleanups, mural painting and various local tours.

LIVING ARRANGEMENTS

Volunteers typically live with local host families, arranged by us, that enable a valuable cultural and financial exchange for both parties. All host families are connected locally with our educational program, and all have been screened as appropriate and comfortable for our volunteers. Home stay housing prices range from $8.00 to $10.00 per day

Living arrangements and amenities will vary slightly, but may include:

- Kitchen access

- Internet access

- Filtered water

- Hot water shower facilities

- Laundry facilities

If something is not available in the house, such as Internet access or laundry facilities, access can be easily found in the community at additional expense.

· A local hostel offers a discounted rate for $12 to 15 per night, including a shared bathroom and no kitchen.

EATING

You can prepare food at home independently since you'll have access to a kitchen, or eat in restaurants. Several local restaurants offer inexpensive menus, for example $3.00 for a lunch that includes soup, juice, meat, salad and rice.

TRAVEL EXPENSES

FLIGHT TO SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS

From Quito, Ecuador, to the Galapagos Islands (San Cristobal) costs $400+ — OR –
from Guayaquil, Ecuador, to the Galapagos Islands (San Cristobal): $350+.

Consejo de Gobierno Fee: $10, payable in cash at the airport before departure on the mainland.

Galapagos Park Entrance Fee: $100, payable in cash at San Cristobal Airport. (The fee for accompanying children is $55.)

Flights may be booked with one of two airlines, either TAME or Aerogal.

IMPORTANT:

Booking a flight to the Galapagos is very different and confusing compared with booking flights in Europe or the US, for example. It is best to book your flight or make a flight reservation once in South America, from the mainland. Flights to the Galapagos depart from either Quito or Guayaquil, Ecuador. Once you book your flights from your home to Quito or Guayaquil, the flight may be purchased from a variety of travel agencies or from ticket agents with connections with TAME or Aerogal. Booking online beforehand from home can be difficult, and payments are not usually accepted online using foreign credit cards. The process is much easier in person once you are here in South America. The cost of flights from Quito to San Cristobal or from Guayaquil to San Cristobal ranges from $350 - 450 depending on the season.

TAME (www.tame.com.ec)

AEROGAL (www.aerogal.com.ec)

PLEASE BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO SAN CRISTOBAL, GALAPAGOS ISLANDS, NOT SANTA CRUZ (BALTRA). THIS OPTION WILL SEND YOU TO A DIFFERENT ISLAND ALL TOGETHER.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS:

Financing:

All volunteers are responsible for their travel and in-country transportation costs, including insurance, room, board and amenities. Please carefully review the costs for volunteering section on both the website and the volunteer information document to be sure that the costs are suitable for you during your stay.

Work Schedules:

While the volunteer work schedule is somewhat flexible, it is generally expected that volunteers give around 25 hours of service weekly during their stay. Work schedules will be determined once you arrive here at the NEGF school site.

Educational Requirements:

University study is not a requirement to volunteer. An interest paired with a willingness to work with our youth and share your knowledge is our most outstanding prerequisite for volunteers.

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

Once you commit to a date of arrival and a length of stay (i.e. once you purchase your ticket to Ecuador), the coordinator will need a scanned picture of your passport and a resume or CV, along with the approximate date of entry onto San Cristobal Island, Galapagos.

For further information and to apply for a position, please contact williampuga1@gmail.com.

Wish List

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Financial support of the New Era Galapagos Foundation is what helped us get started, and what keeps us alive. However, we are always looking for materials and equipment Communty Center and to implement into and improve upon our educational programs.

Textbooks, posters, CD-ROMs, computers, board games, whiteboards, educational videos, air conditioning, stereos, pastels, mats, and countless other materials, new or used, and often taken for granted in developed countries, would greatly improve our capability to provide quality educational programs. Not only are almost all of these items difficult to find in the Galapagos, but also prohibitively expensive for an organization of our size.

It has been possible in the past for volunteers to collect the material donation from their countries and bring it with them when they fly out to San Cristobal, making sure it arrives here safely, and saving money on postage.

If you would like to make a material donation, please contact williampuga1@gmail.com.

Detailed List
Books - textbooks
Datashow
Digital Camera
Laptops
Sound system

Video Camera

Colouring pens/crayons

Watercolours

Paint brushes

Pencils

Sharpeners

Erasers

Whiteboard markers

Drawing paper

Colouring books

Flashcards

Ink cartridges

Music, dance and sports' equipment

We are trying to build a new centre and any help with funding would be appreciateed.

How We Use Your Donations

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Help the New Era Galapagos Foundation

In order to continue our work with the people of San Cristobal, Galapagos, the New Era Galapagos Foundation depends almost entirely on contributions of time, money, equipment, and materials from individuals and institutions alike. Because we are a small organisation, all contributions, no matter how small, directly affect our ability to provide educational programs and ensure a more sustainable economic and ecological future for the Galapagos Islands and their people. The NEGF has been functioning since 1996.

As San Cristobal Island is home to over 6,000 people, including 2,300 children, aged from 4 to 16, our work enables them to acquire the requisite skills, awareness, and confidence for employment in non-resource extractive industries.

The New Era Galapagos Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation under the International Revenue Service. All donations are tax deductable to the extent of the law.

HOW WE USE YOUR DONATIONS

$150 provides a scholarship for a student for a year.

$500 pays for the cost of running our annual summer camp for kids.

Click on How We Use Your Donations to find out more about what happens to your donations.

News September 2010

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1 At present we are completing an ecological mural painting project in all the schools on San Cristobal island.

2 We have started environmental awareness tours to different parts of the island, to educate the children about the importance of conserving sites and species on the island.

3 The children are also being encouraged to take part in team work by means of games.

About the New Era Galapagos Foundation

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To address the social and ecological challenges facing conservation, and thereby ensure a more effective conservation of the Galapagos Islands and surrounding Marine Reserve, the New Era Galapagos Foundation (NEGF) was started in 1996 by a partnership of resident Galapagos conservationists and volunteer American English teachers.

The NEGF was founded with a commitment to a more inclusive and therefore more effective conservation that provides the necessary skills, knowledge, and awareness to the least well-known, but undoubtedly most influential species in the Galapagos, human beings.

For many years, prior to our founding, there was a real lack of community awareness about environmental conservation on the island which resulted in littered streets, polluted water, and a depleted fishing supply. The foundation was started to address these pressing needs.

At the time of our founding, we faced a disinterested population with a minimal understanding of the importance of the foundation´s work due to fear, ignorance, and the lack of opportunity for participatory involvement with existing organizations.

The children´s parents thought that school offered all the education the children needed and there was no reason to supplement this with further instruction. However, the educational system, based on rote memorization and featuring a curriculum and textbooks designed for mainland Ecuador, lacks relevance to the reality of life on the Galapagos.

In addition, local residents, unprepared for working in tourism, conservation, or research, relied on fishing and other resource extractive industries for their livelihood.

The New Era Galapagos Foundation is dedicated to the conservation of the Galapagos Islands by empowering local residents through educational programs and environmental projects. Every year the New Era Galapagos Foundation runs:

1 Extracurricular classes for children in English and environmental education during term time.

2 Continuous adult English classes in the evenings, to national park wardens, fishermen, police and tour guides.

3 Summer camp for children to learn English and become involved in environmental activities.

4 Youth conservation activities at the weekends.

5 English and environmental education in the highlands of San Cristobal.

6 Special activities involving the community, including mural painting, coastal clean ups, presentations and other environmental awareness projects.

Schools

There are 7 schools on the island: 3 primary, 3 secondary and 1 primary and secondary. They serve the needs of 2,180 children.

© 2011 New Era Galapagos Foundation

Online Donations

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Online Donations

The New Era Galapagos Foundation is entirely funded from donations, so we rely heavily on the generosity of the public. We are extremely grateful for donations and they make a vital difference to the successful operation of the foundation.

If you would like to help the New Era Galapagos Foundation continue their work with the people of the Galapagos Islands, please click here to donate via the Network for Good website.

Please also join our Facebook Causes page and help spread the word about the New Era Galapagos Foundation. Click on the link to obtain more information.

Thanks for donating and helping us preserve the future of the Galapagos Islands.

Contact

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Website: New Era Galapagos

Email:     williampuga1@gmail.com

Mail:      New Era Galapagos Foundation
              San Cristobal
              Galapagos
              Ecuador
              200150

Background Information about the New Era Galapagos Foundation

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The New Era Galapagos Foundation was founded with the commitment to inclusive and therefore effective conservation that provides necessary skills, knowledge, and awareness to the inhabitants of San Cristobal Island.

The New Era Galapagos Foundation operates year-round, and includes the English program (April to December) and the summer camp (February-March), offering programs that focus on issues of tourism and conservation within the community of San Cristobal and the Galapagos Islands.

Its programs aim to raise public awareness of the value of biodiversity, get local people, primarily youth, involved in protecting their natural resources, and endow local residents with skills and awareness for non-resource extractive employment in industries, such as ecotourism, science, and conservation.

OUR MISSION is to conserve the Galapagos Islands by empowering local residents through educational programs and environmental action projects. Our approach is twofold: to promote and provide educational alternatives, while helping develop appreciation and respect for the natural environment and the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands.

Learn English in a fully international environment, with sports, activities, lessons and trips.

We have linked up with Coast Schools in the UK. This organisation runs a summer school for teenagers and has kindly agreed to take two children from the Galapagos to join the other teenagers.

There is no better experience or confidence builder than living in a traditional English boarding school whilst making life-long friends from around the world.

Our unique course runs for 3 weeks, and is aimed at students aged between 11-17. There is no better way to invest in your child's future than at Coast to Coast...The course runs July 17-August 7 2012. More details can be found at www.coastschools.com