PROJECT: Nowadays, the urban development has generated an important problem that caters especially the communities surrounding major cities and it is in these communities where food shortages, disorganized suburban development and lack of sustainable culture among the population has generated a social and economic conflict. It is very important for educational institutions that are located at the border of both parts (urban and suburban) such as the Technological Institute of the Valley of Morelia to work on possible solutions for the communities which they belong to. This project aims to raise international cooperation and community development in the region of “Valle de Morelia-Queréndaro”, through the implementation of a handful of activities that promote environmental awareness and sustainable development.
WORK: As an introduction to the Workcamp, the international volunteers will receive basic training on the following topics: Home gardens, Management and use of organic waste (composting, manure solids and liquids), Ecological pots among other eco-techniques.
Then, the volunteers will carry out campaigns in the communities surrounding the institution (Tarímbaro, Álvaro Obregón, Cuitzillo, among others) in which is ecological awareness will be promoted along with community members with the tools designed by international volunteers and through activities as well like :
Creating community gardens, Preparation of compost, Management and Waste separation, Recovery and beautification of public spaces, Reforestation, and more. It will be a goal to create impact within the institution as part of the activities undertaken within the Workcamp, so the volunteers will do some activities for the benefit of the institution including:
Maintenance of green areas, Classification and marking of the flora of the institution, Rehabilitation of common areas.
LOCATION: Morelia City, Michoacan state, 4 hours by bus from Mexico City, it has 2,000,000 inhabits and has all the services. Music, movies and beautiful buildings of subtle pink quarry stone are some of the brightest attractions of this beautiful city. The colonial city of Morelia is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and from its breathtaking architecture, it's clear to see why. Besides being the capital of the State of Michoacan – and the state's largest and most populated city, at that – it is also the seat of government institutions and the most prestigious higher education institute in the region: the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo (Michoacan University of Saint Nicolas of Hidalgo).
LEISURE ACTIVITIES: Morelia has a many leisure activities to offer to the youngsters, the night life is vibrant and diverse and the city is located close to magical perfect typical towns as well as the beach at the Pacific Ocean located only 4 hours by bus from the city. There are also many cultural activities that can be done in Morelia and the places close to the city, Morelia has amazing historical buildings, plazas and in recent years has developed an excellent offer of boutique hotels and cozy restaurants with great cuisine. Close from Morelia, a smaller town of cobbled streets, Patzcuaro, next to the lake with the same name, has an authentic Mexican flavor that would make it a surprisingly unique venue for a discovering trip. All of this combines to make Morelia by far the most cultural city in Michoacan, offering its visitors a wide range of museums and art galleries, as well as cafés perfect for chatting over coffee while sharing pleasant moments. Morelia has stadiums, sports arenas, convention centers, colleges, restaurants and top-level hotels as well as movie theaters and concert and entertainment venues. Since 2003, the Morelia International Film Festival has also been held each October and has featured renowned directors such as Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu, Quentin Tarantino, Pedro Almodovar, and Guillermo del Toro among others.
HOSTING: Volunteers will be hosted in a particular house with all services at disposal: Hot Water, Electricity, Restrooms, Showers, Kitchen, Fridge, Laundry room, Safety Box and Wi-Fi connection.
SPECIAL REQUIRMENTS: Comfortable Clothing such as: Jeans, Pants, light coats. Sneakers and working boots. Raincoat, Sunscreen and Mosquito's repellent. Bring a pair of Working Gloves too
SPECIAL OFFER FOR VOLUNTEERS: For all the volunteers accepted in the Vive México Workcamps there are FREE SPANISH courses all year round at the Vive Mexico International Cultural Center at Morelia City, come and take place in a FREE Spanish course one week before your workcamp starts!.
EXTRA FEE: 80 EURO
INCLUDES (only during the project days), Hosting (according to the conditions specified at the project description) 3 meals a day, Local transportation with project purposes, Administration and organization expenses, tools and materials.
DO NOT INCLUDE: Airfare to Mexico, Transportation from international airport to the project place, Leisure activities, Insurances.