PROJECT: Nowadays urban development has caused a problem that requires attention, especially in the communities that surround the metropolis; it is in these places where lack of food supplies, disorganized suburban development and the lack of sustainable culture among population, have generated social and economic conflicts. With the help of volunteers who sign up to this project and the support of local volunteers that will work together on finding possible solutions for the communities that are located in Morelia’s city surroundings. The purpose of this project is to generate international cooperation and community development in the region of the “Valle de Morelia-Querendaro”, through the implementation of various activities that will promote environmental awareness and sustainable development.
ACTIVITIES: The project activities will take place in different stages, first a basic training will be provided to volunteers in the following areas:
1. Home gardens.
2. Management and use of organic waste (composting, solid and liquid organic manure).
3. Ecological Pots among other ecotecnias.
As a second step, different campaigns will be carried out in some surrounding communities (Tarimbaro, Alvaro Obregon, Cuitzillo) in which volunteers will promote among the community members, the use of tools through activities such as:
1. Creation of community gardens.
2. Preparation of compost.
3. Separation and waste management.
4. Recovery and embellishment of public spaces.
5. Reforestation, among ecotechniques.
With this project local organizers also want to create an impact within a local university to coordinate the actions, therefore some of the activities will be undertaken for the benefit of the facilities of the campus:
1. Maintenance and embellishment of green areas.
2. Classification and marking signs of the vegetation from the university.
3. Recovery of common areas.
Finally, volunteers will take part in activities that help them in their cultural development, where they will share their experiences, traditions and Mexican customs through various activities such as:
1. Creation of Handcrafted Catrinas.
2. Workshop of traditional Mexican dances (to be represented by the volunteers at the end of the workcamp).
3. Tour around the main touristic attractions that are close to the university (Archaeological Zone from Tzintzuntzan and Zirahuen’s lake).
HOSTING: Youth Hostel in shared rooms, with all facilities at disposal WIFI, hot water, kitchen, showers.
LOCATION: Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, in addition to being a beautiful city, it is the capital of Michoacan State, it is declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO and hosts several cultural festivals (such as film, music, art).
LEISURE ACTIVITIES: In their spare time, volunteers can take a walk in downtown which has many cultural activities throughout the year, and discover the variety of historic buildings and monuments, for those looking to surround themselves by natural wonders, Morelia offers many options: 45 kilometers from Patzcuaro´s lake and the ancient pyramids of Tzintzuntzan, the magical towns of Cuitzeo, Patzcuaro and Santa Clara del Cobre, the islands of the Pancada, Janitzio among others that the native cultures identified as the border between worlds, and several ceremonial centers of the Mesoamerican pre-Hispanic times.
CLOSEST STATION: Morelia Bus Station
CLOSEST INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Mexico City International Airport
OTHER POSSIBLE AIRPORTS: Morelia Airport
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: None
VEGETERIAN FOOD AVAILABLE: Yes
OPEN FOR FAMILIES: No
OPEN FOR DISABLED VOLUNTEERS: No
EXTRA FEE: 0 This project has no extra fee for volunteers.
SPECIAL NOTES: For volunteers who are interested to learn Spanish, there will be a Spanish course organized before the project starts, it will be organized in the city of Morelia. Cost: 110 Euros. It includes lodging for 7 days at a Youth Hostel in Morelia city, materials, theory and practice activities for 15 hours with a professional teacher. (Meals are not included).