Art, Culture & Nature
This assignment places you in the middle of the cultural and social movement in a remote eco-village, El Paují.
The story behind el PaujÍ
The settlement was found only 50 years ago when it was the rest-point for the workers clearing the 150-kilometre road from Santa Elena de Uairén to Ikabaru. The founding population were miners and Pemón Aboriginals, who had always lived in this exceptionally beautiful region.
In the 70s, people from ‘outside’ started to arrive. They were mostly young urban couples seeking some peace and tranquility, and a more natural environment in which to bring up their children. Many creatives with a different vision of the world. The new “alternative” settlers changed the character of the village forever. They have established a school (kindergarden, primary and secondary) where Pemón and non-indigenous children learm side by side; a health clinic and rescue service; civil, cultural and environmental associations; and a renowned dance center. The enthusiasm, integrative civil action and ecological consciousness of this eco-village have made it a special attraction in the Gran Sabana.
Share daily life with those who have chosen to live within this cultural and social movement
El Paují is now home to artists, artisans, honey makers, architects, philosophers and ecologically-orientated farmers and their families. Many families have achieved a relative self-sustained living by producing their own organic vegetable, goat cheese and fruits. They buy other necesities on a modest monthly budget earned through the production of cottage industry products such as incense, crafts, jewelry, pottery and natural cosmetics. These artistan creations are crafted from local materials such as semi-precious stones, gold, tree-resins, honey, beautifully colored clay, local seeds and indigeonous wood.
Location
El Paují is nested two hours outside Santa Elena in the heart of the beautiful Gran Sabana National Park in the southeastern border region with Brazil and Guayana. The village has about 300 inhabitants of mixed ethnic backgrounds. It enjoys a nearly perfect climate (16°C / 45°F - 28°C / 79°F) year-round thanks to its altitude of at 900m - 1000m. The village is surrounded by breathtaking nature: rivers, waterfalls, mountains, virgin forests and the wide open spaces of the savannah.
Artists and conservationists are leading this program
The nationally renown artist Cynthia Gamboa, an inhabitant of El Paují for over 20 years, and her friend Uta host and organize this program. They are respected in the community for their civil initiative and communal spirit. Cynthia has been the driving force behind the Cultural Center and regular cultural events for years.
While working side by side with Cynthia together and local and international volunteers you are making new friends and learn a lot about art and conservation. Part of the day will be ddicated to cultural exchange activities and visits to the breathtaking surroundings of El Paují.
Environmental conservation
To confront deforestation that has become a big problem in the region, Cynthia has created the “Intraterrestres.” This important initiative aims to promote awareness through art and gain support for an important reforestation program around the village. The Intraterrestres are roots which are transformed into works of art. For every work sold, a new tree is planted near the Esmeralda River. Using art as a tool for reforestation has converted the Intraterrestres into a movement of environmental and cultural character, named Movimiento Intraterrestre. It currently is working on planting and maintaining 3000 trees. We would like to provide volunteers to help raise awareness, create art and learn through the values of mututal respect on which the eco-village was created.
Practicalities
Amenities in El Paují are basic. There is electricity for about five hours a day when a generator is run. A radio in El Paujií can call in to the City Hall in Santa Elena in case of emergency. There is also access to wireless internet in the village. Many inhabitatns speak English, the indigenous Pemón speak Spanish and their mother language, Taurepan. For transport to and from the village, por puesto taxis (4x4 collective taxis) go daily between Santa Elena and El Paují. One-way costs about $10 USD.
Accommodation & Full Board
You can choose to spend the duration of your volunteer placement living in El Paují or split your time between living in El Paují and volunteering with the Aldeas de Paz foundation in Santa Elena. Volunteers will be staying with local host families. The family will provide three meals a day, a room and a bathroom. Volunteers can choose to sleep in either hammocks or beds.
Possible Activities
The working plan is divided in two parts. The morning is dedicated to sowing and reforestation. The afternoon is spent involving yourself with art and cultural/social exchange. The planning of activities will be done together as a team.
Environmental Activities May Include
- Gardening side by side with villagers using indigenous techniques
- Collecting seeds of trees belonging to the region for reforestation and agro forestation
- Preparing tree nurseries and caring for seedlings
- Planting trees
- Counting and marking planted trees
- Cleaning up and fertilizing the plantation
- Editing maps and documentations of the reforestation project
- Educating school children on the environment
- Supporting the eco-farm "Weimuré" by planting Moriches, an endemic palm tree
- Daily house, kitchen and garden activities side by side with the community
- Recreational and creative activities with kids, adolescents and school children
- Teaching English to Pemón tour guides and school children
- Building and maintenance work on communal infrastructure
- Initiating an environmental education program to teach about the rainforest and savannah habitat Spanish required
Art & Culture Activities May Include
- Taking the tale of the “Intraterrestres” as inspiration for artistic action like drawing, painting, sculpturing, poetry, music, video, theatre (brainstorm session can be organized for assistance)
- Creating expositions and presentations to show and share artwork to the community
- Supporting the communal project Manos Orgánicas
- Supporting of the Committee de Mujeres de Conservación y Reforestación Worüsan, a committee of women concerned with conservation (this project belongs to the national governments plan Misión Árbol
- Study trips visiting a “conuco,” a traditional indigenous vegetable garden in the forest
- Trips into the jungle and excursion to El Abismo, an impressive view overlooking the Amazonian jungles from 1000m above sea level
Requirements
No previous experience or special skills are required, but participants need to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge.
Ideal candidates and have a innate curiosity to learn about a different lifestyle in a community. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are also among important qualities. Volunteers with experience in art and/or conservation are strongly encouraged to apply.
Be prepared to share a basic and simple lifestyle, without regular electricity or telephone. You do not necessarily need to speak fluent Spanish to be involved, however basic Spanish is very useful. A typical volunteer with this program comes without a lot of previous experience but has a number of ideas and enthusiasm, takes initiative and dedicates a lot of caring and passion to the work.
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