Great Aves (the registered company name for You Volunteer) is registered in the UK as a non-profit organisation. As we do not make a profit we are able to offer low cost placements. Our aim is to ensure that as much or the money paid by volunteers goes to the project or is used in Ecuador and the local area.

Currently 85% of volunteer payments remain in Ecuador. As the project expands we hope to see this figure increase. Below is a more detailed explanation of where the money goes.

• Schools and Local Community
  Up to a third of volunteer payments are reserved for the schools and local community. The money is used to supply uniforms, educational equipment, such as pens, paper, textbooks, and sporting equipment.

• In-country Costs
  This is mainly concerned with the costs associated with running the volunteer house in Ecuador. Food for the volunteers is also included in this cost, which is bought in the nearby city of Puyo.

• Staff Costs
  In addition to helping schools and local communities the Arajuno Road project employees members from the local area. Staff are used to help with construction projects, maintenance of the volunteer house, and co-ordinating volunteer activities.

• Admin Costs
  This is used for marketing, administration, legal fees and staff in the UK. Any money that is not used is put back into the projects.

The £50 reservation booking fee is used primarily for CRB checks, which range from £16 to £51. The remaining fee is used for administration charges, marketing and legal fees.