Learning curve in the Andes

May 10 2003 By Jenny Parkin, The Huddersfield Daily Examiner

Jenny Parkin

THE SCHOOL yard games of 1980s Huddersfield are now all the rage in one South American village.

The downside is that you must pay your own way to join it. Kevin's flight was £500, he paid a $100 registration fee and an additional $200 a month for his accommodation and food.

But for an experience of a lifetime, it came pretty cheap.

He says: "I spent about £1,300 on my stay - and that included a few weeks' travelling after I finished on the programme.

"That's not bad considering you could easily spend this on an ordinary two-week holiday."

Kevin, now a marketing officer at Huddersfield Technical College, says experiences among volunteers differ dramatically. Placements are also available in hot climate jungle areas, and other types of schools.

But he says: "Numbers of volunteers are down on last year's and they're now looking for new recruits.

"They're very flexible. You can go for six weeks or even three months.

"The people of Ecuador are so warm and friendly, I have some wonderful memories.

* For more details e-mail Kevin at ks2509@hotmail.com or go to the VDO website at www.geocities.com/vdovolun