David Olmedo is an intern with Fundacíon de las Americas (FUDELA). We work together closely on several of the organisations projects, particularly on a new project to provide free English classes to refugees living in Quito. He kindly agreed to answer some of my questions.
Tell me a bit about yourself
My name is David Olmedo and I study International Relations and Political Science in USFQ college in my last year. I live in the capital of Ecuador, Quito, and work in Fundación de las Americas para el Desarollo (FUDELA), as part of the internship program of my college. I speak English, Spanish and German and my passion is to work to improve the equality and opportunities of vulnerable people.
How long have you been volunteering with FUDELA?
I have been working in FUDELA for three months
Why do you volunteer?
Because it is a unique way to really make a change in society. Helping disadvantaged people is giving them the opportunities to grow and develop, not only in society, but also spiritually and morally.
What do you contribute to the organisation?
I am in charge of the coordination of the volunteer program in FUDELA. My job is to give the volunteers all the materials that they need, and also supervise their activites, so they can do an excellent job.
What do you enjoy most about working in FUDELA?
I like that the foundation gives you the opportunity to develop a critical consciousness about how our society works. Working with people and improving their lives with your job makes you appreciate more what you have and, therefore, be thankful for that.
What do you hope for the participants of FUDELA’s programmes?
I hope that they can use all the materials, tools and resources that learn here in an efficient manner in their daily lives. In that way, they can improve their lifestyle and grow as responsible people for their families and the society.
Would you like to see yourself working with FUDELA or a similar organisation in the future?
Definitely, these types of organizations are always necessary and helping others is my vocation. So I expect to escalate in this same area, but in higher jobs in the future.