Our Programs

Intercultural Alliance for Humanity

We work alongside local communities in Ecuador and Peru to create sustainable, long-term impact. Our programs focus on healthcare, education, leadership, and economic development — always prioritizing dignity, partnership, and self-reliance.

 

Intercultural Alliance for Humanity does not provide or administer vaccinations as part of its medical outreach programs. Depending on community needs and volunteer availability, services may include general medicine, dentistry, optometry, specialty consultations, health education, diagnostic support, and other humanitarian assistance.

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San Pedro de Mangua, Perú
Inauguration and handover of a drinking water filtration tower (WTS) in the village of San Pedro de Mangua. This system directly benefits a community of 66 families (166 people in total, including 93 school-aged children). The handover included a children’s environmental conservation education program led by Salva Planeta and Huayo, Peru’s equivalent of Elmo and Captain Planet.
La Esperanza, Ecuador.
Implementation of a medical outreach brigade in the Andean community of La Esperanza, located at 11,000 feet above sea level, where Quechua is the primary language. A team of 24 healthcare professionals and volunteers provided care to a total of 160 low-income patients in the areas of general medicine, optometry, and dentistry.
Shilpala y Pumayacu, Ecuador.
Planning and launch of a major $75,000 Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) project in the Indigenous communities of Shilpala and Pumayacu, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Riobamba and other Rotary clubs. The project aims to install water treatment systems to remove pathogens and bacteria from surface water, directly benefiting 225 families (approximately 1,400 people: 700 in Shilpala and 425 in Pumayacu).
Amazonía Peruana, Perú.
Launch of a sustainable agriculture and market cooperative program across eight communities in the Peruvian Amazon in partnership with CONAPAC. Seedlings of 20 flood-tolerant native and fruit tree species, including camu camu, were distributed to diversify local food sources and create sustainable income alternatives to deforestation, with excellent survival rates reported for most species.
Junin, Ecuador.
Following the earthquake that affected the coastal region of Ecuador, IAH supported communities in Junín and surrounding areas through humanitarian assistance, medical brigades, and essential supplies. Health campaigns provided general medicine, dental care, optometry, and other services to families with limited access to healthcare.
Jorge Chavez, Perú.
Economic development initiative in the community of Jorge Chávez through the planting of 500 camu camu seedlings, a flood-tolerant fruit tree that provides an alternative and sustainable source of income for Amazonian residents while helping to prevent tropical rainforest deforestation.
Pumayacu, Ecuador.
Progress and near-completion of a $37,000 clean water project in Pumayacu, a community located in the western Ecuadorian rainforest that had never previously had access to a potable water system. The project directly benefits 400 community members through donations and support from the Rotary Club.
Ecuadorian rainforest
Distribution and delivery of wheelchairs to individuals with mobility needs in small communities of the Ecuadorian rainforest, in coordination with the Salud Nuevo Comienzo Foundation, providing beneficiaries with greater independence and self-sufficiency for the first time in their lives.
Tamanco, Perú.
Installation of a potable water filtration system (WFS) in the island community of Tamanco in the Peruvian Amazon, providing safe water and improved health conditions to 42 families (148 people). The project also includes latrines, dormitories for students from remote villages, leadership workshops, and teacher training workshops.
Las Palmas, Perú.
Planning and preparations for the installation of a second potable water filtration system in the village of Las Palmas, which will benefit 180 people once the necessary additional funds are raised and allocated.
Guaranda, Ecuador.
Implementation of a four-day community medical outreach brigade in two rural communities in Guaranda, Ecuador, providing general medicine, dental care, and optometry services to a total of 710 patients. More than 50 volunteers participated, including 19 students and 6 physicians from Rocky Vista University, students from Bolívar University, Rotary Clubs, and the Municipal Government of Guaranda.
Isla Santa Cruz, Galápagos, Ecuador.
Planning and initial preparations for a medical mission in Bellavista, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos. The mission was scheduled for June 2022 with the participation of 15 U.S. volunteers and 25 Ecuadorian volunteers, providing general medicine, dental care, optometry, cardiology, and neurology services. Medical supplies were transported by air with support from the Ecuadorian Air Force.
San Antonio Mirano, Perú.
Construction and delivery of a school kitchen and gas stove in the rural community of San Antonio Mirano, located along a tributary of the Amazon River. The project, jointly funded by IAH and the community, enables children to receive hot and nutritious breakfasts and lunches provided through the Peruvian government’s school feeding program during the academic year.
Ramón Castilla , Perú.
Development of school infrastructure in the small community of Ramón Castilla (60–70 residents), including the construction of a school kitchen and functional restrooms. Camu camu seedlings were planted in the school’s children’s garden for school and community consumption, complementing the productive cultivation of cacao (planted in 2019) and lemon trees (planted in 2021).
San Luis , Perú.
Delivery of school supplies and educational support to children in the community of San Luis, where IAH had previously funded an agribusiness and economic development project.
Salinas, Ecuador.
Intercultural Alliance for Humanity’s first surgical mission in Salinas, Ecuador, in partnership with the Institute of Basic & Applied Research in Surgery (IBARS). Over five days, a team of 13 medical professionals performed 52 reconstructive surgeries (41 on children under the age of 12) to repair cleft lip, cleft palate, clubfoot, hand deformities, and fused fingers. The mission highlighted the remarkable transformation of María (49), a mother of eight, whose cleft lip was successfully repaired, restoring her smile and hope. The Mayor of Salinas presented the keys to the city to Maggie Adams-Holway in recognition of her efforts and contribution.
Nuevo San Juan de Amazonas, Perú.
Donation and distribution of 22 Sawyer family water purification systems in the community of Nuevo San Juan de Amazonas to mitigate the impact of a historic flood in the Peruvian rainforest. Intercultural Alliance for Humanity doubled donor contributions to provide safe drinking water and help prevent outbreaks of cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea.
Timicurillo, Perú.
Funding and construction of a clean water well in the village of Timicurillo, home to approximately 55 families, made possible through the ongoing efforts of Hannah Mitchell (a high school student), who raised more than $5,000 in Colorado Springs. The project was supervised in the field by CONAPAC.
Tocachi, Ecuador.
Intercultural Alliance for Humanity supported a $1,500 microcredit embroidery project that enabled a group of women in Tocachi and La Esperanza to establish a sustainable business, improve their family income, and work from their communities. Implemented in partnership with Fundación Cimas, the project strengthened their economic independence, allowed them to repay the microcredit, and enhanced their quality of life while remaining close to their children.

Humanitarian Programs

Provide Clean Water

Our most fundamental project is the introduction and implementation of clean water systems in indigenous areas of Peru and Ecuador. Water systems used depend on existing water quality, population size and the availability of a consistent power source. Water projects help reduce mortality and disease as well as free countless hours previously devoted to transporting water.

Health, Dental & Vision

We coordinate medical, dental, eye and surgical clinics often partnering with other U.S. based as well as in-country professionals. When possible, we include local university medical & dental students. During clinic hours, we strive to provide health and hygiene education to patients and family members during their visit.

Sanitary Facilities

Sanitary facilities are often appropriate in rural locations where a community center or school serves as the community center of the village. These facilities provide sinks, showers and toilets to help maintain healthy hygiene standards.

Education/Children

For a reasonable amount of money, individuals and families are able to adopt and visit local schools in villages located along the Amazon River in Peru.

Micro-Business

Lack of capital for business investment is a concern in poor communities around the world. Many people want to start their own businesses but do not have ready access to capital and materials. IAH provides micro-business loans that are monitored by trusted in-country partners. Please contact us if you would like to sponsor a specific project.

Trip Coordination

IAH is able to create and lead a custom humanitarian project experience for any group or organization in Ecuador. Please contact us if you are interested.

April 22–24, 2016
April 22–24, 2016

Emergency Aid Distribution

Food and water were delivered to communities near Junín and Calceta with Adopt-a-Village International. The effort provided 250 bags of food and 1,500 bottles of water, along with an additional 150 bags of food sent to Esmeraldas.

May 5–9, 2016
May 5–9, 2016

School Reconstruction

An elementary school reconstruction project was completed in Pumayacu, a community near Tena. Improvements included a new roof and floor for the outdoor kitchen, mosquito netting on windows, a new oven, school supplies for 35 children, three computers, and a full electrical rewiring of the school supported by more than $4,000.

May 13–15, 2016
May 13–15, 2016

Humanitarian Aid Delivery

Additional relief supplies were delivered to communities near Junín and Calceta with Adopt-a-Village International, distributing 300 bags of food and 2,000 bottles of water to families affected by the disaster.

May 20–29, 2016
May 20–29, 2016

Water Project Assessments

Adopt-a-Village International conducted a tour to evaluate potential water projects in Lacuay, Riobamba, and Junín with Engineers Without Borders. The visit also included structural evaluations in Manta’s disaster zone and an inspection of a 380-year-old church in Ixtán.

May 28, 2016
May 28, 2016

Continued Relief Delivery

Another aid distribution was carried out in communities near Junín and Calceta, providing 300 bags of food and 2,000 bottles of water with the support of Adopt-a-Village International.

June 6–9, 2016
June 6–9, 2016

Dental and Optometry Mission

A medical mission in Tocachi and Malchinguí provided dental and optometry services with volunteers from Adopt-a-Village International, Metropolitana University, and International University. The team included 4 Americans and 15 Ecuadorians and treated about 750 patients.

June 20–24, 2016
June 20–24, 2016

Medical Mission

A multi-specialty medical mission delivered services in general medicine, OB/GYN, dentistry, optometry, and psychology/psychiatry in five communities near Junín and Calceta. Organized with several universities and the Ecuadorian Air Force, the mission included 4 American and 26 Ecuadorian volunteers and treated 1,427 patients.

December 2016
December 2016

Children’s Christmas Program

A disaster-relief Christmas outreach was organized for children in communities near Junín with Adopt-a-Village International. Fifteen volunteers helped serve around 1,000 children with toys, candy, and face-painting activities.

April 15–22, 2017
April 15–22, 2017

Medical Relief Mission

A humanitarian medical mission was carried out in communities near Junín, providing services in general medicine, optometry, OB/GYN, dermatology, and dentistry. The mission was organized with Adopt-a-Village International, several Ecuadorian universities, and the Equinoccio Rotary Club of Quito, involving 3 American and 35 Ecuadorian volunteers who treated around 700 patients.

Community Impact Timeline

2021 Programs

Clean Water

- Pumayacu clean water system (400 beneficiaries)
- Tamanco Water Filtration System (148 beneficiaries)
- Las Palmas pending WFS (180 beneficiaries projected)
- Adopt-a-Drop monitoring & operator training
Focus: Access to safe drinking water, disease prevention, long-term
sustainability.

Educational Support

- School supplies distribution
- English language instruction (technology provided: computer,
projector, laptop)
Focus: Academic access, bilingual skills, rural school support.

Medical Accessibility

- Wheelchair distribution in remote Ecuadorian communities
Focus: Mobility, independence, inclusion.

Microbusiness Development

- Fruit tree farming initiative
- Limited transplant planting (pandemic restrictions)
Focus: Economic sustainability, food security.

2022 Programs

Medical & Dental Brigade

- Guaranda Medical Clinic (710 patients served)
- Multidisciplinary care (medicine, dental, optometry)
- University partnerships
Expansion: Marked the return of in-person medical expeditions
post-pandemic, strengthening international collaboration.

Galápagos Outreach Medical Mission

- Bellavista, Santa Cruz Island
- General medicine, cardiology, neurology, radiology services
- 800 projected patients

School Kitchen Program

- Construction of San Antonio Mirano school kitchen
- Gas stove installation
- Partnership with CONAPAC
- 7th year of the program
Expansion: Enables government-funded meal programs, improves
child nutrition, reduces indoor smoke exposure.

Clean Water Continuation

- Ongoing WFS implementation and supervision.

Large-Scale Medical Brigade

- Guaranda medical expedition
- 976 patients served
- 80 volunteers
- Expanded specialties (OB/GYN, rheumatology, ENT, radiology,
audiology)

Expansion: Largest brigade in AaVI history; strong academic and
governmental collaboration.

Adopt-a-School

- School supplies distribution (San Luis)
- Community engagement activities

School Kitchen & Orchard

- Ramón Castillo kitchen completion
- Camu camu tree planting
- Student-managed orchards
Focus: Nutrition + agricultural education + sustainability.

Agribusiness Development

- Cacao production (market sales)
- Lemon tree growth (planted 2021)
- Continued Amazon River village development

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