Description

As a volunteer with the Vocational High School program you will have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of poorer youth from the greater Quito area. Volunteers at CENIT are able to facilitate invaluable experiences for these youth, establishing positive mentoring relationships with the students.

Volunteers will be assisting in the classroom alongside the full-time staff. Here you will be asked to help teach basic high school subjects such as math, science, and English, as well as assisting in the vocational classes of sewing and carpentry. During this time you can help by facilitating classes as well as introducing new information and teaching methods.

You also have the opportunity to develop special programs for the students such as a sex education course, a theatre or athletic project, a hygiene education campaign or entrepreneurship classes,(depending on your qualification). You can work with the students to find out what they are interested in learning, or you can build these classes off of your own skill sets and experiences.

In additional to assisting with classes and special projects you will have the opportunity to socialize with the students, and be a positive role model in their lives.

Highlights

The Vocational High School run by CENIT provides alternative opportunities for youth who cannot afford to pay high school tuition and who would otherwise be neglected by the system. CENIT offers a vocational program that certifies students as artisans in three years. At present, CENIT offers training in carpentry and sewing to approximately one hundred students.

For many youth without an education or vocational training in Ecuador, the future looks bleak. Their options are reduced greatly, and they are likely to end up working in the market or on the streets to provide the necessities for their family. Those who do complete their education or receive specialized training have many more opportunities available to them, including steadier, higher paying employment or entrepreneurship.

The Vocational High School needs assistance from volunteers because they have a lot of interest from students who want to better their futures; unfortunately they do not have enough funding to pay adequate staff. Volunteers with carpentry or sewing experience would be a significant assest to this program as you could provide more one-on-one training, plus perhaps provide new skills and/or techniques for the students and teachers to learn.

Qualifications

Volunteers need to be out-going and willing to work with young adults ages 12 to 18.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 3.295 for 8 weeks; USD 250 each additional wk.

Cost Includes:

• Emergency evacuation services
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.

Experience Required

yes

It is important that volunteers are flexible, open-minded and compassionate, as many of the students have faced challenges growing up, including abuse, neglect and assault.

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Education
• English Teaching
• Primary Education
• Secondary Education
• Teaching

Typical Volunteer

We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range

18+

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of Depends on the placement

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

24-48 hrs

Basecamp International Centers's Mission Statement

We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded

1998