Description

In Ecuador, it is not uncommon for women to raise 5 or more children, each with different biological fathers. A sad reality is that it is also common for the mother's latest companion to rape the eldest daughter, often resulting in pregnancy.

One expects a reaction from the mother, but not the sort of reaction that is so common here in Ecuador. As a result of the rape, the mother feels shamed and often times jealous. It is likely that the mother will abandon her own daughter who is then shunned from the family. This leaves the daughter without the comfort of additional family members for should be there proving support.

These abandoned pregnant, adolescent rape victims (adolescents), often only thirteen or fourteen years old, face a dismal future. They are without money, support, homes or any job prospects. Most worrying of all, these adolescents are carrying for an unborn baby, who will enter a world where education will not be available to them and their options for a self-sustainable life non-existent.

It is not uncommon for such desperate girls to drift into the sex trade industry or the world of drug use; further blighting their lives and potential to contribute meaningfully to society. Many teen mothers abandon their babies due to lack of support, or simply because they are overwhelmed and under-prepared for the experience of motherhood.

This outstanding project focuses on a shelter that provides a home for as many of these girls and their unborn children as possible. In this shelter, these adolescents are shown a different life path; one that could lead to a more productive life than they would have ever known possible without this opportunity.

Teen mothers come to the shelter for a place to stay and to receive food to eat. The purpose of the shelter is to give the mothers hope by teaching them about childcare and the realities of motherhood. The shelter also has a small workshop area where the mothers produce artisan products. The skills learned in the workshop help them to build skills for when they leave the shelter and the products created are sold to raise money for the upkeep and running of the home.

Volunteers may help by caring for the children, as well as assisting with educational workshops for the young mothers, teaching English, and/or participating in recreational activities. Past workshop themes included gender communication, self-esteem and sex education. Volunteers are encouraged to teach workshops. This is a great opportunity to bring the required materials and show off your skills.

Qualifications

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation projects are open for all the people who want to collaborate in the program, including high school students at least 18 years old. Students who are under 18 years are welcome to attend with their parents or tutor. Recent participants have included University and College students, recent high school graduates, gap year students, professionals, couples, and retirees.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD 110 per week

Program Fees Include:

Time volunteering: 1 week minimum and maximum 12 weeks

The cost includes: Pick up airport, three meals per day and accommodation in a host family

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays
• Other

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Eco Volunteer UP Foundation's Mission Statement

We are a non-profit organization which is legally recognized by the Ecuadorian Government. Volunteers with Eco Volunteer UP have the choice of many worthy programs, such as vulnerable orphanages, institutes for children with disabilities, street children and local indigenous communities. There are volunteer programs located in and around Quito, the capital of Ecuador, as well as programs located in the Cloud Forest and its communities close to Quito, the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Galapagos Islands and other key places around Ecuador. We offer volunteers real immersion in the various Ecuadorian ecosystems, and the unique opportunity for learning and sharing about Ecuadorian cultures, costumes and traditions.