Description

Currently, 50 to 60 homeless children with regular and special needs are cared for in three residential care homes at this orphanage in north-east Quito. The environment provides physical and emotional support, spiritual nurturing, and lots of tender loving care. The children range from newborn to 13 years of age, and over 500 have passed through its doors since it opened in 1990, many of whom have been adopted by local or international parents. The Center is on a beautiful grounds with a state of the art pool for physical therapy, playgrounds, and educational facilities on the premises. What is lacking is more hands and hearts to give these children the attention and love they deserve... that´s where you fit in!

* Role of Volunteer/Skills Required

The number one qualification is your undivided presence with these children. These orphans suffer emotionally and developmentally since they don´t always receive the constant attention children with parents would receive. Therefore, just playing, being, reading, hugging and interacting with them improves everything from their self- esteem to their vocabulary! In addition, the full time staff often need help feeding the infants, folding clothes, or with other routine chores that allow them to spend more quality time with the kids. If you have experience in PT or special education, you might be able to assist with the special needs children as well.

Highlights

Ecuador is one of those rare destinations in the world that seems to have the unique combination of natural beauty, intriguing history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Equator in the northwest corner of the South American continent, much of the country still remains wild and uncharted. It is home to the highest active volcano in the world, pristine Pacific beaches, and virgin tropical rainforests as well as ancient Incan history now echoed through the lively Ecuadorian culture. Ecuador is marked by its diversity. Within a territory of 120,000 square miles, one can travel from sea level to 12,000 feet of altitude within a six-hour drive, visit a fishing town and see a highland village within the same day.

Qualifications

- Must be 18 and over, with valid passport and health insurance.
- Volunteers should be open, flexible, patient, caring passionate, creative and come with a spirit of collaboration and solidarity.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

950 for two weeks

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country staff support

Program Fees Include:

Airport pickup, homestay accommodations with three meals/day, health/safety/cultural orientation, program supervision, and 24 hour staff support.

Fees do not include airfare, insurance, any VISA fees. And optional one on one Spanish classes can be arranged at USD6 per hour.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 yeard old and above

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

EcuaExplora's Mission Statement

To make it possible for international students, interns and volunteers to have meaningful experiences studying in Ecuadorian universities and institutions of higher education, interning in professional placements throughout Ecuador, and volunteering in collaborative projects focused on the sustainable social and economic development of Ecuador.

Year Founded

2010