Description

For years, the maltreated workers at Quito's biggest landfill, called "miners", spent hours shifting through toxic garbage in unsafe and unsanitary conditions with no guaranteed salary. Since our partner began working and organizing with this community of inter-generational garbage scavengers, much improvement has been made in their working conditions, including their forming of an association to demand more rights and safer conditions and the involvement of an environmental organization to guarantee a more sanitary and more hygienic working environment. Further, in March of 2006, the Zambiza Daycare Center & Preschool, which serves over 50 children ages newborn through 5 years, was opened. In December of 2006 a medical clinic also opened at the site in conjunction with Hospital VozAndes.

This project also provide family counseling, hygiene classes, education assistance, a weekly kids club and moms club, weekly feeding for night workers and much more. The end goal is to provide vaccination and pre-K education programs that will ensure the next generation has a chance to go to school and escapes the cycle of poverty.

* Role of Volunteer

With appropriate support, volunteers will assist the 3 full time teachers playing with, feeding, cleaning, reading, playing, and generally tending to the nearly 50 children enrolled at the Day Care center. The Center is open from 8:30 5 pm daily, offering dynamic and engaging education themes and compassionate interaction for the younger infants in a safe environment. Another special focus is on health and hygiene, with workers (volunteers do not perform this task) bathing the children regularly to teach the importance of personal care. Social workers are also brought in to counsel the families, as often these children come from backgrounds of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or live with family members who abuse substances.

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.
- There is also a health clinic at the transfer station on Tuesday and Friday mornings, so those with a background in public health are most welcome.
- Interest in social work, public health, early childhood education and social justice a plus.

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