Description

Kaya provides many English teaching placements but we also provide alternative education programs such as working with blind, deaf and children with Down syndrome. Education for these minority groups is poor and they are in great need of outside help. Be ready for minimal teaching aids and know now that you will be the main teaching resource. It is a great opportunity for the children to learn from a native speaker and hear the correct pronunciation, and all you need is a good level of English to participate in many of the placements.

*Early Childhood Education and Youth Mentoring

Volunteer and assist teachers at a child care center in an indigenous community giving children, age two to five, the tools, skills, and confidence they need to get a head start to success in elementary school. In the afternoons, the facility is converted into a Learning Center for youth aged 5 to 16 to provide academic tutoring and mentoring along with other after school activities, including sports, theatre, music, arts, dance. The centre also hosts organic gardens which provide a sustainable source of vegetables for children and and the elderly in the community.

*Children's Outreach Providing Education for Child Labour at the Markets

This intervention program takes a very proactive approach, traveling to the markets around greater Quito, approaching children and their parents to talk to them about the importance of education and early childhood development. Additionally, the staff and volunteers set up tents at the markets where they offer opportunities for thematic early childhood education, including recreation, health/hygiene, values, identity, and education. By meeting these children on their turf, the program has achieved great success in recruiting and maintaining attendees to the pre-school programs, along with an ultimate reduction in the childrens work hours and matriculation in public schools.

*Organic Farming and Environmental Education on the Ecuador Coast

Volunteer and get involved with a unique project working to develop an Organic Farm. The farm holds a pertinent role in developing alternatives for the local Ecuadorian communities and has long been championing the use of biogas, solar power, new composting systems as well as developing local techniques such as worm culture, water recycling, reforestation, permaculture as well as organic farming techniques and environmental tourism.

*Work in a Day Care Centre for Children of the Rubbish Dump in Ecuador

Become a volunteer and join one of our most unique projects in South America. In March of 2006, a Daycare Centre & Preschool, which serves over 50 children from newborn through to 5 years, was opened. Here the dedicated team have been taking care of these infants with a mission of improving their prospects for the future.

*Childcare and Therapy at an Orphanage in Ecuador

Become a volunteer and work in this orphanage which currently has 50 to 60 homeless children with regular and special needs. All are cared for in three residential care homes at this orphanage in north-east Quito. The environment provides physical and emotional support, and lots of tender loving care to children ranging from newborn to 13 years of age. The Centre is on 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 to give these children the attention and love they deserve.

*Environmental Conservation on Biological Stations in the Galapagos Islands

Founded in 1985 with its original conservation center in the Ecuadorian Amazon, this premiere biological preservation foundation is committed to research and habitat restoration in natural areas deemed the most at risk by international conservation organizations. Despite its small land mass, Ecuador is renowned for its megadiversity due to its variety of life zones. And none are so famous as the magnificent Galapagos Islands, where Darwin first developed his theory of evolution.

*Preserve the Rainforest and Local Culture in an Ecotourism Project in the Amazon in Ecuador

Crowned with awards from the Ashoka Changemakers and National Geographic Societies, this revolutionary Ecotourism project advocates environmental sustainability through education. Specifically, proceeds from the low impact Ecolodge, located in the heart of the Amazon, fund a rural Technical High School that focuses on relevant curricula in six productive areas (see below) to teach indigenous students how to create local livelihoods that conserve their endangered Amazon homeland.

Highlights

Nowhere else on earth will you find so much natural diversity - and all the fun that accompanies it - in such a small country. In one day's drive you can journey from the Amazon Basin across glaciated Andean volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forest and arrive at a seaside village on the Pacific coast, where the water is warm.

Traditionally the impoverished have resided in rural areas but with rapid urbanization over the last 25 years, the urban population in poverty has risen from 1.5 million to around 3.5 million. Some of the characteristics of poverty in urban and rural areas are low educational achievement, informal sector employment, and rented, instead of owned, housing.

*Mount Chimborazo:
Mount Chimborazo is an inactive volcano and is the highest peak in Ecuador at 20,565 ft. It is also the farthest point on the planet from the Earth's core. It is a day's climb to the summit from base camp and the awesome towering ice-capped peak is a major incentive to reach the summit.

*Paragliding in the Andes:
View the spectacular views of the Ecuadorian Andes through the thrilling experience of paragliding. Carry out a tandem flight and no experience is required. The best places to paraglide are Crucita beach, Pichincha Mountains and the cliffs above Canoa.

*Andean Biking:
Ecuador is a premier mountain biking destination with its diversity of biking terrain and scenery. From Quito there are a number of rides ranging from snow-capped Andean volcanoes, cloud forests and jungle upon hundreds of miles of traffic-free trails.

There are great projects doing great work but with more funds and staff so much more could be done. You can offer so many things to Ecuadorians. Volunteers can engage in numerous activities with the men, women and children.

Qualifications

Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Please visit the website for more information.

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodation: Shared room in a volunteer house.
* Food: 3 meals per day  Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, (prepared from local, organic gardens) shared with Lodge staff
* Airport pick up and drop off
* Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation and project induction included
* Support: 24 hour support
* Excursions planning: Staff will help plan activities and excursions (some activities may cost extra)

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range

Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement

Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded

2008