Description

Teach children in stunning Ecuador! The government school we work with has about 200 pupils aged from 5 to 14 years old. The children come from many different economic backgrounds and family situations. Some of the children are sponsored by the upper class employers of their parents, others cannot attend school everyday as they work as street vendors for part of the week.

This school really needs volunteers and you will be greatly appreciated. You'll work with disadvantaged children who will benefit enormously from your help! You will be able to teach English and a wide range of other subjects - IT, sports, music, art, drama, anything you have a reasonable knowledge in! Please let us know if you have a special interest and we will do our best to tailor make your project!

The school is for children between the ages of 5 to 14 years old. It is a public, government funded school, which means that all the equipment, teachers, school uniforms, school lunches and class materials are provided by the government. Because of this the children come from all walks of life - however the majority of them are very poor. The families of these children mainly earn their living from being bricklayers, artisans, housemaids, street vendors or are unemployed. A number of the children are sponsored by their parents' employers - in an exchange for their parents services in their homes, the upper class employers sponsor the children so they do not need to work and can receive an education instead. Other children cannot attend school every day because they must support their family by selling candy and other goods on the street.

The school has approximately 200 children, with about 30 in each grade. Every grade has a class teacher and there are also teachers for English, Sports, IT and Music (although at present the Music teacher position is vacant!) The school principal particularly appreciates the help of volunteers as he has a grade class himself, which combined with his responsibilities as the principal, leads to a very stressful mix!

The English teacher is called Gladys. She teaches all grades. She is Ecuadorian but her English is great! She always appreciates the chance to converse with native English speakers though, and your help in her classes is invaluable. The children get frustrated with the subject, as it is hard to learn and understand, so Gladys finds that they lose enthusiasm rapidly. Volunteers help to liven up these classes and make it enjoyable to learn English.

You will mainly work as an assistant. The children will really appreciate any attention you give them! Some of the tasks that you may participate in, will include:

Teach English (from Wednesday to Friday)
Teach Music (the school doesn't have a music teacher at present so if you have an interest in music this would be greatly appreciated)
Generally assisting the teachers and the classes
Teaching sports
Helping with creative activities, such as Art classes or Drama classes
Helping during the school lunch
If you have a special interest please do not hesitate to inform us. We will do our best to arrange that your project is focused on your interests!

As the English teacher is Ecuadorian, any assistance you can give her is much appreciated. Most of the children find the subject frustrating and very hard to learn - by livening up the classes, you could turn the subject of English into the most loved class of the week for the pupils! The children are lovely and very inquisitive! They will ask you lots of questions about your home country, your life and your experiences - any photos you have that you wish to take along will be met with delighted smiles and much enthusiasm! Your presence in the English classes is highly important. Not only will you make the class more active and keep the children's interest, as a native English speaker you'll also be a great support to the teacher. You'll help her to refresh her memory of the language and to improve her vocabulary, pronunciation. You'll also no doubt give her new ideas for the future!

WORKING HOURS:
You will generally work for 5 hours, from 13.15 - 18.15 in the afternoon, Monday to Friday.

SPANISH LESSONS:
If you have no previous knowledge of Spanish, your project will include 2 weeks of Spanish lessons at a fantastic and very well-established Spanish school in Quito. For the first week of your project, you will have 4 hours of group Spanish classes in the morning and will work at the project in the afternoon. For the second week of your project you will have 2 hours of private Spanish lessons . On the third and fourth weeks of your projects, your Spanish will be brilliant and you won't need Spanish classes so will spend all the time at your project!! (Of course, if you wish we can arrange for you to continue with your Spanish classes - please see the prices page for the supplemental cost for this.)

All the teachers at the school have taught Spanish for 8 or more years and between them they have developed a great many resources to make the lessons lively and fun. They also periodically organise interesting and enjoyable activities in order to introduce the Ecuadorian and Latin culture to their students - most recently they've been cooking Ecuadorian dishes in classes! It's a great, fun way to learn!

LOCATION:
The project is based in the north of the city, accessible by bus from your accommodation. Quito is a wonderful city, with a population of 2.4 million inhabitants. It is full of exciting history to explore, which is easier to find than in most cities as the most important dates in Ecuadorian history are in the street names - you'll come across 10 de Agosto street, 12 de Octubre street and 6 de Diciembre street!! You then just have to find out what happened on those dates!

There is always something to do in Quito, whether you'd like to experience some culture or join in with the cosmopolitan, modern way of life, there is always something to do or somewhere to visit. Cultural highlights include the old town, the cable car and the equator, along with a multitude of museums and monuments. Modern highlights include a range of shopping malls, a zoo, an ice skating rink, and plenty of restaurants and bars serving wonderful cocktails and tasty food - you'll find anything from traditional Ecuadorian cuisine to Thai and Italian!

Quito is very easy to get around. You can either use the buses, trolley buses or taxis, which are all very cheap and easily accessible.

Highlights

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into the diverse culture in Ecuador.

The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.

New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
Talk to us - We're there to help you. Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen! If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us, tell us what type of project you're looking for, and we'll liaise with you and start making your travel adventure happen. It's as easy as that!

Qualifications

No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit anyone who wants to make a real difference, wants first-hand experience of a different culture and has initiative.

You'll need a little Spanish to do this project, but we've got that covered! If you have no knowledge of Spanish at all, you can combine your project with two weeks of Spanish.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on length. Starts from 1,165

Cost Includes:

• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Full support from the moment of booking and throughout your placement to your return home. There are support staff 24/7 in all our destinations worldwide and a 24 hour emergency international telephone line direct to the Head Office. Accommodation is provided (whether a rented house, a hotel/hostel, homestay, apartment or flat).

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

• Childcare/children
• Education
• Teaching
• Tutor
• Volunteering

Typical Volunteer

This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat
• Dormitory
• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

within 5 working days

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement

Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded

1995