Volunteer in Ecuador in Child Care

Project Summary: The project is aimed at giving children from low income backgrounds a chance to experience a better standard of living. The children are between the ages of 2 to 4 and many have been raised in poor urban areas where their parents lack the financial resources to provide consistent education and even struggle to supply basics such as nutrition and health for their children. Some of these children come from families where they have experienced or been victims of domestic violence. In many cases their parents are not able to look after the children due to their occupations and as a result, the children are neglected. This project also works with the parents of the children through the 'parent's school' which provides seminars and classes in better parenting.

Where the placement is based

This project is based in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Quito is a perfect location to begin exploring Ecuador. Flanked by the Andes mountain range, sandwiched by the western slopes of the Volcano Guagua Pichincha and standing at a colossal 4,790 m with canyons on the eastern side, the city sits inside a lengthy narrow basin valley forming a setting unparalleled by most cities in South America.

Quito is second highest capital in the continent; it is rich in colonial architecture and has scenery that is just breath taking.

Why the placement needs volunteers

International volunteer aid, care and supervision are much needed at this program. Volunteers who take part in this project become an integral part of the solution and help improve the quality of life of these children. As a volunteer, you serve as a role model for these children and have the opportunity to turn around their lives.

Program Requirements

You should enjoy working with children and be prepared to deal with difficult situations. You should be patient and try to understand where these children come from. That in turn will allow you to understand what these children need in order to help reshape their lives.

Your role as a volunteer

As a volunteer you will become directly involved in the daily lives of these children. Since their parents are not available to care for the children throughout the day, it will be your responsibility to step in and provide these children with basic services such as taking them to school, helping with homework and playing with them at play time.

Program Schedule

Monday- Friday, 8 hours per day.

Project dress code

As role models for these children you should dress in a manner that you feel serves as a good example to these children.

Suggested items to be brought to project

Any stationary, books, sports equipment, board games and any other educational materials are welcome. If you are considering large quantity donations please confirm this with uVolunteer so that we can ensure that it is the right kind of donation for the project you will be placed in.

Accommodation

Private Room Home stays
For a full cultural immersion, we recommend you stay with an Ecuadorian host family. These are comfortable, secure and sociable lodgings. In addition, you will receive 3 daily meals, a private room, laundry service, cleaning service and you will be living in a residential area. By choosing this type of accommodation you will also be contributing to the economic well being of the participating families by providing an additional source of income and thereby raising their standard of living.

Shared Rooms
If you prefer to share an accomodation with other volunteers or cook and coexist with other foreigners, we offer shared rooms in a hostel. This accommodation will include sleeping quarters, shared showers, kitchen (where you can prepare your meals), dinning room, social area and a small yard. This accommodation does not include food, laundry or a cleaning service.

Activities and Excursions around project location

Quito has plenty of colonial architecture and modern building have been strictly regulated in the Old Town since 1978, when it as declared a UNESCO cultural heritage site. The old centre is full of white washed houses, red tiled roofs and colonial churches, with no flashing neon to disrupt the ambient of the past.
The northern part of the city is the new town, containing modern offices, embassies, shopping centres and airline offices. It is very popular with tourists and almost all travel agencies can be found here. Some of the major sites include the 16th century monastery of San Francisco, a 16th century cathedral and the historic alley of La Ronda, which is the best preserved street in Quito. Other sites include El Panecillo which is a hill with fabulous views of the old town, topped with a statue of the Virgin of Quito. There are a wide variety of museums, numerous colonial churches, several spectacular plazas and open markets at the foot of El Panecillo.