Agency | Plan My Gap Year
A major reason for orphaned children is the cultural acceptance of child marriage resulting an increased rate of births to mothers 10-14 years of age. The lower aged mothers result in a decreased level of familiarity on proper health and nutrition for infants. In indigenous population, over 50% of children have a high level of Chronic malnutrition resulting in removal from their homes due to neglect.
Along with forms of neglect, there is the prevalence of abuse at high levels in countries of Latin America. Major areas of abuse are domestic violence and corporal punishment to women and children in the rural/indigenous communities. Children in orphanages across the nation are subjects to many forms of abuse, but the most prominent is that of physical conduct by a male counterpart within the home. While these actions have been termed ‘illegal’ in the new constitution of Ecuador, the use of this punishment stills carries on within the family culture. Violence towards women is one of the highest among the population with 7 out of 10 being victims in their life.
It is certainly possible to use one of PMGY’s programmes as part of your university or college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your course tutors. PMGY regularly receives medical, childcare, psychology and nursing placement students at our projects around the world and we have ties with some of the leading universities.
If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how one of PMGY’s programmes could meet the placement requirements for your degree course then please message us.
Is it safe to travel to PMGY destinations?
Although our volunteers work in the developing world, we always ensure our host locations are safe. Each programme has been extensively researched and has passed our strict vetting process. Our UK team undergo an extensive routine when establishing our in-country infrastructures and we continue to monitor our safety procedures on a regular basis. Furthermore, we monitor the stability of our volunteer destinations on a daily basis. Through our constant contact with consulates and embassies and our reports from our overseas teams, we are able to ensure that our volunteers are never placed in unstable regions.
The PMGY team have visited and participated in every programme we offer and verified them based on our own independent criteria. We carefully inspect every little detail of our set-up. From inspecting the living conditions, checking out the neighbourhoods you’ll be staying in, to tasting the food you’ll be eating – each and every programme we establish has gone through a lengthy and rigorous vetting process. Risk assessments have been written for all areas in which PMGY operate and our experienced local coordinators are always on-hand to manage any emergencies that may occur. Our UK team are always on the road reviewing our risk management procedures in the field and monitoring local conditions.
In emergency situations we have the necessary protocols and equipment in place and we are able to evacuate our volunteers from potential dangers. Our local coordinators are trained to deal with emergency circumstances.
When you join PMGY we will send you a Volunteer Handbook. This document addresses a range of issues such as health, safety, visa issues etc. Furthermore, our UK team are only ever a phone call away should you wish to discuss any aspect of your upcoming programme. When you arrive in-country, you’ll be given a comprehensive safety briefing during your orientation course by our local coordinators. We will go through everything from emergency procedures, how to use local transport and cultural differences. You’ll also be given the opportunity to purchase a local SIM card, something we strongly suggest, so you’re contactable at all times. We will provide you with a full list of the important contact numbers that you’ll need to know.
All our local teams are experienced development professionals who have years of experience in hosting international volunteers. They are our representatives on the ground and will assist you 24/7 throughout your stay. Whether you need to call home, travel at the weekend or require urgent assistance – they are there to support you.
Typical day
The home serves as a protective destination for those that have been abandoned or mistreated. The rate of adoption in Ecuador is low, but possible, so this location is a temporary home for children.
Working with children is one of most fulfilling jobs. Volunteers at the orphanage help with the daily chores like cleaning, helping to feed the children, singing them songs, teaching them about hygiene and other important skills, playing with children in a recreational setting outdoors is also a big part of the job due to the limited time the caregivers have to do such an activity. The volunteer will have the chance to interact with the kids by organizing games, manual activities and other things to keep them busy. Taking the initiative and applying creativity is an important skill to have in this kind of work.
The work schedule is flexible and will be set between you, the centre and our volunteer coordinator in Quito. Thus volunteers will have the chance to make the most of their time. Please keep in mind that the centre’s resources are limited. It is important you know that you may have to face adverse situations. Please be respectful and responsible in your work, keep in mind you are a role model for these children! This volunteer project aims to instill in children important values such as care, respect and love for learning. You will experience the unconditional love that children can give and the pure happiness they show when they see you each and every day.
Details on Arrival
Free-time activities
In & Around Quito
Participants are based in Quito, the country’s capital located in the Andes Mountains. This major city is home to nearly 3 million people, but with its quaint atmosphere resting in the mountain tops you will find yourself in the majestic views of city life, wilderness and history.
Quito is a uniquely, centralized location to live and work in. In this famous city, you can find yourself at a prime spot to visit the earth’s equator, hike to Cotopaxi Volcano, enjoy panoramic views from the Teleférico, buy souvenirs at the Artesian Market, board the train to the amazon, take a flight to the Galapagos Islands for a long weekend or enjoy a quiet afternoon at Zazu restaurant for a delicious meal.
Our participants are situated in a great location to explore the local sites and also travel further afield.
Quito
Quito is the world’s most ‘historic’ city. As you venture down the cobblestone roads you can be sure that the same buildings ahead of you were there centuries ago. This enchanted city is the perfect introduction to Latin culture with its mixture of Indigenous and European traditions. Art and nature clearly play a large part in the beliefs of this beautiful location; wait until you walk the streets and encounter the endless murals, statues and works-of-art waiting for purchase in shop after shop.
This Spanish destination pours history into the hearts of every visitor with its colonial buildings, checkerboard patterned streets and earthen bricked churches. The surrounding snow-capped mountain tops and starry nights will leave you breathlessly in love with Quito!
Mindo Cloud Forest
The thrill of a 100 metre cloud forest will leave you wishing you never left as you glide through the tree tops and tube down the waters in the mountains. If you aren’t up for the packed adventure in the canopy you can keep yourself grounded and trek the Rio Nambillo of brightly coloured flowers and exotic wildlife.
A favourite tour of many is spent zip lining through the canopy of Mindo Forest. An hour of adventure moving tree to tree, witnessing spider monkeys jumping over your head and sloths chillin’ as you move from platform to platform. Those that want to satisfy their sweet tooth especially enjoy the Mindo Chocolate tour! The time spent with chocolate makers in El Quetzal will show you the steps of this delightful treat from its original form starting as the cocoa bean.
Don’t miss out on a weekend in the clouds!
Program Requirements
While the programmes only require you to speak a basic level of Spanish, we find that the ability to speak a good level of Spanish will greatly enhance your overall experience.
Included Services
Before your journey
On-site services
Your programme fee includes; accommodation, food, airport pickup (24 hours), in-country orientation, private transport to projects, 24 hour in-country support.
Your registration fee includes; 24 hour UK based support, comprehensive volunteer handbook, live pre-departure webinars, 100% financial protection, regular programme inspection.
You should arrive into Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito (airport code UIO) on the selected Sunday start date. You will be met at the airport by one of our local staff or an appointed driver who will be holding a named sign. They will take you to your accommodation where you will spend the rest of your day at leisure.
The programme ends on the Saturday of your final week and you should depart the accommodation on this day.
During your time with PMGY in Ecuador you will live in our Volunteer House located in central Quito, the country’s capital. You will find restaurants, convenience stores, cafés, pubs and ATMs all within walking distance. You’ll be living with other volunteers from around the world, so you’ll make plenty of friends along the way.
The accommodation is comfortable with free Wi-Fi. Each room has single or bunk beds with up to 3 people per room in same-sex rooms. Volunteers are provided with cupboard space and bed linens. Bathrooms are shared, but have a shower and western style toilet.
The Volunteer House has free Wi-Fi and a communal area for volunteers to hang out. We encourage you to bring some small padlocks and/or store any valuables in your own bags. There will also be fridge space available for volunteers to store any items they need to keep chilled in the kitchen. The Volunteer House is a quick walk from laundry services (low cost of $1.50/kg).
Volunteers are housed within a hip area of Quito encompassed with restaurants, cafes, boutiques and pubs. The Volunteer House will have a security guard to ensure that volunteers are safe. Meals are not provided in the programme so there are fully equipped kitchens to prepare all of your food. This accommodation setup offers volunteers the unique experience of living with lots of other volunteers as well as an independent environment in this Latin American country.
The majority of our projects are not within walking distance of our Volunteer House. The PMGY Ecuador team members will educate you on the bus routes for your journey to project each day.
During our busiest months (June to September) you may be placed at alternative accommodation. This could be a nearby guesthouse or one of our summer Volunteer Houses.
The Volunteer House will be equipped with a kitchen including all the appliances and items needed to prepare your three nutritious meals a day. The idea behind this is that with a communal setting volunteers spend much of their time interacting with each other and building life long bonds, both while preparing and eating.
The Volunteer House is located in a great area. This hip spot has small food markets and large convenient stores for any items you may need. Whether you are preparing a frozen pizza or frying some fish and chips everything is in close proximity.
Volunteers tend to put their heads together and discuss certain nights they will cook together and then chip in to buy the food items. If you are up for some communal cooking, get involved! PMGY Ecuador will host cuisine nights that you are free to attend and learn. If you want to eat the well prepared Ecuadorian meal just bring $3!
If you have any questions about the kitchen or where to buy items the team is always willing to point you in the right direction.
Program Fees
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