This volunteer project in Ecuador was founded over 10 years ago by an Italian. It is dedicated to the therapy of disabled children with mental and physical limitations or disabilities, such as autism, Down Syndrome or paralysis. Even blind and deaf children can participate in the therapies. The project started on private initiative in one of the largest parks in Quito, now after many years of hard work, the project has its place in the park and the number of children and animals participating in the therapy has increased significantly. The approximately 15 dogs and some horses used for the therapy are the main actors in this project.
Initially there were only a few dogs used for the therapy, but thanks to the great reception of the families, this project is now one of the largest of its kind in Quito. However, volunteers are needed to assist in therapies and to take care of the animals.
In this project you can tackle in different places. Your help as a volunteer is very much in demand and important. The tasks are, in addition to the maintenance of the infrastructure, especially the care of the dogs. This includes primarily bathing, feeding and playing with the dogs. Particularly important also is the help of the volunteers when training new dogs. With a lot of patience and treats you teach the basic commands to the dogs, who used to live on the street or in non-adecuate conditions in private households. You can practice with the dogs how to walk on a leash or walk next to a wheelchair, for example.
Experience in the care of animals is not required for this project. However, you should not be afraid of dogs and ideally not suffer from an animal hair allergy. Otherwise, the love of animals and the joy of helping is all you need to support this amazing volunteer project in Quito.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of
volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as
self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these
tasks.
With its rich pre-Columbian history, the capital
of Ecuador was founded on the ruins of an Inca city, and nowadays offers
everything a modern traveler may need. Quito remains one of the best preserved
historic city centers in Latin America and UNESCO declared it a world heritage
site. This huge city stretches over a fabulous Andean valley surrounded
by volcanic peaks. Among its streets, you can find 40 churches and chapels, 16
convents and monasteries with their respective cloisters, 17 squares, 12
convent and refractory courtyards, 12 museums and innumerable beautiful patios.
Just 33 kilometers north of Quito is
the Middle of the World, the place with the line that divides the planet earth
in the northern and southern hemisphere.
Further north, an hour's drive from Quito, is Otavalo, the largest indigenous
market in the world. To the south, about a hundred kilometers away, you can
visit Latacunga and the Cotopaxi National Park, with the very high volcano of
the same name. Further south the cities of Ambato and Baños are worth a visit,
with the spectacular view of the Tungurahua volcano, which can be climbed to
the top. Especially Baños is real fun place to visit due to countless of
sports and adrelanine activities.
The best way to know more about Ecuadorian culture and customs, and even to practice your Spanish skills, is to live in a homestay. A top priority of our volunteer programs in Ecuador is full cultural immersion, so volunteers will receive their accommodation with local host families in Quito. The host families have been carefully selected and most of them have many years of experience hosting foreign volunteers. The host family provides you with a welcoming home and three meals per day.
Volunteers sleep in shared room with another volunteer, bathrooms are also shared.
Full-board is provided (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
The volunteer work can be joined throughout the year. The start and end date can be set flexible, according to your availability and travel plans. Ask our experienced staff to coordinate your participation in this meaningfull volunteer project.
***A donation in kind equivalent to 180 USD is required to be paid directly to the project***
Help Rescued Dogs
Take care of dogs that have been rescued from the streets or private households. These dogs now give back to disabled children in a dog therapy center.
$324/week
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