Support a childcare center in one of the largest parks in Quito. Originally, this center was established by the first Catholic Church in Ecuador to distribute meals to children and adults in need. Condition was to join the Christian Catholic faith. After the intervention of the government, the project was continued - but without commitment of the denomination to the Catholic faith.
The center welcomes up to 50 children aged 5 to 12 in the mornings (numbers subject to change). While their parents work, the children can stay in a safe place where they get lunch every day. Many of the children come from families from very poor conditions, some of whom lack the necessary money to feed themselves properly. Therefore, the children are often given clothes and shoes as well. In cases where the parents seriously violate their duties of care, the center would intervene.
In the afternoons you take care of around 20 teenagers between the ages of 13 and 20 (numbers may change). Many of them live on the street and face complex issues (drugs, violence, poverty, etc.). In the care center, these young adults get one meal per day as well as assistance in finding work and accommodation. Former street children also offer workshops to inform about the dangers of life on the streets of Quito.
Since the care of so many children and young people is very labor-intensive, the cooperation of volunteers is always necessary. Your volunteering work in Quito is therefore very meaningful and supports a good cause. A good deal of flexibility is expected, as the work requirements in the volunteer project can evolve and change on an ongoing basis.
Ecuador is a developing country and the reality of many children and adolescents is very sad and often unimaginable in our Western context. This volunteer project looks after children from poor families whose parents lack money to provide a balanced diet for their children and who do not have time to give enough attention to the children. The project also looks after homeless or neglected young people who find a safe haven in the center, where they can get something warm in their stomachs, where they can talk about their problems and worries, and where to find someone to give them a helping hand.
Volunteer work always starts on Mondays. The first day serves as an orientation day. All new participants will join a city tour of Quito to get to know the city. You will learn how to use public transport, explain important topics such as safety, do's and don'ts in Quito, etc. On the following Tuesday your volunteer service will start then.
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 adrenaline activities.
Airport pick-up can be added for an extra cost.
It is very important to us that you are comfortable during your stay in Ecuador. For this reason we place the volunteers in carefully selected host families. There you can immerse yourself completely into the Ecuadorian culture. You can practice your Spanish skills in everyday situations and get to know the country's traditions and cuisine firsthand. If you have questions or need help, your host family will always be there to assist you. You will have your own room with half-board (breakfast and dinner) every day and laundry service once a week included.
Half-board (breakfast and 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.
Help Underprivileged Youth in Quito
Be a role model for teenagers in social risk in Ecuador! Teach English, help with homework, and organize fun activities!
$246/week
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