Volunteering in Quito - Ecuador

• Center For Street Children And Teenagers
• After School Center For Underprivileged Youth
• Indigenous School
• Aid To Children With Down Syndrome
• Children's Hospital
• General Hospital
• Center For Children With Cancer
• Art Gallery
• Mindo Cloud Forest Ecological Reserve
• Galapagos Biological Station

NEW PROJECTS:

Center For Children With Mothers Who Are Women Deprived Of Their Freedom Or Sex Workers

Rotary Club Valle Interoceánico

SHORT TERM AND PART TIME PROJECTS:

DETAILS CONCERNING VOLUNTEER POSITIONS

Dear volunteer and friend,

The Academia Latinoamericana de Español and your volunteer project would like to thank you for your generosity in offering your volunteer services.

It is likely that you will encounter problems and disappointments, since Ecuador is a developing country and resources are limited for certain sectors of the population, but we are also sure you will have a rewarding experience. Things are not always as we would like them to be, and it is precisely for this reason that our work is so important, in trying to create a web of support for those who need it in different fields such as education, medicine, ecology, social work and affection, which often is the most important of all.

We are sure that you will get immense satisfaction from working as a volunteer and you will realize that there are people in the world who need you - or anyone not looking for anything in return - to help them. This is the reward of the true volunteer.

For our program, we have selected several non-profit institutions which have recently opened their doors to receive volunteers. Each one of them has their own sets of rules and norms that you should follow responsibly.

ORIENTATION AND RULES FOR VOLUNTEERS

At the Academia Latinoamericana de Español you will receive information from the volunteer coordinator who will be responsible for helping and guiding you in your volunteer position.

PREREQUISITES FOR VOLUNTEERING

• Have at least a lower intermediate ability level of spoken Spanish
• Turn in a personal résumé to the Academia
• Be willing to work at least four hours a day as a volunteer
• Have an appropriate disposition for the demands of the project
• Show initiative and motivation in order to complete the assigned work
• Fill out the volunteer evaluation form after completing your time as a volunteer
• Attend the orientation for your specific volunteer position

Many thanks for your generosity and good luck!

Patty del Corral
Director
Academia Latinoamericana de Español

Participation in a volunteer project through the Academia Latinoamericana de Español requires you to be available to work for at least 4 weeks and to take at least 4 weeks of Spanish classes before or while you volunteer. At the time you start volunteering, your Spanish should be at least at an intermediate level, as you need to be able to communicate with the staff, the children or patients and other volunteers at the project.

During your volunteer work, the Academia Latinoamericana provides you accommodation at the student residence directly on the school campus (except for projects which are located outside the city).

Clothing: unless otherwise specified, comfortable clothes such as jeans, t-short, jumper, etc.

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CENTER FOR STREET CHILDREN AN TEENAGERS

Location: Historic Center of Quito

History/Purpose:

The objective of the project is to develop awareness and educate the public to benefit children, adolescents and teenagers of the street, as well as to develop programs that teach young people skills, augment their capacity to work, build their self-esteem, enforce their personal identity and help them avoid homelessness, drug use or delinquent behaviour. At the same time, the project tries to ensure that the work done by the children, youth or teenagers does not keep them from their studies, since it is a program that encourages access to and regular attendance in school, and involves the teachers, family, and the children themselves.

Several years ago, the problems confronting the street children of Quito were recognized, and the cause was taken up by a group of priests in 1977. They opened a home called "El Galpón" where, besides a place to sleep, they offered the children meals, education, recreation, medical attention and religion. Over time the program was consolidated into a primary school and finally into a secondary school. Many centers have opened for needy children since then, one of which is this very center. It is a small space in which one finds large work tables around which children are seated to do their schoolwork. Also there is a small kitchen and a recreation space with a TV room. The children and youth that come to the center are mainly boys between the ages of 7 and 18.

Placement

Providing support to the children, as much psychologically, through offering them affection and compassion, as academically, helping them with their schoolwork in maths, English, science, etc. It is not necessary to be an education specialist, as the children have easy homework with which everyone can surely help them. However it is very important that you are a very creative and patient person and give the children love and affection.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Spanish: High intermediate
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00am-12:30pm or
2:30-6:00pm

List of optional donations

Educational material such as geographic maps, books, crayons, markers, notebooks, clothing, etc.

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AFTER SCHOOL CENTER FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED YOUTH

Location: North-West Quito

History/Purpose:

Provide a place for children who do not have a home or a place to do their schoolwork while their parents work. It is a place where these underprivileged children receive understanding, affection and scholastic reinforcement in order to better the quality of life.

Due to the necessity of a support network for these children in the nearby community of San José Worker Parish, a group of Catholic priests began the project in a vacant lot in the neighbourhood. Little by little, thanks to national and international donations, the project now boasts a comfortable physical facility, consisting of a house with two floors, a small patio for recreation and a kitchen where lunch is prepared and offered to the children and youth. There are two age groups of children, the younger ones up to 11 years and the older ones from 11 to 18 years. The project also provides a public library and a school room.

Placement

Volunteers participate in activities with the children or youth led by the program coordinator, who is in charge of the care and well-being of everyone. Tasks include giving help in teaching basic subjects such as math, history, English and sports, and assistin the staff during meals.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Spanish: High intermediate
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00am-12:30pm or 2:00-5:00pm

List of optional donations

Educational material such as geographic maps, books, crayons, markers, notebooks, clothing, etc.

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INDIGENOUS SCHOOL

Location: small town north of Quito

History/Purpose

To give psychological support, affection and attention to poor children who are educated at this institution. These children do not live with their parents, who have immigrated to other countries, like Spain and Italy in most cases. The school is a multicultural academic institution in which the majority of the children are between 5 and 13 years old. The school is maintained thanks to the support of the parents or guardians of the children, who with few resources are bringing a great work to life.

Placement

Volunteers can offer their help as a social worker, and / or teaching English as a second language, art or math.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Spanish: High intermediate
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30am-12:30pm

Clothing

Clothing appropriate for working in an educational institution, such as long pants, no jeans, long-sleeved shirt.

List of optional donations

Educational material such for teaching English or maths, books, crayons, pencils, markers, erasers, notebooks, clay, clothing, etc.

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AID TO CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME

Location: Northern Quito

History/Purpose

The work is based on providing a unit of support for the development, integration of and information about people with disabilities and their environment. The project focuses its activities on those that have Down Syndrome, including infants, children and adults.

This foundation is a social development non-governmental organization, created to work with and for unprotected people. In conjunction with several other foundations, develops a systematic support program for the integration and development of all people with disabilities. Different areas are attended to, such as scholarship, socialization, family relations and integration into the work force. In order to facilitate the integration process and achieve adequate coverage of the various areas of attention, the project has been divided in the following manner:

• Therapeutic Division
• Consulting Division
• Training Division

Those that benefit from the support project are the disabled, their families and their environment, with priority given to those with fewer resources. Programs include activities such as self-help groups, workshops, conferences, classes for family members, psychological orientation services, legal orientation services, community service programs, information and documentation center, awareness programs and campaigns, etc.

Placement

Depending on the volunteers' professional training and skills, services can be utilized in different areas such as psychological-educational services, early attention, language therapy, physical therapy, computerized teaching systems, scholastic reinforcement, sexual orientation, health programs, recreational activities and sports. Volunteers don't need to be physical therapists, the foundation will give you all the training you need and will teach you how to give the children therapy.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, morning or afternoon shifts
Spanish: High intermediate

List of optional donations

Educational material, books, crayons, pencils, markers, notebooks, clothing, etc.

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CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

Location: Center of Quito

History/Purpose

The purpose of the project is to support the mission of the Hospital through obtaining resources to help poor children that come to the hospital, whose parents often do not have the money necessary for the medical attention they need.

The health sector of Ecuador consists of diverse institutions, both public and private, profit and non-profit. The Ecuadorian constitution guarantees "free" health services for all Ecuadorian citizens. People of fewer resources are usually those who attend the public institutions. The huge quantity of patients seeking services overreaches the capacity of the hospitals and health clinics, bringing into question the quality of the services provided to the patients. Many needs exist which, for whatever reason, be it economic, political or administrative, cannot be satisfied by the public sector of the medical field in Ecuador. The public sub-sector is constituted of the Public Heath Ministry, the IESS, the Armed Forces and Police Health Services, the National Institute for the Child and the Family, and the Ministry of Social Well-Being. This sub-sector attends approximately 60% of the population, and concerns especially hospital attention. The Children's Hospital is a public institution that specializes in child health. As is the case for many other hospitals and clinics, it is governed by the Health Ministry of Ecuador. The Hospital offers services such as hospitalization, emergency care, orthopaedics, outside consultation, paediatrics and x-ray services.

Placement

The job of the volunteer consists in supporting the staff as they care for the children in tasks such as distributing the donations that the hospital receives. As is the case in all hospitals in Ecuador, volunteers are not allowed to perform the functions of a doctor or nurse.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, morning or afternoon shifts
Spanish: High intermediate

Clothing

A white lab coat over comfortable work clothing, preferably white as well.

List of optional donations

Hospital equipment and / or materials especially for the Center for Burnings or Emergency Room.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL

Location: Center of Quito

History/Purpose

This Hospital is one of biggest in the country. Approximately 35% of the total population has access to its services. The people who are taken care of in this health center are of limited resources and not able to pay for services of a private hospital. The affiliated and their children during the first year of life, pensioners and widow with right to a monthly payment are protected against the contingency of disease with the following benefits: medical aid, surgical and dental services, which contain: external consultations, emergencies, preventive medicine and rehabilitation, surgical attention and hospitalization.

Placement

Depending on the qualification of the volunteer and in coordination with the Head of Teaching of the Hospital, they will be located in an area in where their work contributes to the well-being of the patients. These areas can be: therapy of bones, emergencies, surgery, etc.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks Schedule: Monday through Friday, morning or afternoon shifts Spanish: High intermediate

Clothing

A white lab coat over comfortable work clothing, preferably white as well. A green uniform is provided by the hospital.

List of optional donations

Hospital equipment and / or materials especially for the Center for Burnings or Emergency Room.

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CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER

Location: Northern Quito

History/Purpose

To offer psychological and emotional help as well as solidarity for children with cancer and their families. The project started with a boy who was diagnosed with cancer. It gives support to those who are directly affected by the illness, and those who have lost family members or friends, and provides them a place to live and find consolation and love. The center has grown significantly over the past few years, thanks to the work an donations of businesses and individuals that have collaborated together, and has been able to continually provide better education and living conditions.

Placement

Depending on the skills and knowledge of the volunteer, the work is coordinated in different areas such as education or recreation. A specific job for volunteers does not exist. It is a position where creativity is very important and above all, patience and love for the children and youth at the center.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, morning or afternoon shifts
Spanish: High intermediate

List of optional donations

Books, crayons, pencils, markers, erasers, notebooks, clothing, etc.

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ART GALLERY

Location: Northern Quito

History/Purpose

The Art Gallery aims as perpetuating and conserving the works of the principal painters of Ecuador. It constitutes a cultural and artistic source of pride for the country as well as the world, and it supports the conservation and diffusion of cultural growth and Ecuadorian identity and history. The foundation was born with the goal and historic perspective of preserving the enormous cultural archive, product of the accumulation of artistic goods that, with enormous sacrifice and love, have been consolidated over many decades.

Placement

In coordination with the project director, the volunteers can choose to deepen their knowledge in different areas, such as the Pre-Colombian Museum, the Museum of Colonial Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art or the Library, specializing in art, workshops in silk-screening and workshops in restoration. Besides, volunteers are prepared to help out as guides in the various museums in English and / or Spanish.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, morning or afternoon shifts
Spanish: High intermediate

Clothing

Clothing appropriate for working in a museum, with long pants, no jeans, and a long-sleeved shirt.

List of optional donations

Art books to enrich the Foundation's library.

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MINDO CLOUD FOREST ECOLOGICAL RESERVE

Location: The Reserve is located 84km from Quito in a subtropical valley at an altitude of 1224m above sea level. Access to Mindo is provided by community paved roads, requiring 2.5 hours transportation along the highway that leads from Quito to the Ecuadorian Coast.

History/Purpose

The principal objective of the project is the sustainable development of the community, which implies the conservation of the local biodiversity, involving the inhabitants of the area, with a fair and equal distribution of income generated by eco-tourism.

This reserve is part of the cloud forest ecosystem and is a very important natural area in this region. The forest has a unique flora and fauna, and is also home to 465 different species of birds. The reserve forms part of the bio-region "El Chocó" which is one of the three most important biological areas on the planet, for its high concentration of biodiversity. The community consists of approximately 2,000 inhabitants, which through their own initiative have negotiated a "Protected Forest" declaration of 19,200 hectares, which guarantees clean water, pure air and a healthy biodiversity in which the eco-tourism activities are based, involving over 90% of the local inhabitants. In April 1988, the "Protected Forest" declaration was obtained and the tourism project was proposed for 1990. In October 1997, Mindo was declared as an area of importance for birds, and the community is fighting for the proposition to declare Mindo as a Natural Homeland of Humanity.

Placement

The work of the volunteer is divided into 5 principal projects:

1. Environmental Program: Consists of taking an inventory of the biodiversity, recuperation of the landscape, reforestation with native species and environmental education.
2. Cultural Rescue: Research and investigation of history, dance, music, stories and legends, natural medicine and customs.
3. Program of Community Development: Work together for the cleanliness of the town, helping the farmers in traditional, organic agriculture, construction and maintenance of trails in the woods, maintenance of public spaces such as parks, schools, etc.
4. Program of Institutional Development: Creating databases, translating, development and execution of projects, teaching languages, eco-tourism and conservation.
5. Program of Community Extension: This program proposes to extend the Mindo experience to nearby communities, as part of the program is consolidating a pedestrian path between the Andes and the Ecuadorian coast, to unite the communities and conserve the environment.

Moreover, the volunteer can teach languages (English, French, German) to children of the age from 7 to12.

This project takes place in the main office in the central park of Mindo. Volunteers will always be working in contact with the community. In coordination with the director, the work will be flexible and coordinated to meet the needs of the aforementioned projects and also the skills and preferences of the volunteer.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, morning or afternoon
Spanish: High intermediate

Accommodation

Depending on your preference, you may lodge with a local host family who provides you meals, or you may stay at the volunteer house (no meals included).

Clothing and Accessories

Sleeping bag, lantern, two pairs of flexible gloves (for protection work involving sticks, machetes, carrying rocks), work shoes (with good traction and water-resistant), rubber boots (available in Mindo for $8.00), comfortable clothing for working in the climate (long pants , t-shirts and bathing suit), rain poncho, insect repellent, mosquito net (with very small holes), personal items (soap, towel, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)

List of optional donations

School material (paper, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc.)

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GALAPAGOS BIOLOGICAL STATION

Location: In the highlands of San Cristobal Island, Galapagos

History/Purpose

This program is open to researchers, guided natural history groups and volunteers. Main objective is to develop reforestation and technology to reconstruct native habitats in the highlands on San Cristobal Island, and to serve as a center for similar projects in the highlands on other populated islands on the Galapagos Islands. The remaining native highland forest on the populated islands is limited due to farming activities in general, and the introduction of useful, but very invasive species from the mainland such as tropical cedar and cinchona.

The program has established a Plant Conservation Center for the production of native plant species. In addition, the foundation is working collaboratively with local landowners to develop clean agricultural alternatives for the production of vegetables and fruits to sell to local universities, restaurants and hotels.

Placement

Volunteers work on both the habitat restoration and agricultural components while at the reserve. In addition, the program staff will lead the volunteers on various destination hikes to a nearby lagoon, native forests, beaches, the local villages to explain the ecological and human dynamic of Galapagos. Opportunities to work on group research and monitoring projects will be developed. Volunteers need to show a desire to work in the field and under difficult weather, and be in a good physical condition.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 20 to 40 hours per week
Spanish: High beginner

Accommodation

Accommodation is rustic, with room for groups of up to 12 persons. Expansion of the cabin facilities to accommodate larger groups is planned for the future. Researchers can obtain needed permits with assistance of the Academia. Natural History groups must reserve at least 4 months in advance of their visit.

Clothing and Accessories

Sleeping bag, lantern, two pairs of flexible gloves (for protection in work involving sticks, machetes, carrying rocks), work shoes (with good traction and water-resistant), rubber boots, comfortable clothing for working in the climate (long pants , t-shirts and bathing suit), rain poncho, insect repellent, mosquito net (with very small holes), personal items (soap, towel, shampoo, toothbrush, etc.)

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NEW PROJECTS:

CENTER FOR CHILDREN WITH MOTHERS WHO ARE WOMEN DEPRIVED OF THEIR FREEDOM OR SEX WORKERS

Location: South East of Quito

History/Purpose

This project aims at helping children living in the center to secure daily meals, giving them care and affection and space for learning and socialization during the day. The situation of women in Ecuador is extremely fragile. Children have no relatives to care for them while their mothers work or serve their sentences. This is a very sad reality. Approximately 20 children live in the foundation from Monday to Friday, with weekends free to spend with their mothers. In the center there is a communal dining room, study center, library, playground, and dormitories. During the day the children can stay in the center where they are provided with meals and care, as well as educational activities to the extent possible. At night the children return to their dormitories.

Placement

The volunteers' job is to assist the children in care and recreation, to give them love and understanding and as much education as possible.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, 10am - 3pm
Spanish: High intermediate

List of optional donations

Clothing for newborn babies and children up to 10 years, diapers, teaching material, vitamins for children, toys, etc.

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ROTARY CLUB VALLE INTEROCEÁNICO

Location: Valle de Quito

History/Purpose

Rotary Club Quito Valle Interoceánico has several projects of social service aimed at the poorest people of the Ecuadorian society. The too most important projects are:

1) Project on Educational Development
2) Project on Health

Within these activities and as a primary objective is the collaboration as voluntary help to five Educational Centers and a medical center which are located in the rural areas of the province of Pichincha in Ecuador.

The Educational Centers provide nursery and pre-kindergarten education to more than 200 children from 3 to 5 years of age. This educational program works under a sponsorship system to finance the expenses required by the centers.

The Medical Center combines its medical attention to the public with community development activities. It is located in the San Juan Bautista neighbourhood of the Tumbaco Valley, close to Quito. It gives medical attention to a low income population of around 15.000 people each year, which is an average of 1.200 people per month.

Placement

Due to the need the children have for affection and love, the need to learn the English language, to learn handicrafts and other activities which allow them to acquire security, knowledge and additional abilities besides the curricular requirements, and the awareness of the health problems that the most vulnerable and poor communities face, Rotary Club Quito Valle Interoceánico has implemented the Volunteer Program for its health and education projects.

It is important to mention that Rotary Club Quito Valle Interoceánico has created to manage and control the development of both, the Medical Center and the Educational Centers.

In order to have an efficient volunteer program coordination a support mechanism has been prepared which covers everything from the moment contact with the possible national or international volunteer is made, search for a homestay in Quito or an area close to the Educational and Medical Centers, until the agreed termination period of volunteering.

Requirements

Minimum work commitment: 4 weeks
Schedule: Monday through Friday, morning of afternoon
Spanish: High intermediate

List of optional donations

Educational material for children

Besides all these projects, we also collaborate with several orphanages, with the Support Center for Women and with a Center for Christian Children. For more details about these projects, please contact us as info@latinoschools.com.

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SHORT TERM AND PART TIME PROJECTS:

LAS LEYENDAS

Volunteers for Literacy: this is a volunteer program devoted to reading to children one - on - one and in groups, either in English or Spanish, at various sites throughout the city. This could be at a school, hospital, or other charitable organization. To have a special someone read to you is a memorable gift which remains in your memory for a very long time! The extra attention and opportunity of sharing is often the only chance these children have for developing the joys of reading and to have the care of an older person. We have an extensive library of story books for this purpose and also gratefully accept donations of all our students to expand our collection.

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LAS MADRINAS

This is a program for orphanages, especially for abandoned street children. This is the place where, were it not for the sponsoring organizations, these children wouldn't be here today. You might find yourself for the first time in your life where you have everything and someone else has nothing. And, what do we all need? Loving arms and a warm heart, a place to simply be held and be loved, listen to a song, hear a story, and receive the joy of human love and affection. The appreciation and joy you will receive from this program are indescribable.

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MEET YOUR MENTOR

This program is designed to help college students in their English language, science or business studies. They may need conversation skills, homework help, tutoring, or a general arm around the shoulder. Participants don't need to be a working professional in any given field, though it would be a bonus. If you are a person willing to coach, cheerlead, or give that helping hand to an older student working hard to get that TOEFL score, write a business plan, polish a paper, or provide some insight, experience or advice, this is a program for you!

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