Quick Facts
Program code
EC-VOL112
Category
Volunteer Work, Health, Child Care, Social Work
Country
Ecuador
Location
Quito
Program start
Any time, with flexible start and end dates, year-round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
17 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
This non-profit organization is part of a Catholic foundation that promotes solidarity within the local community. This place is a window of hope for children with special needs and their families who mostly are from urban-marginal areas of the South of Quito.
There are many families in Quito and Ecuador that do not have the possibility to afford special treatment for kids with brain paralysis. So, the center gives attention to children with special needs especially those facing brain paralysis. At the center the children get different types of therapies.
The NGO depends on the assistance of national and international volunteers.
Caring for handicapped people requires a lot of patience and empathy. It is essential that you are motivated to be actively involved. Building trusting relationships with patients, their families and co-workers is highly valued. You should also be flexible, as demands of the project and children are constantly changing.
Tasks
Depending on your experience and skills, you might assist with the following tasks:
- Language therapy
- Physical therapy
- Health programs
- Teaching different subjects
- Recreational activities
- Sports
- Preparing meals
The most important part of your volunteer work project will be supporting the staff and therapists with their everyday tasks.
At the beginning of your volunteer work you will have an orientation session. You will learn how to get to the volunteer project, how to use local transportation, and be informed about safety and security measures as well as touristic information.
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.
Accommodation
It is very important to us that you feel comfortable during your stay in Ecuador. That is why we offer rooms in carefully selected homestays. In a homestay you immerse yourself in the Ecuadorian culture, you can apply your Spanish skills in everyday situations and get to know traditions, everyday life and the cuisine of the country.
Volunteers will have a private bedroom or share it with another volunteer. The bathroom is also private or shared. If you want to secure a single room for your own, there is a surcharge.
The volunteer program includes daily breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Special diatry requirements can be taken care of.
Location
Quito is located in the Andean highlands at around 2850 meters above sea level. Therefore, despite the proximity to the equator, it is moderately warm all year round with an average temperature of approx. 13 °C. During the day, the temperatures reach between 20 and 25 °C. There are rainy seasons from September to November and from January to April, it usually rains around noon and then the sun shines again.
Quito is not only located in a great setting, right under the Pichincha volcano and offers a pleasant climate, but there are also cultural treasures.
Built in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Inca city, Quito has the best preserved historical center in all of Latin America. For this reason, Quito was the first city in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quito also offers a lively nightlife, traditional markets, interesting museums and theaters as well as festivals of various kinds at certain times. Outdoor fans will love day trips to the surrounding Andean landscapes!
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Ecuador, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Ecuador directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Ecuador!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel health insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by the program coordinators in Quito in Ecuador.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in a Center for Disabled in Quito includes:
- Single or twin room*
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 760 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 170
*surcharge for single room US$ 35/week.
A donation of 50 USD is required to be paid directly to the project.
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Quito: US$ 40
- Spanish course in Ecuador
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
Browse through our section Reading Matter!