Quick Facts
Program code
EC-VOL118
Category
Volunteer Work, Women Empowerment, Child Care, Community Develpment
Country
Ecuador
Location
Quito, Region Pichincha
Program start
Flexible start and end dates year round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 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
Project details
On the one hand, Quito is a destination for tourists from all over the world who are looking to discover the historical and cultural wealth of the city.
Unfortunately, Ecuador is also one of the countries with a very high rate of violence against women. Many local women are victims of (domestic) violence. In extreme cases, women, girls and young mothers find refuge with their children in women's shelters.
The volunteer work takes place in a women's refuge located in the south of Quito, Ecuador's capital. Here, women and girls who suffer from severe domestic or gender-based violence find protection and help. It was created in 1990 with the objective of supporting women that suffered violence at their homes and offer them a new perspective in life.
In the women's shelter they get food and lodging and receive medical care and psychological attention. Workshops are held so that women and children can overpass their trauma and restore self-confidence. They are "empowered" so that they can take their lives into their own hands, go to work and learn to stand on their own two feet - for themselves and for their children.
While the children are being looked after in the women's shelter, the women can go to work, graduate from school and attend workshops. If you want to get involved in women empowerment and stand up for women's rights, you've come to the right place. As a volunteer in the women's shelter in Ecuador you should be a sensitive person, patient, mentally strong and fond of children. Please consider that you will be working with vulnerable women and children. It is very important that you take your volunteering seriously and that you are committed and proactive.
Tasks
Your area of responsibility will depend on your previous knowledge and skills. Volunteers assist in that area where help is mostly needed and/or where they can best contribute their knowledge and strengths. In particular, the volunteers spend a lot of time with the children.
This project in Quito is very versatile where you will learn about life and other’s people realities. It is important that you are aware that working in a women's shelter can be psychologically stressful. Be open and communicate with the local staff so that you settle in quickly and become part of the team.
Your work tasks may include:
- Supporting the workshops on various topics (good Spanish skills are needed)
- Assisting with therapy sessions (good Spanish skills are needed)
- Looking after the children and playing with them
- Supporting children in their development in a playful way
- Helping the children with their homework
- Helping with administrative tasks
- Volunteers with appropriate training and very good Spanish skills can help to provide psychological attention to the women and children
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as the number of volunteers, current needs of the project, your experience and 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.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
The volunteer project is located in the south of the capital city Quito in Ecuador. The women refuge can be reached by public transportation from your homestay.
Quito is located in the Andean highlands at an altitude of around 2850 meters. Therefore, despite its proximity to the equator, it is moderately warm all year round with an average temperature of around 13 °C. During the day, temperatures reach between 20 and 25 °C. There are rainy seasons from September to November and from January to April. It then usually rains around noon and then the sun is shining again.
Quito not only has a great location, right under the Pichincha volcano and a pleasant climate, but 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 designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Quito also offers a lively nightlife, pretty markets, interesting museums and theaters as well as various kinds of festivals at certain times. Outdoor fans will also get their money's worth on day trips to the surrounding Andean landscapes!
Language skills
In order for both you and the people in the project to benefit from your volunteer work in Ecuador, it is important to have a good level of Spanish. We recommend it to be at communication level. You should be able to make yourself understood in Spanish.
In order to optimally prepare for your volunteer work in Ecuador, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the start of the program. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the national language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Ecuador directly with us!
Requirements
- Intermediate Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Ecuador!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process 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 our volunteer coordinators located in Quito.
The first day serves as an orientation day. New participants take a tour of Quito to get to know the city. You will learn how to use public transport, you will be explained important topics such as safety, do's and don'ts in Quito, touristic information and all your questions will be clarified. Your nursing internship / volunteer work will start on the following day.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer work in the area of Women Empowerment in Ecuador includes:
- Single or twin room in homestay*
- 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.
Note: A donation of 50 USD is required to be paid directly to the project.
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up 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!