Volunteer in Ecuador and support disadvantaged children
This really worthwhile children’s centre has been running for over ten years in a very deprived area of Ecuador’s capital, Quito. A wealthy private secondary school set-up and funded the centre which provides an invaluable service to the community. The centre serves around 200 children a day ranging from 1 to 7 years old.
Some children whose families are in jail live at the centre full-time and others from the surrounding neighbourhood just come during the day. This is a vibrant gap year volunteer project that provides these children with four meals a day, medical and dental treatment as well as psychological support and education.
Gap year volunteer role: As a community volunteer in Ecuador you will work with local staff to help children at the centre and to ease their day-to-day life and aid their development. For one hour a day childcare volunteers help to teach English to the children, which helps to improve their prospects for the future.
The rest of the day is spent keeping them entertained using any skills you may have. This could include drama, music, art, crafts, sport or anything else you feel would entertain the children. You can also help out in the kitchen to help cook them nutritious meals if you want to use you gap year to improve your culinary skills!
Your gap year experience:
This is a great opportunity to work as a childcare volunteer and help deprived children, while immersing yourself in the fascinating culture of Ecuador's capital, Quito. Previous experience of working with children would be beneficial as many come from difficult backgrounds, but it is not essential. You should however equip yourself with enthusiasm and patience!
If you wish to make the most of your gap year in Ecuador and improve your Spanish, we can organise classes in Quito before you start your placement. This volunteer project is a brilliant opportunity to practice it!
Volunteer project accommodation: Volunteers stay with a local family in Quito, a bus ride from the children’s centre. The host families are very friendly and keen to hear about your family and friends back home. You will eat breakfast and dinner together with the family.