Volunteer at Women and Children's Center in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Cuenca

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Flexible- year round

Description: Get to know the real Ecuador while you lend a hand to a project that is making a profound difference in the lives of young Ecuadorians. The center receives mothers and their children who have been abused both physically and emotionally. Open 24 hours per day with constant support, the center provides an initial place of refuge when the women have no where else to turn. Through support groups and counseling sessions, the women are empowered to take action and look towards a more positive future. There are also many services available for their children including classes, recreation, and medical treatment. Both mothers and children are provided a small room to live in and meals each day.

This volunteer project an unmatched opportunity to get to know the country and its people on a personal level, and contribute to programs that are making a real difference in the lives of the women and young children it serves. You will work side by side with Ecuadorians on this locally designed and run project. You will stay with a carefully screened and welcoming host family, giving you insight into daily life in Ecuador.

Our staff in the US are experienced volunteers themselves who are happy to share their experiences and expertise with prospective volunteers. Our partner staff in Ecuador are friendly, caring and dedicated to ensuring that all volunteers have a rewarding experience. You will be met upon arrival in Quito and will receive an orientation and overnight stay. You will be assisted with your travel arrangements to Cuenca the following day.

Highlights:
- Homestay with a carefully screened, welcoming host family
- Three meals daily
- Support of friendly, experienced staff in the US and in Ecuador
- Comprehensive accident and medical insurance
- 24 hour emergency support

Qualifications: Volunteers will help with organizing recreational activities for the children, tutoring and educational support, child care, working with the women's support groups, organizing developmental and professional workshops for the women, and helping with administrative and intake duties.

Experience or education in counseling, teaching and/or childcare is helpful, but not required, depending on the duties the volunteer will be expected to perform. An intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Cost in US$: Starts at $900

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: CCI volunteers are flexible, enthusiastic people with a genuine desire to help.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Center for Cultural Interchange's Mission Statement: Founded in 1985, the Center for Cultural Interchange (CCI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of cultural understanding, academic development and world peace. Based in Chicago, Illinois, CCI organizes cultural exchange programs for participants of all ages, including high school abroad, independent homestay, internship, language study, eco-tours and volunteer programs in over thirty countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1985