Volunteer at Orphanage for Infants and Toddlers 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: Serving infants and toddlers ages newborn to 4 years old, this orphanage focuses on early childhood development. From providing basic child care and nourishment for infants to working with toddlers by helping them to walk, the orphanage is focused on giving these children a healthy start in life. With beautiful gardens and open air patios, the children get a nice breath of fresh air. The orphanage is split up in to different sections: classrooms, nursery, medical care, and recreational areas that are always bustling with activity.

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 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 are needed in all sections of the orphanage and can help out in as many as desired. Duties include feeding, changing, and general care for infants, working with toddlers teaching them school basics like counting and word pronunciation, organizing small recreational activities for free time, and providing any support needed to the San Vicente staff.

Volunteers must be prepared to work with babies and small children. Experience or education in early childhood development, teaching and/or childcare is helpful, but not required. An intermediate level of Spanish is necessary. 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: Greenheart Travel volunteers are flexible and caring 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

Greenheart Travel's Mission Statement: Greenheart Travel is a division of the Center for Cultural Interchange. 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. Greenheart is CCI's way of promoting the health and welfare of the earth and its people through cultural exchange, ethical travel, responsible consumerism, and community service.

Year Founded: 1985