Volunteer with Orphans and Street Children in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Ambato

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: Learn about life in Ecuador from the inside- volunteer! This large social service agency is dedicated to improving the lives of street children and orphaned youth in Ecuador. With three locations, all with unique functions, the project is equipped to house, feed, tutor, educate, rehabilitate, and engage the youth thus forming a more positive future. The main office and center serves as a tutoring center and meal program; el albergue serves as the rehabilitation center and housing for the orphaned children; and the center at el terminal, the main bus station, provides a space for street children to receive tutoring and guidance of trusted adults and volunteers. Volunteers will be able to work in all three locations if desired.

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 children and youth 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 Ambato, about 2.5 hours south of Quito, 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: Duties include tutoring, helping to cook meals, participating in and organizing personal development sessions, outreach to street youth in the bus terminal, and planning recreational activities for all ages.   

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: 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