Volunteer at Children's Home in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• All Other Regions of Ecuador: 
Esmeraldas

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: Volunteer in Ecuador and get to know the country and its people on personal terms while you contribute toa project that is making a real difference in young lives. Given its tropical climate, this Children's Home is a very active place. The project integrates the home's few dozen orphans with local street children to provide them with shelter, meals, recreational activities, and a school equipped with caring teachers but limited supplies. The home is also self-sufficient by growing its own food to serve at meals including fruits, vegetables, and chickens. Art murals line the grounds and you can always see kids playing futbol (soccer). Education is the central goal of the project and it starts by helping each child recognize his or her own self-worth and future potential.

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 Esmereldas (about 5 hours northwest 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: Volunteers are needed to teach classes, plan recreational activities, help with cooking of meals, act as a tutor, mentor, and supervisor, direct workshops, lead art projects, and above all, show each child that he or she is special. Volunteers are encouraged to utilize their talents to contribute to planning activities.

Experience or education in counseling, tutoring, teaching and/or childcare is helpful, but not required. 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 caring, flexible people with a genuine desire to experience cultural exchange and assist those in need.

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