Street Children Project in Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

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: One of the largest social service initiatives throughout Ecuador, this project is working hard to combat poverty in families and street children. The center for street children focuses on providing educational tutoring, mentoring, some food, and a safe place for the many street children who may have no where else to turn. By coming to this small center, the children and teens are able to go to school and believe in their own future. One group of teenage boys and girls even produced a music video with their own lyrics to educate the community on the issues that street children face!

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 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 in Quito, 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 for tutoring, mentoring, working on special outreach projects, and organizing recreational activities. Hours of operation are typically in the afternoon to early evening when the children are out of school. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own creative ideas to share with the children.

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 USD900

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Greenheart Travel volunteers are caring and flexible people who are genuinely interested in cultural exchange.

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