Social Work with Children Ecuador

  Ecuador

• Quito: 
Quito

Durations of Program: 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: Every Monday

Description: Here is a fantastic opportunity to support the children of Ecuador's capital city Quito while having the chance to improve your Spanish at the local language school. Social work with children in Quito offers a unique opportunity to work on a range of projects all with the same objectives of continuing the help in the much needed projects in the local community.

The goal of this project is to offer educational programs, which help to overcome poverty and provide a better quality of life for children and families in southern Quito.

This project was originally established in the late 1980's by the sisters of the Good Shepherd Community to support the ever-growing numbers of street children, and due to the hard work of the staff and volunteers, the project has received a constant stream of funding which has allowed the work to reach more and more children.

2 weeks Spanish Language Course included in the 10 week programme!

Highlights: On arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. Once you have settled in and unpacked, you will receive a 2 day induction giving you all you need to know about living in Quito and preparing you for your project. To help you ease into your new surroundings, the induction is conducted in English.

Two weeks of intensive Spanish lessons are available for those that speak little Spanish, or would like to improve their conversational skills before working with the children.

Following the induction, those taking Spanish will start the 2-week Spanish course. This is a 20-hour course, which includes 10 group lessons and 10 private lessons. (4 weeks Spanish course if you stay for 24 weeks in total). Following your language course, you'll be ready to start your volunteering.

There is always lots going on, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with various projects. Generally you should expect to work normal office hours (09.00 - 13.00 and then 14.00 - 18.00), however this will depend on the actual project you are involved with at the time. All projects are staff by either full time staff, local or international volunteers.

There are 6 principal projects that are running at any given time:

* Street Outreach - here you will be with a mobile team on the streets of Quito supporting the children who have nowhere permanent to live.

* Kindergarten - Based at the main center in La Ferroviaria you'll assist other staff looking after children who are living at the kindergarten.

* Street Clinic - another mobile unit, supporting children in need of medical assistance.

* English classes - There are always plenty of children who want to learn English, teaching experience is obviously beneficial, but definitely not essential.

* Art Classes - giving children a focus and the opportunity to express themselves.

* Fund raising - all projects always need financial support and fundraisers to find the cash.

* Additionally, there may be new initiatives that have been launched.

Depending on the need and resources, certain projects may be more active than others and therefore you may have the opportunity to work on all projects or be required to concentrate on a specific project.

Qualifications:
* Minimum age - 18 yrs old
* Enthusiastic people who enjoy working with children of different ages, are good team members, and eager to develop new ideas.
* A basic understanding of Spanish is required
* International volunteers are welcome.

Please note: We recommend everyone attends the 2-week Spanish course on arrival to properly prepare. However, if you prefer not to take the course, and we believe that your Spanish conversation level is sufficient for the needs of the project, you won't be required to take it and can immediately start volunteering.

Cost in US$: From 400 GBP

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Ecuador Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• Phone Interview

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network
• Job and Internship Network

Twin Group - Work and Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: To provide the highest quality and the best value services to students, clients, suppliers, agents and partners in the worldwide delivery of language courses, travel, training and employment services.

Year Founded: 1993