VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
The general objective is to help poor communities in and around Quito through volunteer work with street children, special needs children, young mothers centres, orphanages, teaching English in public schools, child care (Daycares), after school assistance programs, carpentry and construction work, kids with dysfunctional families and the elderly.
Volunteers receive a week of Spanish lessons through a special program at the Amazing Andes Spanish School before they start working. This training prepares the volunteer to work with Ecuador’s poor and to make the most of their time with the organization he or she chooses.
The mornings are spent working and in the afternoon the volunteer can study Spanish 4 or 5 hours day. The volunteer jobs available consist of 4 hours per day, five days a week from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Once a week, the volunteer will meet with the Local Coordinator of the program to brainstorm ideas for the upcoming week. Throughout the entire year, volunteer work is available.
The Volunteers can teach English classes at elementary/primary schools or help in a home for young abused mothers and girls with gardening, painting or babysitting. Volunteer work at local orphanages is also available, helping the children with their homework, teaching them English or cleaning the house. kids with dysfunctional families and the elderly. Volunteers may also help to prepare and serve food at organizations that help the poorer citizens of Quito or work with street children.
Volunteers must have
Orphanages
There are a variety of orphanages in Quito. Children are between 4 and 13 years old. The volunteers help out with daily chores, playing with the children and helping them with their homework. The orphanages are privately run and do not receive any government funding. The children are very friendly and accepting. Many children are abandoned by their parents who leave Ecuador to search for work or a better life in another country. The volunteers can see a very different life style than they are used to seeing. Although the work can be quite tiring, it can be a rewarding experience.
Nursery and Day Care Centers
Volunteers can work with local day care centers for poor children. These centers are located in neighborhoods in and around Quito. Most of them are run by charitable foundations and some by local Governments. Each centre houses between 20 to 40 children aged 3 months to 5 years. The centers provide a safe and stimulating environment for the children while their mothers are at work
Public Schools
Public schools are for kids between 12 and 18 years old and most are from broken families. The classes have 10, 20 or 30 children per class who have a basic knowledge of English. The volunteer is responsible for following a plan made to facilitate teaching. The volunteer always has the help of the instructor to grade student work. During recess, various activities are planned, such as football matches.
The high schools involve the volunteer students in regular classes where they have the opportunity to work on their Spanish and teach English classes. These classes are both difficult and rewarding. The language can be a barrier, but is generally overcome with pictures, body gestures and broken Spanish and English mixed together.
Street Children
The volunteer has the opportunity to work with street kids. This organization has many activities during the week. The volunteers can give conferences, teaching English, play soccer (football) with kids, help clean the house, garden and help make meals for the kids.(dinner).
Home for Young Abused Mothers and Girls
