 Project Description
The school provides education for students through the fourth grade of primary school, while the childcare center takes care of children from three months to four years old. The project provides the children with quality, bilingual education, because this is often the key for these children to escape poverty. You, as a volunteer, will form part of our “family” by teaching, guiding and supervising the children in their daily activities.
Why the projects need volunteers
The distant, sometimes isolated, location of rural schools in Ecuador means there is little government support to school age children. The lack of infrastructure and teaching staff exacerbates illiteracy, absenteeism and dropout rates. For this reason, volunteer participation is necessary to help improve education in these areas and start towards a real solution.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
3 months + |
| Project Location |
Cotopaxi |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
Assist the teacher during class, help prepare teaching material, assist children with homework, participate and supervise during recreational periods. Supervise children during all their activities (during class time, recreational periods, hygiene, etc). |
| Hours of Work |
30 to 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
4 volunteers |
| Project availability |
Mainly during the academic year, from September to July. |
| Prerequisities |
Men and women from the age of 22 years or older who can commit to a minimum of two months (flexibility is preferred as the project requires volunteers throughout the year). Volunteers should have at least three years of higher education. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
- Accommodations are provided in dormitories with other volunteers.
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| Food |
- The project provides breakfast, a pre-lunch snack (e.g. fruit), lunch, and an afternoon snack (e.g. yogurt) from Monday to Friday.
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| Support |
- Before your trip - 24/7 advice via telephone and/or email before leaving your home country.
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| Training |
- Workshop, volunteer training before beginning as a volunteer.
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What is not included?
| Transport |
- International flight tickets.
- Local transport once in the country.
- Airline and/or airport taxes.
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| Insurance |
- Travel insurance and related expenses.
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| Visa, inoculations |
- Visa application costs and related expenses.
- Inoculations and related expenses.
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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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What is also included?
- Transfer from the airport to location of the project or place of stay in Quito.
- Practical, informative advice and support before, during and after project from a team of professionals.
- In-country guidance to resolve potential issues that may arise during the project.
- Guidance and evaluation to check on progress during volunteer period.
- Ability to make local calls and receive faxes at the project site.
- Informative visitor guide with information on recreational activities.
- Certificate of successful completion as volunteer.
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Please note
The charm and warmth of the children make this work extremely rewarding. The proximity of the spectacular landscape means life is lived in harmony with the natural world. Nearby, the Cotopaxi volcano is covered in snow throughout the year, and the beautiful mountains are visible from all areas of the project’s grounds and the city of Quito.
What skills do volunteers need?
Volunteers should:
• Love working with children of school age and have the ability to remain patient
with them.
• Preferably have experience working with children.
• Be team-spirited and able to maintain good working relations.
• Communicate in English at all times with the children to aid in their learning (if
volunteers are able to speak English).
• Have an intermediate level of Spanish.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
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- Insect repellent (40% DEET is advised)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, first aid kit
- Flashlight
- Batteries/ matches
- Swiss army knife
- Plenty of socks
- Warm clothes
- Long sleeve shirts
- Summer clothes
- Bathing suit
- Trekking shoes
- Cap or hat
- Sleeping bag
- Flip-flops
- Towels
- Camera, binoculars (optional)
- Sunglasses
- Books to read (for personal use)
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Steps to follow
Once you have registered...- Once we receive your first email we will immediately contact you to give you general information about us and our projects.
- Select the project in which you would like to participate.
- Send your CV.
- Participate in an interview.
- You will receive an email confirming your participation and we will prepare for your trip to Ecuador.
- You should fill out the documents that the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation sends you as part of the registration process.
After you have been selected as a volunteer...- Get your flight tickets.
- Get travel insurance for the time that you will participate in our projects.
- Obtain your Police Record or Police Disclosure.
- Send us the documents from the Ecuador Volunteer Foundation, filled out completely.
- Verify that you have gotten the necessary vaccines, such as Yellow Fever, Hepatitis A & B, Diphtheria, Typhoid. We recommend getting the yellow fever vaccine and bringing malaria pills as a precaution.
- Get a medical certificate from your doctor.
- Fill out the Final Form that is on our website.
- If the volunteer is not a Spanish speaker, she/he must plan to take a Spanish course in Quito before entering in the project.
- Take a Spanish exam to check your knowledge of the language.
- Check if you need a visa to enter Ecuador.
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