Project Description
The project consists of caring for and helping in the comprehensive development of children from emigrant families from the Chunchi farming community, an area with approximately 1200 residents, located in the southern province of Chimborazo. The community is primarily involved in agriculture and milk production. It has the highest number of migrants, mostly families emigrating primarily to the United States and, more recently, to Spain. This leads towards learning, emotional and behavioral problems among the children of families where members have emigrated from the community. More than 15 people work in the center, 12 teachers and one psychologist.
**Note: This project requires a 6 month minimum commitment to maximize the volunteer's impact on the community.
Why the projects need volunteers
The area’s phenomenal rate of migration has implications for the emotional and educational development of the local children. The scarcity of teachers and professional workers means volunteers are essential.
Fast Facts What is included? What is not included? What is also included?
Fast Facts
| Voolunteer Time |
6 Months + |
| Project Location |
Chimborazo |
| Nearest airport |
Mariscal Sucre - Quito |
| Responsibilities |
Depending on the area of work, the volunteer will assist teachers with lectures and help provide emotional support to children of all ages. Professionals may help in town council meetings, community projects, and infrastructure improvement. |
| Hours of Work |
35 to 40 hours per week |
| Number of places available |
4 volunteers |
| Project availability |
From the beginning of September to the beginning of July. |
| Prerequisities |
A minimum age of 20 years and experience in the following areas: education, psychology, engineering, architecture, social work. -Be eager to share your knowledge and help with initiatives. - Good level of Spanish before commencing as volunteer. |
What is included?
| Accommodation |
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| Food |
- 3 meals per day, vegetarian options available.
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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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| Extra |
- Application Fee
- 25 hours of Spanish Lessons + Activities
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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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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
During the weekends the center can organize trips to nearby tourist attractions, e.g., to museums and churches in the Riobamba region. Should certain excursions not be available, the center can offer the necessary advice and information. The center is located in the heart of the Andes, surrounded by mountains, where bird watching is also available.
What skills do volunteers need?
Volunteers with experience in the following are needed:
- Clinical psychology
- Educational psychology
- Social work
- Civil engineering and/or architecture
• A psychologist or similarly trained person to help with relevant activities in the local school and childcare center.
• A person who has computer skills to work in the institute’s new computer center.
• A teacher or similarly trained person to help with educational activities.
What does the Volunteer needs to bring
| - Insect repellent (40% DEET is advised)
- Sunscreen
- Shampoo, first aid kit
- Rain coat
- 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)
- Ziplock bags
- Pens/journal
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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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