Social Centre Toctiuco

This project is located in Quito in a neighbourhood called Miraflores, which is about 45 minutes away from La Mariscal.

Project Description

The centre is a non-governmental organization that provides help to young adolescents. The first task is to take care and look after the 60 children that study in the centre. They are 5-17 years old and they need support in health, food, education and especially recreation.

Volunteer Work Activities

-The volunteer will be a great help by teaching and helping the children with their homework. Other important activities are to play sports with the children, inventing and playing games in the patio, and organizing trips in and outside of the city will be part of the work as well. At lunch time the volunteer will need to help in the kitchen and with the children.

-Another activity that a volunteer could participate in is talking to the parents to find out why some of the children have difficulties with being affectionate. It is a great way to find out more about the background of the children and to see what it is that you can do to help the child to come out of their shell.

Volunteer Profile

The project needs enthusiastic volunteers, both men and women, 18 years or older, who are willing to stay for at least three months. Two or three volunteers will work in the centre at the same time.

Accommodation

Unfortunately the project can not provide housing. The volunteer can choose to live with a family or to live in a hostel. The project does provide three meals a day.

What does the Volunteer need to bring?

To help the children to be able to work, learn and play more, it would be a great idea for the volunteer to bring pencils, pens, crayons, paper, sharpeners, etc.
A first aid kit is always a good thing to have with you.

Volunteer Time

The work will be 40 hours a week, Monday to Friday 8 hours a day, so the volunteer will have the weekends off to discover the city or to make trips to surrounding areas. 20 hours is possible as well.

Requirements

An intermediate level of Spanish is required. If the volunteer is not at this level, Ecuador Volunteer could help him/her to find the best program to improve their Spanish skills before starting the project.