 The project is based in the community called “La Esperanza de Azama” located 5 kilometers outside the town Otavalo, well known for the handicraft markets, and only one and a half hours away from Ecuador’s’ Capital, Quito. They require volunteers in two areas, educational and medical, as the community doesn’t have the sufficient funds or resources to employ teachers, doctors or nurses in order to help develop the community further.
Medical Section
 Program Description
The project offers different work areas, seen as a priority to get out of extreme poverty in which the inhabitants live. They have a school of pedagogic recovery and other one of early stimulation. This project has children from 3 to 12 years and young people from 13 to 18 years who require assistance, guidance and help of charitable people who reinforce them pedagogically. It is essential to seek funds to cover the costs for the program.
Volunteer Work Activities
The volunteer will have all the guidance possible about the work that should be fulfilled in the community.
 EDUCATIONAL AREA:
Infant Teachers: Early learning for children under 5 years.
Teachers: Guidance on the homework written and oral to the children of 6 years and older, conferences for a better life in community, talks about positive leadership for adults, English and computer classes.
MONDAY TO FRIDAY
- Pedagogical Guidance
- Help with the homework children.
- Development and early learning through songs, dances and games.
- Talks to adults about leadership, good living, health, etc.
- English classes and computer
TIME
14:00 - 18-00
Another way to help:
You can support them with Scholarship materials because at teh center they are not able to get those resourses:
- Notebooks
- White paper
- Colored paper
- Pencils
- Color pencils
- Erasers
- Pens
- Crayones
Volunteer Profile
 Preferably requires professionals with experience in each of the above areas and as well as that of university students in that form they can help in working with younger children
The volunteer must:
• Have patience to work and enjoy school-age children.
• Preferably have experience working with children.
• Be a person capable of working in teams.
• If the native language is English or has a high knowledge of this language, requiring all communication with children will be in this language.
 Basic Services within the Project:
The volunteer will have access to telephones in case of emergencies, basic utilities and a community medical centre.
In relation to the volunteers´ safety one of the main risks is the constant change of weather and the adaptation to the different types of food. On top of the change in diet, the water is not drinkable and it is recommended that the volunteer buys bottles of water.
The volunteer can feel completely safe as the priority of the community is the safety of the volunteer and they will be treated as a member of the community.
The project counts on the full-time coordinator Margot Cifuentes who is aware of all aspects of the project and she is there to offer all the support that she can to the volunteers.
Services Close The Projec:
The project is located 10 minutes from the town Otavalo and 12 minutes from the town Cotacachi, in which the volunteer will have access to hospitals, internet cafés, travel agents, restaurants, supermarkets and many other services alike.
 Accommodation
The accommodation where the volunteer will live for the duration of their stay is in a family home community based where they will have a room in which to stay and complete access to the bathroom shared by the family.
This does not include meals throughout the day as the families do not have the financial satisfaction to cover the costs of extra food, for this reason it is asked that the volunteer contributes towards the purchase of food for their consumption and of their host family at an estimate of 150 USD each month. The type of food is based on traditions of that area, typical Ecuadorian food; if the volunteer is a vegetarian it is recommended that they prepare their own food to avoid any type of inconveniences.
What should the volunteer bring?
- Batteries / Matches
- Rain Jacket
- Walking Boots
- Shampoo, Sun screen, First Aid Kit
- Ecological soap (to wash the clothes)
- Sandals
- Jacket (warm jumper/fleece)
- T-shirt with long sleeves and t-shirt
- Sweater for warm afternoons
- Many pairs of socks
- Camera - binoculars
- Earplugs if you can’t sleep easily.
- Books
- Candies, chocolates, something else that makes you feel comfortable.
- Books to teach English (for volunteer interested)
Volunteer time
The duration of the project is at least 1 month. We recommend the participation of two months to give more continuity to the activities of volunteerism.
Free Time:
Within the area are offering free trips to volunteer to holy sites and attractions. For those activities are not necessary financial resources as well as dance classes, sports, traditional games, cooking classes. Additionally, the volunteers can also visit the province of Imbabura known for its lakes and its tourist attractions.
 Requeriments
In the educative area can participate professional as well as student teachers, educational psychology and kindergarten. . Additionally, we ask to the volunteers to not interfere in the decisions of community organization, be responsible to their work and activities. The project requires an intermediate level of Spanish. If the volunteer does not have this level, Ecuador Volunteer, can help you find the best program to improve your skills in Spanish before beginning the project.
Cost: Free |
