Children from all over Ecuador are taken into in this public hospital with a range of short and long term medical conditions. You'll help to keep them cheerful and optimistic during their stay with games and other recreational activities, as well as providing educational support to those who've been in hospital a long time.

You'll pay particular attention to any children who have been in the hospital a long time. Often these children miss a large part of their school education and so need help with basic tutoring and where possible, some English lessons.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

In the hospital, there is a centre for Children called "Ludoteca", which gives them space to heal from their injuries, and keeps them entertained during their recuperation period - which for many can be a lengthy process. Around 50 children each day visit this area of the hospital for recreational activities and games. For those children who cannot move or walk by themselves, activities are taken to them - usually this is done alongside another person from the hospital staff.

This placement is very intensive as you will be working with some severely disabled and disadvantaged children and this can be distressing. It is frustrating to see the lack of social services and aids for disabled children in comparison to a developed country.

But this means that your work is even more important! Even a minimal amount of effort on your part brings a great deal of happiness into the lives of the children you'll be working with.

WORKING HOURS: Work is available between 10:00am - 4:30pm, Monday to Friday, either for the full day or for a 3 - 4 hour period. There is plenty of flexibility, depending on your preferences: the staff will be delighted to have an extra pair of hands. Just discuss on arrival with your project coordinator the times that you wish to work.

ACCOMMODATION

You'll either stay in a house with other volunteers or you can choose to live with a host family, depending on your preferences/availability. (Staying with a host family does mean a small supplementary fee.)

The Volunteer House is located in a tourist area, 'La Mariscal', near to where all Spanish lessons are held and where there is plenty of nightlife, restaurants and internet cafes. The house has 7 rooms and accommodates 17. There is a large, fully equipped kitchen, a TV room with a DVD player, wireless internet, 2 safety boxes and a garden with hammocks and a BBQ area. All bathrooms have hot water and there is a cleaning lady 5 days a week.

Wi-Fi / Internet is available in the accommodation.

FOOD: Food is not included in this project (unless you choose to live with a host family, when food is provided on Mondays to Fridays.

Living with a host family means that you get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like an Ecuadorian! Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Ecuador and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family.

Whichever accommodation you choose, you're sure to enjoy a great stay in Quito!

WHAT TO DO NEXT:
If you’d like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us! If you’d like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we’ll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.