You'll find this project incredibly rewarding as the street children are crying out for love and attention. The assistance that you can give by volunteering on this project is also invaluable, as it is severely lacking in funds.

You'll work with a not for profit NGO that specialises in the investigation, prevention, attention and treatment of the population that live in extreme marginal situations.

The NGO works with Children, Adolescents, Youth of the Streets and Street-workers. These are the CAYSaS. The CAYSaS are found on the streets in urban areas. They are faced with problems such as: working and living on the streets, lack of contact with their families, lack of education, risk of permanent and total exclusion from local communities. A large number turn to solvent abuse and drugs. Most of the children on the projects sell candy on the streets to support their most basic expenses.

YOUR WORK:

You will mainly work as an assistant. The children will really appreciate any attention you give them! Some of the tasks that you may participate in, will include:

 

  • Helping the children with their homework
  • Helping them in the carpentry workshop
  • Helping in the kitchen
  • Visiting the schools
  • Playing with the children
  • Preparing activities for the children (sports, outings to the theatre, museums, the zoo, teaching the children songs, role play games etc.)
  • The project has also had a new house donated to them. If you wish to, there may be the chance to really get your hands dirty and help with some maintenance and decorating so that it can be put to good use!

This project is extremely rewarding and your help is greatly appreciated. If you have any special talents the children would love you to share them or teach them! However, please be aware that it is emotionally draining and requires strong character to volunteer here. You must be self motivated and independent and must not be afraid, although it will seem daunting at first. The children lack education so patience is a priority.

This NGO is doing phenomenal work helping these children overcome the hardships that they have been dealt in life. YOU can play an important part in that!

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.