Childcare and Therapy at an Orphanage in Ecuador

volunteering ecuador volunteering in ecuador volunteer work ecuador volunteering volunteer abroad ecuador voluntary work volunteer work volunteering abroad volunteer south america volunteer ecuador volunteer work abroad volunteering opportunities wo

  • The Project

    Become a volunteer in Ecuador and work in this orphanage that has seen over 500 children pass through it’s doors since it first opened in 1990. Currently, 50 to 60 homeless children with regular and special needs are cared for in three residential care homes at this orphanage in north-east Quito. The environment provides physical and emotional support, and lots of tender loving care to children ranging from newborn to 13 years of age. The centre is on beautiful grounds with a state of the art pool for physical therapy, playgrounds, and educational facilities on the premises. What is lacking is more hands to give these children the attention and love they deserve. This is a Christian-based organisation registered in the US.

  • Why the project needs you

    With up to 60 children at the centre volunteers are needed to assist with all aspects of caring for them. These orphans suffer emotionally and developmentally since they don´t always get the constant attention that children with parents would receive. Just playing, reading, hugging, interacting, and being with them improves everything from their self-esteem to their vocabulary! Volunteers with experience in physical therapy or special needs are also in demand to work with the children who have special needs.

    Project Location

    Quito is surrounded by natural beauty including beautiful mountains, some of which are volcanic, some with white-capped peaks. It is a lushly forested hilly area set in a fertile valley. Quito was a bustling areas long before the Spanish arrived. This former Inca city was destroyed by the Incas in a burning policy that only resulted in briefly delaying the subsequent Spanish invasion. Sebastián de Benalcázar recognised the city's location and founded San Francisco de Quito on top of the few ruins remaining. The Fiestas de Quito celebrates the founding date of December 6, 1534.

    Quito was named as a world heritage site in 1978 and has wonderful museums, arts and other places of interest to keep you busy in your free time. Why not sit in one of the coffee shops and spend time observing the local people going about their daily lives. Alternatively, visit some of the local craft stalls and markets to pick up some local bargains. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars to meet fellow volunteers and to try some of the local delicacies during the evenings.

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 2 weeks to 1 year
    • Cost: £895 ($1566) for 2 weeks, £165 ($289) for each week thereafter
    • Requirements: Age 18+
    • Location: Quito, Ecuador
    • Project activities: Educating, feeding and playing with the children
    • Working hours: Monday – Friday; 7 am – 9 pm, you can choose shift at any point throughout the day
    • Project availability: Year- round starting on a Monday

  • What is included

    • Accommodation: Home stay with hot, running water, and electricity
    • Food: 3 meals per day – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Airport pick up on Saturday
    • Training: Pre-departure pack, on-site orientation on a Sunday and project induction included
    • Local SIM card: All volunteers are given a local SIM card to use in their mobile phones. The network of the SIM is CORDA and your phone must be unlocked to be able to use it
    • Support: On-site coordinator providing 24 hour support
    • Activities: Staff help organise evening and weekend activities

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas
    • Optional 6 hrs per week Spanish classes available; £50 / $88 for 6 hours (alongside your placement)
    • Police background check: US and UK citizens processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.

Related Projects

Other Projects in Ecuador