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- Human rights and girls’ empowerment volunteering in Quito
Project Summary
Whether your interest lies in human rights, social services abroad, social work or girls’ empowerment, this is a placement for you. The project consists of working with a non-profit organisation based in Quito which focuses on female adolescents that have been victims of sex trafficking in Ecuador. The NGO works together with the government, receiving the girls that have been rescued and offering them a safe environment to recover while helping them with the legal issues that their situation implies and finding them a safe family as well as including them in the educational system. The NGO is also involved in activities to promote awareness against sex slaves.
In Ecuador, over 75% of victims of trafficking have been sold into sex slavery. In some cases, the victims have been sold by their own family in exchange for money. If that’s the case, and because they are minors (under 18), they are paralysed by the law on their official status, which is where the local NGO comes into play. So once a female adolescent has been rescued of sex trafficking by the government office in charge, the NGO receive the person at the “healing” home, where the NGO is given the right to be the legal tutor for a period of 3 to 6 months. As soon as they arrive, they are enrolled in a public school, but cannot attend regular classes due to their protected status, so the school send them the homework and books needed for their education, and the local centres’ educators teach them and supervise their homework. During this time, the girls also receive psychological, social and legal support. They are given the opportunity to work with psychologists, social workers, teachers, legal counsellors and others to help them during this time of transition as they reinsert themselves in society, obtain a legal status and rebuild their self-worth and confidence. Some of the victims are at the centre with their children as well and they receive attention as well.
Why choose this program?
The local NGO needs additional resources but is lacking the funding. Depending on your skills sets, you can provide assistance with administrative tasks, fundraising, teaching sessions, social work, creative art workshops, and many other activities to support the victims in their recovery processes. The girls you will be involved with have suffered from the most tragic forms of violence, and it will be a very rewarding experience to work achieve the NGO mission and support those girls emotionally as they rebuild their confidence level and their trust towards others in society.
You have the choice to focus on many different aspects that you want to focus. In general, you will be asked to accompany the girls individually or in a group to go to their workshop, actively encourage them to participate, talk to them and help them build trusts and relationships. Your participation and the bond you build will help the girls learn about the world and realise that there is another better world they might not know about.
Skills Required
Interns should be strong emotionally and be willing to remain discreet and keep sensitive issues confidential. You should also bring your positive and open attitude and willingness to help the girls at the centre and the NGO team to make the most out of this placement.
You will be asked to submit a full CV/resume and letter of motivation upon application. You will be asked to attend a telephone interview to discuss your experience and assess your suitability for this internship. You should also possess the equivalent of a B2 Spanish Level.
WHY JOIN THE PROJECT
To get involved in social justice
Give confidence to victims of sexual abuse
Develop your Spanish speaking skills and immerse yourself in Ecuadorian culture
FEATURED VIDEO
PROJECT TESTIMONIALS


The Location
The project and homestays are located in Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. It is the world’s second highest city with an elevation of 2,850 metres (9,350 ft) above sea level. You will be charmed by its well-preserved historic centre and its people’s warm and relaxed, traditional Ecuadorian Sierra culture. Quito was named as a world heritage site because of its historic and cultural significance. It used to be a striving city until the Incas. It has wonderful museums, arts and other places of interest to keep you busy in your free time. At night, there is plenty to do with many restaurants offering everything from fried bananas, pizza, steak to classic Ecuadorian cuisine and delicious desserts. You will be spoiled for choice.
Details & Costs
- Duration: 8 weeks minimum
- Cost: £2701 / $4726 for 8 weeks
£225 / $393 for each additional week - Requirements: age 20+
- Location: Quito, Ecuador
- Project activities: Will depend on your skill sets. Talk to your placement advisor for more information.
- Working hours: 8.30 – 17.30.
- Project availability: All year round.
- Arrival day: Twice monthly on a Friday. Please speak to an advisor.
What is included
- Accommodation: Homestay with a family in Quito
- Food: 3 meals per day
- Stay in a hostel for 1 night in Quito, breakfast included
- Airport pick up and drop off in Quito
- Training: Pre-departure preparation pack, and orientation on Saturday
- Local SIM card and phone: All volunteers are given a local SIM card to use and a mobile phone (deposit $50 required and must be returned when you leave)
- Support: 24-hour support from an on-site coordinator
- Assistance with planning your weekend excursions from local staff
What is not included
- Flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Daily transfers to and from the project
- Optional 6 hrs per week Spanish classes available; £50 / $88 (alongside your placement)
- Police/Government Background Check; US and UK citizens will be processed through Kaya (admin fee applies) all other nationalities must provide local police check.
- Optional intensive Spanish classes 1-week programme £355 / $621 including accommodation
- Optional excursion on the Sunday on your arrival weekend. Please speak to an advisor if you want to know more.
Easy 3-step application process
APPLY ONLINE Click here to apply online and pay your deposit to secure your space on your chosen project. Our advisors will then contact you to guide you through the next steps.
TELEPHONE INTERVIEW Once we’ve received your application, we’ll be in touch to arrange your informal telephone interview with your Kaya Placement Advisor.
GET PREPARED When you’ve been accepted onto your project we’ll send you your Welcome Pack and lots of other helpful information to assist you with preparing for your placement.
HAVE A QUESTION?
We pride ourselves on providing you high quality placement information throughout your application process and whilst on the ground. Connect with us if you have any questions.

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