Integrated Music, Dance and Art Therapy for Children with Special Needs in Ecuador

Volunteer in Ecuador on this integrated therapy project for children with disabilities and learning difficulties and use your creative skills to help others. This project was set up over 20 years ago to offer support to children who are often unsupported in society. This integrated therapy centre calls on its dedicated, multidisciplinary team to help children with its broad spectrum of services: from early stimulation for those with learning difficulties, to physical rehabilitation, and language therapy. Young adults have also been incorporated into the programme. Students perform within an orchestra and have regular, well attended public dance performances each week.

There are a number of different programmes in place to address the needs of various of children, as the project has responded to the demand in the Quito area. the project now serves around 80 children each day. Activities include music therapy, an academic art programme, therapeutic care, a day care programme and a summer project. Apply your caring nature and creative talents to help the local team run and develop this stimulating programme for a delightful group of talented children.

Why choose this Integrated Music, Dance & Art Therapy for Children with Special Needs project?

The committed founder and local staff have poured passion, skills, and personal resources into to getting this centre where it is today and are able to offer a range of interactive and exciting activities for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The project benefits by accepting volunteers who are needed to bring new ideas, enthusiasm and creativity to the project and to help local staff to provide these essential services. Volunteers will be able to put their Spanish skills and experience to good use on this project, as well as building the experience section of their CV/ Resume.

Role of the Teaching Arts Volunteer

As there are a number of programmes as the centre volunteers may help with the following:

• academic artistic programme – supporting children aged 12+ s in arts, music, reading, other academic disciplines, computers and sports activities. A full orchestra and performing dance group are a central part of this element.
• therapeutic art programme – supporting children aged 12+ with music, art, dance and craft activities
• day care project – working with children over 12 plus young adults, focussing on life skills, group work, conduct and developing autonomy
• learning therapy – older children and young adults developing educational performance to give students the chance to be involved in possible employment activities
• musical artistic development – for the under 12s, developing their creativity

A summer programme also runs during July.

What skills do I need to be a Teaching Arts Volunteer in Ecuador?

Education or work experience in early childhood education, physical or occupational therapy, dance, music or art skills are a plus, and placements can be specialised in like with those skills. Intermediate Spanish speakers are strongly preferred (minimum level A2 Basic User of CEFR). Volunteers should be open, flexible, patient, passionate, creative and come with a spirit of collaboration and solidarity as well as be willing to have fun! You will be asked to send your CV/ resume before being accepted onto this project.

Travel during COVID times

The health and safety of our travelers and our local communities remain central to our plans for reopening countries and projects. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been adapting our programs and protocols to protect all those involved, and ask for everyone’s patience and collaboration as new rules are implemented in-country. For all projects, new standards of sanitation, procedures and social behaviors are in place, including new health and hygiene protocols and social distancing practices. You can read more here. Each location may be slightly different in the way they operate. We encourage you to inquire to your placement advisor to learn more about your specific project as you plan for your responsible return to travel!

Read all about our project reopening response to COVID-19

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