The Childcare Program
This fun program is based in the beautiful city of Quito, where volunteers will find their help is invaluable and very much in need. The program offers quality child care to parents so they can work and support their families, and ultimately leave the poverty cycle. Whilst participating in this program, volunteers tasks will include playing with the children, feeding those in need, assisting with the acquisition of social skills and language development, as well as helping children to do their homework. There is also sufficient scope for volunteers to share any personal skills they have in music, dance or art, and this is very much encouraged. It is essential that volunteers are enthusiastic and flexible as this program needs motivated volunteers who love caring for children and are willing to dedicate themselves to a number of tasks to enable the successful running of the centre. This program provides volunteers with the opportunity to share their knowledge and skills with those in need, and to help shape the lives of the beautiful children of Ecuador. It promises to be an experience that a volunteer will never forget.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide childcare to impoverished children, helping their parents to break the poverty cycle
- Improve the future prospects of some of Quito’s most vulnerable children
- Provide a solid foundation for children to begin their educational journey
- Create inter-cultural understanding which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers play an integral role in achieving the goals of this project. Without a free volunteer labor force, this program would be simply unsustainable. Volunteers allow the program to continue to offer impoverished families a safe place for their children to be cared for and educated while the parents work and try to create a better life. International volunteers offer more than just day-to-day care, but open up a whole new world to the children, with different skills, experiences and ways to communicate.
Volunteers on this program will participate in a variety of tasks and can expect to;
- Play with the children
- Help to feed those children in need
- Assist with the acquisition of social skills and language development
- Help children do their homework
- Teach children art/music/dance or any other skill the volunteer may have
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the ongoing support and development of marginalized and at-risk children of Ecuador. This highly interactive and varied project does not require participants to have a background in the field of childcare, as there are many ways you can assist. However, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively. Importantly, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
This program is based in the beautiful city of Quito, where volunteers will find their help is invaluable and very much in need. Quito is a beautiful city filled with significant architecture, friendly people and fun places to visit – making it a fabulous city to volunteer in.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 8 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Quito, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. On Monday morning, after making your way to the local project offices, you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. You will then be taken to your assigned project site and introduced to the project team you will be working with. Easy!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, Ecuador (Code: UIO)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project have the unique opportunity to experience the generous hospitality of local Ecuadorian families during their stay in Quito. Staying with one of our local host families is an excellent way to 'live like the locals' and get first hand experience of local culture and customs in a comfortable and supportive environment. A home away from home!
Rooms may be shared depending on volunteer numbers and homes are well equipped with all the comforts and facilities required for an enjoyable stay.
Volunteers will be accommodated near to their project site; either walking distance or an easy commute via public transport.
Volunteers can opt to have breakfast and dinner provided by the host family for $10 per day or can use the kitchen to prepare their own meals or eat out at any of the wonderful local eateries.
Photos are indicative only as host families vary.
With its reputation for superb exotic fruits, unsurpassed fish and seafood, and not least the numerous varieties of Andean potatoes, Ecuador offers the taste buds a veritable feast.
Prefer to arrange your own accommodation? No problem! The program fee is adjusted to $320 for any duration.
Fees
That’s just USD 56 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Entry procedures in place in response to COVID-19:
- All travelers arriving in Ecuador should provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days prior to entry OR
- a negative COVID RT-PCR test taken no more than three (3) days before entering the country.
Please note procedures may change at any time. We recommend reaching out to the Ecuadorian embassy or consulate nearest you before traveling for the most updated information.
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? Part-time Spanish lessons, taken in conjunction with volunteer work, are just USD$8/hour, paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Ecuador.