Social Work with Children Equador
Supporting the street children of Quito

Here is a fantastic opportunity to support the children of Quito while improving your Spanish. Social work with children in Quito offers a unique opportunity to work on a range of projects all with the same objectives. 2 weeks Spanish Language Course included!

8 weeks + Age: 18+ From £650 Contact Us Apply Now!

The goal of this project is to offer educational programs, which help to overcome poverty and provide a better quality of life for children and families in southern Quito.

This project was originally established in the late 1980’s by the sisters of the Good Shepherd Community to support the ever-growing numbers of street children, and due to the hard work of the staff and volunteers, the project has received a constant stream of funding which has allowed the work to reach more and more children.

Location

During this programme, you will live in the northern quarter of Quito, and your main volunteer duties will be based in la Ferroviaria, other times working in small groups in the community.

Project Life

On arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport and taken to your accommodation. Once you have settled in and unpacked, you will receive a 2 day induction giving you all you need to know about living in Quito and preparing you for your project. To help you ease into your new surroundings, the induction is conducted in English.

Two weeks of intensive Spanish lessons are available for those that speak little Spanish, or would like to improve their conversational skills before working with the children.

Following the induction, those taking Spanish will start the 2-week Spanish course. This is a 20-hour course, which includes 10 group lessons and 10 private lessons. (4 weeks Spanish course if you stay for 24 weeks in total). Following your language course, you’ll be ready to start your volunteering.

There is always lots going on, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved with various projects. Generally you should expect to work normal office hours (09.00 – 13.00 and then 14.00 – 18.00), however this will depend on the actual project you are involved with at the time. All projects are staff by either full time staff, local or international volunteers.

There are 6 principal projects that are running at any given time:

• Street Outreach – here you will be with a mobile team on the streets of Quito supporting the children who have nowhere permanent to live.
• Kindergarten – Based at the main center in La Ferroviaria you’ll assist other staff looking after children who are living at the kindergarten.
• Street Clinic – another mobile unit, supporting children in need of medical assistance.
• English classes – There are always plenty of children who want to learn English, teaching experience is obviously beneficial, but definitely not essential.
• Art Classes – giving children a focus and the opportunity to express themselves.
• Fundraising – all projects always need financial support and fundraisers to find the cash.
• Additionally, there may be new initiatives that have been launched.

Depending on the need and resources, certain projects may be more active than others and therefore you may have the opportunity to work on all projects or be required to concentrate on a specific project.

Accommodation and Food

There is a choice of accommodation and food options, depending on how independent you wish to be:

• Living in a student residence / hostel with no meals
• Living with a host family and receiving breakfast and evening meals
• Or splitting your time – 1st half with a family including meals, 2nd half in a student residence / hostel excluding meals

Depending on the project you are working on, lunch may be included, although you should budget for this yourself.
All accommodation will be close to the project, however, you may wish to use public transport at your own cost. (Approximately 25 cents each way)

Dates and Duration

• If you speak no, or only basic, Spanish, you must first join the 2-week Spanish course to prepare for your work with the children –10 weeks+ duration.
• If you already speak confident Spanish, you can forgo the course and spend from 8 weeks + volunteering.
• You may extend your time helping at the project by multiples of 1 month.
• Inductions start every Monday.
• You can arrive in Quito during the weekend immediately before your starting Monday.

Flights and Transportation

• Flights are not included
• You will be met at Quito airport and taken to your accommodation
• A full orientation and introduction on the public transport system will be given

Visas and Documentation

• If your stay is less than 180 days, you can get a 90 day tourist visa at the port of entrance, then extend your visa for another 90 days (for US$ 3) when you are in Ecuador.
• If you are staying longer than 180 days, you will need to get a student or volunteer visa before you depart (costs US$ 150)

Safety and Insurance

• All of Twin’s volunteer placements are in partnership with recognised Charities, Non Governmental Organisations (NGO’s), government ministries or registered agents, giving you the confidence to work with reputable organisations.
• 24 hour support is provided by our local partner
• Comprehensive insurance is available for each of the volunteer placements, please click here for full details.

Eligibility and Skills Required

• Minimum age = 18yrs
• Enthusiastic people who enjoy working with children of different ages, are good team members, and eager to develop new ideas.
• A basic understanding of Spanish is required

Please note: We recommend everyone attends the 2-week Spanish course on arrival to properly prepare. However, if you prefer not to take the course, and we believe that your Spanish conversation level is sufficient for the needs of the project, you won’t be required to take it and can immediately start volunteering.

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