Early childhood education and care

Program Description

This project located in Otavalo in the province of Imbabura, owns 12 nursery centers and is focused on the care and education of children from the age of 3 months until 4 years. The care of every child within those centers is different and individualized by the pediatrician. Besides physical care, educational and social aspects are fundamental for the daily work in the centers. The main aim is to establish a place in which the children feel welcomed, loved and comfortable. Besides this, the center serves as a place of assistance for children with working parents, which don’t have the time to take care sufficiently of them.
The Nursery relies on volunteers and their work and offers in each station volunteer opportunities. The background is to support them in their infant development. The tasks of the volunteers are variable and include the following duties: Take care of the kids, change diapers and help to feed them; Prepare the kids for the primary school by teaching basic knowledge; Prepare and arrange games and other activities to entertain the kids.

Highlights

Immersion into local culture
Lend a hand to people in need, or protect local environments
Improve your language skills
Build up your CV with meaningful work experience
Share your own culture with others
Master your understanding of local customs
Build new friendships

Qualifications

An interest in child caring is required. A basic Spanish knowledge is advantageous but not required. minimum 18 years of age
Minimum 1 week commitment to your project
A volunteer visa if you plan to stay for longer than 3 months
interest and passion for local culture
A monthly fee for food and accommodation and an application payment, which varies depending on the organization you volunteer with.
Intermediate language level (B1) of Spanish or higher
international health insurance, including liability and accident insurance
A completed Experience Report of at least 500 words upon completion of your volunteering project in Ecuador and and the right to publish it online.

Volunteer Types

What`s Included

Placement with a great partner organization
Pre-trip welcome package
Orientation meeting in Quito
Accompaniment from the school to the project on your first day
Access 24-hour emergency hotline
Free afternoon activities
Visa assistance
Certificate to recognise your participation as a volunteer in Ecuador
Personalized assistance to help you find accommodation in Quito and beyond