Living in the center allows the children to have a secure place of refuge where they are provided with warm meals, can talk about their problems and receive personal attention.

Volunteers working with children will assist the center's staff with everyday tasks such as preparing and serving lunch and helping to clean. You will also spend time playing games and doing sports with the children in the park, as well as organizing educational activities. The permanent employees are very busy running the center, so you must be creative and able to organize and run your own activities and programs especially if you choose to teach the children.

You can choose to work either with children or teenagers. Young children attend the center between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, and teenagers attend from 3 pm until 5:30 pm. If you prefer, you can volunteer during both sessions in order to help both groups.

Being creative and innovative is vital for daily activities. If you choose to teach, you will need to organize and run your own program. In addition, it is important to remain flexible project demands are constantly changing.

The first Monday at the project is an orientation day in Quito. All new volunteers will go on a city tour of Quito to get to know the city and learn how to get around by using the public transportation system. In the afternoon there is an informative discussion in which you will learn about the organization and be advised of important issues in Ecuador, security measures, accommodations, volunteer work, etc. Your volunteer work will start on Tuesday, the next day.

If you want to immerse yourself completely into the Ecuadorian culture, you should live with one of the carefully selected host families. You can practice your Spanish skills in everyday situations and get to know the country's traditions and cuisine firsthand. If you have questions or need help, your host family will always be there to assist you. You will have your own room with half-board (breakfast and dinner) included.
If you want to live more independently among other young people and program volunteers, you have the choice of living in a single dormitory room (based on availability). Food is not included, but you can prepare your own meals in the big communal kitchen. There is a big supermarket within walking distance.

In the mornings, the center cares for up to 50 children between 5 and 12 years old. Attending the center gives the children a safe place to go that provides them with lunch and clothes. Many have parents that work long hours and often struggle with very little money. For some children, the center has also found them new homes when their parents were no longer able to look after them.

In the afternoon, the center provides help for about 20 teenagers and young adults between 13 and 25 years old. Many of the teenagers cope with difficult issues like dependence on drugs or living on the streets. The center provides them with one meal each day, as well as assistance in finding jobs and homes for those without. Ex-street children also run workshops, advising their peers about the dangers of living on the streets.

Caring for children and teenagers requires extensive dedication of time, patience and empathy. Volunteers with these traits and fresh ideas are always welcome at the center. It's important that you are innovative and motivated to become actively involved. Building trusting relationships with the children, teenagers and staff is highly valued. You should be flexible as demands of the project and children are constantly changing.

Source: Google Maps

Registration fee 100 USD. One week = 7 days.

• Orientation kit
• Local support
• 24h-Emergency Number
• Laundry service (when homestay booked)
• Activity calendar
• Volunteer Work Placement
• Certificate of participation
• Accommodation as booked
• Airport pick-up (if booked)

• Flight
• Medical Insurance
• Visa (if necesary)
• Local Travels