The project takes place in one of the largest children\'s hospitals in central Quito. You will assist children who need or are receiving medical treatments and support their education.
Programs Abroad
ECUADOR - Work at a Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adults with Down Syndrome 
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Booking Nº: EC135 Country: Ecuador + Location: Quito Minimum Stay: 2 weeks Start dates: All year round Price: from 2 weeks, 520 USD |
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Task
The Special Education Institute and Rehabilitation Center provides help for children and adults with Down syndrome by helping to develop their abilities and encouraging new skills. Depending on your experience and qualifications, you will assist with the following tasks:- Language therapy
- Physical therapy
- Health programs
- Teaching different subjects
- Recreational activities
- Sports
- Preparing meals
The most important part of your volunteer work will be supporting staff and therapists in their everyday work. You will assist with the daily morning physical therapy in order to develop the patients writing and drawing capabilities. Once a week, you will accompany the patients and staff to the horse riding or swimming therapeutic sessions that are very effective in treating people with disabilities.
You will work at the center Monday through Friday from 8:30 am until 1 pm.
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.
Accommodation
It is very important to us that you are comfortable during your stay in Ecuador. For this reason, we offer two great accommodation options.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.
Requirements
Language:Spanish skills required (you can book your Spanish course in Ecuador with us!)
Skills:
No professional skills or experiences required.
Age:
18+ years
Vaccination:
Not required. Please consult us and your doctor for specific recommendations.
Insurance:
Full travel and medical insurance is required. You can purchase a full coverage, no deductible health and travel insurance at a special rate for our participants by contacting your South America Inside representative.
Visa:
Tourist visa valid for 90 days. For further information regarding visa requirements please contact us and the corresponding embassy or consulate in your home country.
Details
This non-profit foundation was established in 1990, dedicated to helping people with chronic illnesses and disabilities, and to provide free medical services in Ecuador's capital city. Seven years later, the foundation created a Special Education Institute and Rehabilitation Center for children and adults with Down syndrome, as well as for babies and children with other special needs, autism, speech difficulties and psychological problems. Currently, the foundation is one of the most important institutions in Quito providing different therapies to disabled people. Patients are often very poor and their families are not able to afford expensive therapies or treatments in hospitals. The foundation depends on the assistance of volunteers that come from all over the world to assist the staff in the center.Caring for handicapped people requires a lot of patience and empathy. It's important that you are innovative and motivated to get actively involved. Building trusting relationships with patients and colleagues is highly valued. You should be flexible as demands of the project and children are constantly changing. You should use your fun personality to entertain the patients!
The center is located in Quito only 10 minutes from the volunteer residences.
Source: Google Maps
Prices
| Program duration | Homestay (2 meals/day) | Shared Apartment (no meals) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 weeks |
605.- | 520.- |
| 3 weeks |
765.- | 640.- |
| 4 weeks |
925.- | 760.- |
| each additional week |
140.- | 105.- |
One time registration fee 75 USD.
| Extra service | in USD |
|---|---|
| Airport pick-up |
20.- |
What’s included:
- Accommodation
- Orientation kit
- Local support
- 24h-Emergency Number
- Laundry service (Homestay)
- Homestay with 2 meals per day
- Activity calendar
- Volunteer Work Placement
- Certificate of participation
What’s not included:
- Flight
- Medical Insurance
- Visa (if necesary)
- Local Travels
Country
Country Information Ecuador |
 Ecuador, appropriately named after the equator, holds a massive imaginary line running directly through its middle. Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America with an area of only 100,000 square miles. Ecuador borders Peru in the southeast, Colombia in the northeast and the Pacific Ocean splashing along the entire west side. The population of Ecuador is 14 million with the capital city of Quito holding 2 million residents.
Though Ecuador lacks bragging rights in its size, the country surely stands proud of its breathtaking landscapes, lush vegetation zones and varieties of climate. The climate, mainly determined by altitude, changes from tropical sun and heavy rain in the Pacific coastal area, to temperate dry climate regions in the Andean highlands. Further, the Amazon basin on the eastern side of the mountains shares the climate of other rain forest zones. Ecuador is one of eighteen mega diverse countries in the world with thousands of different animal and bird species. The famous Galapagos Islands, a very special spot on earth, is located about 620 miles away from the mainland and is home to unique flora and fauna such as the giant tortoises. The islands are also historic for being the birthplace of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. When exploring deeper into the 100,000 square mile piece of land, you will find diverse attractions for tourists and volunteers alike. Some highly recommended areas of exploration are the Amazon jungles, the Amazon basin, Andean Mountains, volcanoes (active and dormant), tropical forests and a variety of beautiful beaches. The Pacific coast is a perfect place for ocean diving, relaxing on the beach and enjoying hours in the sun. For those backcountry lovers and nature fans, rest assured the terrain of Ecuador offers much in both silent and adrenaline driven activities. Due to Ecuador’s geographical diversity of ocean, mountains and island chains, whenever you choose to travel, one section of country will be in peak season. June through September are typically the drier months. The general high peak season for festivals, fiestas and crowds lie between mid-December through January and then again from June through August. When traveling to Ecuador you will be absolutely amazed by the unique and natural beauty of this country. Keeping in mind that this country is one of poorest regions in South America, you will be surprised by their friendliness, efforts to help you and elements of preserved culture. UNESCO declared Quito, the capital city, a World Heritage Site in the 1970’s for having the best preserved and least altered historic center in Latin America! No doubt, you will feel comfortable and at ease while enjoying this open-minded and hospitable society.
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