As a volunteer, you will carry out your work in this institution in one or two shifts. You can work in the morning from 9 am to 12 pm or in the afternoon from 3 pm to 6 pm. You can dedicate your time to the center and participate during both sessions if you prefer. In the morning, the center cares for young children and teenagers who attend school later in the day. In the afternoon, the volunteer at the center entertain children and teenagers who attend school in the morning and help with their homework. In many cases the children lack the proper nutrition and are in need of a secure refuge until their parents come home. You will not work on the weekends.

• The kinds of tasks you can expect to be involved with include:

• Assisting with homework

• Creating fun and educational activities for the children

• Helping during meal times

• Teaching English

• Accompanying the children to the Doctor's office if necessary

• Taking the children to the park for walks and games

• Making special occasions, such as birthdays, a fun time for the children by organizing parties or outings

• Making handicrafts with the children and then selling them to raise funds for the center

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.

It first opened in this small town in 2000 due to the efforts and ambition of a former IT technician. He was very aware of the number of social issues in the area that include delinquency, prostitution, drug addiction, alcoholism and participation in youth gangs. He decided to work against these negative influences and give a new perspective, love and emotional security to the children and teenagers in the area. After volunteering for 20 years for different social issues, he decided to create his own project in order to provide further help to youth in San Jose. In 2008, the director's project was legally recognized and established as a foundation. Initially, the project was very small with only 17 participants. Within three months there were over 60 and now the center cares for almost 100 youth!

Volunteers are always needed because caring for many children is very time consuming. It's important that you, as a volunteer, are innovative and motivated to get 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. You should show your positive attitude to ensure the children are kept entertained!

Source: Google Maps

One time registration fee 75 USD.

• 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

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