Organization

A Dutch student has during her stay in Ecuador with the aid of Ecuador people set up a nursery in an outskirt of Quito. This nursery gives parents and children a chance of a better future. The parents of the children get the opportunity to work and can thus improve their economic situation. This has as a consequence that they can let their children go to school. In this way, care is taken of a better economic basis for now and the future. The nursery takes care that the children don’t stay home alone or go wandering around the streets. Daily, some 70 children are being taken care of. Most children are in the age group of  1 to 5 years. Pre- and after-school care is offered to children in the age group of 6-12 years. They can be helped in the afternoon with homework support and activities.

Project activities

In this nursery you will help with the daily care of small children in the age group of 1 – 5 years. Giving food, changing diapers, doing games and activities with them, and giving them personal attention are the most important tasks. From 08:30 until 14:00 it is busy. Help with household tasks and maintenance is also appreciated. Further you can help with the after-school care, and support the children of 6 – 12 years with their homework or organize activities in the afternoon. In short there is plenty to do. Your work and working times you coordinate with the director of the nursery.

What’s expected of the volunteers?

• Self-supporting / proactive

• Has a solid foundation and hands-on mentality
• Speaks Spanish well
• Positive attitude
• Motivated and flexible

Accommodation and living environment

You can live in a guest family with one of the employees of the nursery and pay for board and lodging: US$56,- a week. You go along with the family, experience the culture up close and learn to speak the language well. You then also live close to the nursery. You can also choose to book a hostel in the center of Quito. Costs: around US$ 9.00 per night just for board. In that case you have more opportunities in the evenings to go out or to meet fellow travellers. You then will have to travel about 45 min. by bus to the nursery. A combination between family and later on more privacy is also possible.

Period / duration

• Throughout the year with a minimum of three months.
• You usually work five days a week. On Saturday there is usually sport. The working hours you coordinate with the director.

Local costs

• Cf. Accommodation

Experiences

Marjolein