🇪🇨 ESC Volunteering in Ecuador 📚 Supporting Children’s Education and Social Inclusion 🤝

Description

Green Minds Together is an initiative that promotes inclusion, sustainability, and community engagement. Acción Guambras works to protect the rights and improve the living conditions of vulnerable children and young people in Quito, Ecuador, especially those at risk of child labour, school dropout, and social exclusion. Through its Reference Centres, the organisation provides educational, nutritional, psychosocial, and family support. Volunteers will assist educators and other professionals by helping children with homework, supporting meal distribution, participating in educational workshops, and accompanying children during recreational activities and educational outings. They will also support health campaigns, help maintain clean and safe activity spaces, and propose creative educational and recreational activities. Volunteers will gradually take more initiative according to their skills and interests, always working alongside the local team.

Accommodation, food and transport arrangements

Volunteers will stay in a shared apartment in La Mena, southern Quito, with three spacious bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a bathroom, a small living room, and access to a shared rooftop terrace. Each volunteer is responsible for buying groceries and preparing meals using their monthly allowance. Supermarkets and shops are nearby. Public transportation, including buses and the metro, is available. During orientation, volunteers will receive guidance on using public transport and travelling between their accommodation, project location, and other destinations in Quito.

Training during the activity

Volunteers receive pre-departure training to prepare them for their placement, covering cultural awareness, humanitarian principles, safety and safeguarding, and practical expectations. Upon arrival, a 3-day on-arrival training provides local orientation, cultural context, safety protocols and information on local support structures. Throughout the placement, volunteers are supported by a hosting mentor, regular check-ins and access to psychosocial support if needed. Local emergency protocols and safeguarding policies apply throughout the placement.

Participant profile

We are looking for volunteers who are empathetic, patient, open-minded, creative, and motivated to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in vulnerable situations. A strong sense of responsibility, flexibility, teamwork, and good communication skills are essential. Volunteers should be interested in social inclusion, child protection, education, and intercultural learning. Previous experience working with children or young people is an advantage, but a willingness to learn, share ideas, and adapt to a new cultural environment is more important. If you are enthusiastic, committed, and eager to contribute to a supportive and inclusive community, we welcome your application!

Activity details

Activity type

Individual volunteering

Activity dates

A total of 52 week(s) during the period 01/01/2027 to 31/12/2027

Location

AV DE LOS SHYRIS 37-27, QUITO, Ecuador

Deadline

No application deadline

Project code

2025-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101251278

Topics

Looking for participants from

37 countries can apply. The activity takes place in 🇪🇨 Ecuador.