Caring for Street Children (Ages 16+)

About the Project
One of the largest social service initiatives throughout Ecuador, this project is working hard to combat poverty in families and street children. Staff and volunteers are focused on providing educational tutoring, mentoring, some food, and a safe place for the many street children who may have no where else to turn. By coming to this small center, the children and teens are able to go to school and believe in their own future. One group of teenage boys and girls even produced a music video with their own lyrics to educate the community on the issues that street children face!

From watching a Quito soccer game (number one in South America I heard) to meandering my way through the brightly colored streets of Old Town, to white water rafting in the Amazon, my experience in Ecuador was truly a life-changing one. -Steve Montera, Greenheart Volunteer in Ecuador

Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers are needed for tutoring, mentoring, working on special outreach projects, and organizing recreational activities. Hours of operation are typically in the afternoon to early evening when the children are out of school. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own creative ideas to share with the children.

Location
The street children project is located in the heart of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador.

Accommodations and Meals
Accommodation during the project is with a carefully screened host family located in Quito. All meals with your host family are included during your stay.

Transportation and Travel Arrangements
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. You will fly into the airport in Quito where a representative will meet you and take you directly to your host family’s house. It will be your responsibility to make your own arrangements for your return to Quito and the airport upon departure.

Buses are the main form of transportation in Ecuador and are extremely inexpensive. Each day you will need to travel by bus to and from the project. Greenheart Travel does not cover bus fare used in transit to the work site.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your local coordinator, host family, and volunteer site supervisor are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.

Dates, Duration and Application Deadline
The project runs year-round for 2-12 weeks in length and volunteers may choose their own start dates, depending upon availability. Applications are due at least 8 weeks prior to departure.

Requirements
Experience or education in counseling, teaching and/or childcare is helpful, but not required, depending on the duties the volunteer will be expected to perform. An intermediate level of Spanish is required. Spanish lessons are available prior to the volunteer project in Quito for an additional fee.

Program Costs 

Included	Not Included
Lodging/3 meals per day	Airfare
Arrival Pick-up at airport	In country transportation
Medical/Accident Insurance	Phone cards
24 Emergency Staff	Internet
Pre-departure and arrival Orientation

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.