The Special Needs Program
Ecuador has reopened to international arrivals but this program is on hold in the best interests of the community.
This program is crucial to the lives of children and infants with disabilities in the specialist home and day care Love Volunteers support. Volunteers undertaking this project will contribute their time and energy to taking care of children in real need. Without volunteers the sustainability of the home and day care would be in question, with volunteers providing essential free labor to ensure children can continue to be given care both high in quality and compassion. The children live in a specialist home that provides special attention to children and infants from 0-14 years old who have few economical resources. Services offered at the facility are for chronic and incurable diseases, as well as rehabilitation. They also have a day care centre onsite that works as a kindergarten for children with special needs where they can receive therapy, food, medical and psychological attention. Volunteers ensure that physical therapy, stimulation and care are provided for these vulnerable children, as well as bringing joy and love to their lives.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide care to vulnerable infants and children with disabilities
- Improve the future prospects of some of Quito’s most marginalized citizens
- Provide a caring, fun and educational environment for the children
- Create inter-cultural understanding which benefits both residents and international volunteers alike
How You Can Help
For the vulnerable children with disabilities, many of whom have been simply abandoned by their families, this program is absolutely crucial to their lives. This program provides essential volunteer labor to vulnerable children and infants who simply are unable to physically or mentally help themselves. Working with children with disabilities can be difficult, but it can also be the most rewarding volunteer work someone will ever do. For those wanting a volunteer experience that will truly make a difference to the lives of others, this program will deliver. Without a free volunteer labor force, sufficient care would simply be unable to be given to the residents of this home. Volunteers allow the program to continue to offer quality care and wonderful experiences for these deserving children. Participants on this project will gain a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help those who truly need their support, and gain valuable experience in caring and working for those with disabilities.
Volunteers on this program will participate in a variety of tasks and can expect to:
- Play games with the children and keep them entertained
- Help to feed those in need
- Care for the children
- Share experiences, talk to and spend time with children
See the Additional Info. section for more information on how to support disabled children.
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to assist in the support and development of some of Ecuador's most marginalized children and young adults. While this highly rewarding project does not require participants to have a background in the field of special needs care, as there are many ways you can assist, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. Volunteers on this project will need an understanding of Spanish in order to communicate effectively with the children and local staff members. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive, initiative and compassion, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
This program is based in the beautiful city of Quito, where volunteers will find their help is invaluable and very much in need. Quito is a beautiful city filled with significant architecture, friendly people and fun places to visit – making it a fabulous city to volunteer in.
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 1 week to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon your arrival in Quito, you will be collected at the airport and delivered to your accommodation. On Monday morning, after making your way to the local project offices, you will receive an orientation to help you settle in, find out about your volunteering placement, the local surroundings and meet your fellow volunteers. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. You will then be taken to your assigned project site and introduced to the project team you will be working with. Easy!
- Program Arrival Day: SUNDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Quito, Ecuador (Code: UIO)
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this project have the unique opportunity to experience the generous hospitality of local Ecuadorian families during their stay in Quito. Staying with one of our local host families is an excellent way to 'live like the locals' and get first hand experience of local culture and customs in a comfortable and supportive environment. A home away from home!
Rooms may be shared depending on volunteer numbers and homes are well equipped with all the comforts and facilities required for an enjoyable stay.
Volunteers will be accommodated near to their project site; either walking distance or an easy commute via public transport.
Breakfast and dinner are provided daily by the host family and lunch can be prepared and taken to your project or purchased at a local eatery.
With its reputation for superb exotic fruits, unsurpassed fish and seafood, and not least the numerous varieties of Andean potatoes, Ecuador offers the taste buds a veritable feast.
Volunteers wishing to provide their own accommodation are also welcome to do so and the program fee will be adjusted accordingly, to $320 for any duration.
Fees
That’s just USD 66 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
Want to learn Spanish?
Why not use this opportunity to improve your knowledge of Spanish and really get immersed in the local culture during your volunteering placement? Part-time Spanish lessons, taken in conjunction with volunteer work, are just USD$8/hour, paid directly to your volunteer coordinator on arrival in Ecuador.
Staying extra nights?
Additional nights accommodation can be arranged at a cost of just US$21. Let us know in advance so that we can book this in if needed.
Arranging your own accommodation?
No problem! The program fee is adjusted to US$285 for the first 4 weeks + US$40 for each additional 4 week period. Check with us about the best areas to stay for easy travelling to and from the project.
Volunteering With Children With Disabilities: How To Best Support Them
Between 93 million and 150 million children worldwide are diagnosed with a disability. In developing countries, children with disabilities rarely have access to the resources and facilities they need to help them reach their full potential. By volunteering to help children with disabilities, you can provide them with the best support possible and encourage them to blossom in their own time.
Communicate directly with the child
When you first meet a child with a disability, avoid making the all-too common mistake of not actually directly talking to them. Children with disabilities should be given encouragement and patience to answer questions and speak up in conversation. Adults often assume they don't understand or can't answer and soon switch to talking to their caregiver instead. So, when meeting for the first time, introduce yourself and explain who you are. Depending on the type of learning difficulty and its severity, you may need to place your hand on the child's shoulder or take their hand. You can then let them know what you'll be doing together, including explaining the activity step-by-step. It's important to use simple language, be patient, and make a lot of eye contact to build rapport and trust with the child.
Use nonverbal gestures
Using nonverbal communication and gestures like nodding, pointing, and eye contact will help children with disabilities understand you better. At first, you may need to exaggerate or draw out these gestures to aid the child's understanding. In fact, using these gestures is usually essential to ensure children with disabilities participate in the activities. However, if you still have a problem with a child not listening to you, you may also find it useful to clap, whistle, or sing. Additionally, tactile cues can help effectively engage children. For example, giving them a soft blanket or plasticine can capture their attention and help them focus.
Be consistent
When rules are implemented for the group, it's important all children abide by them. Consistency is key if you want children to feel safe, comfortable, and encouraged, as well as for teaching discipline. So, don't backtrack on rules already set or change them from one day to the next. For children with disabilities (especially those with autism or other cognitive or sensory impairments), consistency and discipline will help them thrive in learning environments. Remember, when working with children with disabilities, it's your job to give them dedicated attention they may not usually get. Focus on the individual and adjust your approach as needed. For example, if a child has poor motor skills making a certain activity difficult for them, you may need to work through the steps with them together. While it's good to encourage children to challenge themselves, you should also be aware of their limits.
Volunteering to help children with disabilities is a meaningful and rewarding experience. By being prepared to provide the best support possible, you can better help this vulnerable group succeed and thrive.
Source: Jennifer Orson