Street Children Volunteer Program Ecuador – Quito

This project provides a second chance to local street children and youth, offering support through a non-profit organization that assists children who live or have lived on the streets. As a volunteer, you can make a meaningful impact by helping children with their homework, teaching hygiene education, and providing them with affection and attention. Many of these children have faced difficult beginnings, such as being born to drug-addicted parents, living on the streets, experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect, or being forced to work selling candy on the streets.

One of the most important roles of a volunteer is to empower these children and teenagers. This can be done through simple actions, such as offering compliments or engaging in fun activities like playing, art, music, or sports. It’s essential for them to feel valued and understood, regardless of their background, race, or economic or educational status.

The center helps over 100 children, though not all attend at the same time. Some come in the morning, while others attend in the afternoon. Every child receives a nutritious lunch at the center and is encouraged to brush their teeth afterward. The program emphasizes the importance of education as a means to break the cycle of poverty and prevent the children from following in the footsteps of their parents. With the support of sponsors and funding, the project helps cover the costs of schooling, such as uniforms, books, and materials, which some families cannot afford.

Additionaly, the project offers workshops in areas like baking and woodworking. If you have a talent to share, you’re welcome to create your own workshop and contribute to the children’s learning and development.

Want to see other ways to make an impact? Check out our Volunteer in South America programs.

Volunteer Roles & Responsibilities

Volunteers involvement at the project makes a significant difference in the children’s education, well-being and daily lives. Typical duties of the volunteer include :-

• Positive Attention: Provide the children with positive and safe attention. 

• Homework Help: Support children with their homework, especially those who are behind or lack a quiet space and parental assistance

• Fun and Games: Engage children and teenagers in sports, art, music, and other fun activities

• Kitchen Support: Assist in the kitchen, particularly during busy lunchtimes, to help the youngest children and ensure they clean up after themselves

• Workshop Support: Help with or create workshops that benefit the children

• School Visits: Regularly visit local schools to check on the children’s attendance, grades, and overall progress

• Educational Activities: Prepare and conduct educational activities that enhance learning

• Recreational Activities: Plan and organize activities for after homework or during breaks

• Hygiene Education: Teach essential hygiene practices like hand washing and brushing teeth

• IT Room Supervision: Supervise and assist children using the IT room for their homework

• Additional Support: Be ready to handle any unexpected needs, such as accompanying a child to a doctor’s appointment or dentist visit

Requirements & eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years or older at the time of joining the project. Participants should have an open mind and flexible attitude for working in a new and different environment. Volunteers need to be flexible, open-minded and have a passion for working with children. You should also be proactive and have the ability to take initiative  All volunteers must provide a clean criminal background check report prior to joining the program. An intermediate level of Spanish would be mandatory requirement for participants joining this program.