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City/State: located in the central Mariscal area of Quito |
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Country: ECUADOR
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| Outreach International |
Bartletts Farm
Hayes Road
Somerset
UNITED KINGDOM
TA11 6PF
Phone: 01458 274957
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Program description: |
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ABEI is located in the central Mariscal area of Quito. The project provides a centre for approximately twenty five handicapped boys and girls aged 1 - 10 years. Their disabilities include cerebral palsey, Downes Syndrome and brain damage due to oxygen deprivation at birth. The project was set up in 1989 to help the children who cannot attend normal schools in Quito. There is no state funding to support this type of project and it depends upon donations. Parents are asked to pay whatever thy can afford but wages in Ecuador are low - less than £100 a month! Supermaxi, the largest supermarket donates all the necessary food for the children.
The project is located in a spacious building with a large 'playroom' that can accommodate all the children at once. Equipment is limited and consists of a few toys such as a fan for blowing bubbles and a stereo. There is also a 'sensory' room, built by a previous volunteer. The space is good but a volunteer with artistic skills could usefully liven it up with bright wall murals.
"I love this place but the children have so little. There are no toys that work. They probably have nothing at home. I feel my visits are really beneficial because I can dedicate my time to a few children. Without this they just wouldn't receive any adult attention & love...."
Elaine Shirt. ABEI April 2004
"ABEI was great fun, though very different from what I'm used to. Working on children who are so small and can't relax their muscles even if they tried is a completely new experience to me, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It felt amazing to have this little person resting on my lap looking up at me with a smile containing the energy of a whole star. I did what I could for her, massaging her constantly contracted neck muscles which must ache like crazy if she knew any different. She seemed to like some of the points I used, and when I placed my palms on her torso she seemed to calm completely for a while like her body almost went limp. I stayed till their break as I had the other class to get to, and I arranged to return there tomorrow at 12:00 and stay for longer this time. It seems I can work anytime I like,. Maybe there's other things I can help with. I was asked to help the little ones with art classes. Brilliant. I am also going to take some of them swimming."
Alex Dimech ABEI April 2004
Volunteer Responsibilities
The day begins when it is cool, normally at 8:30 am. There is a good break for lunch and parents then pick their children up at around 17:00 hrs. You would be asked to assist the three full time members of staff. Most of the work involves playing, painting, craft work and initiating activities to stimulate the children There are also one or two domestic duties such as helping the children at meal times and keeping them clean. You would normally be asked to work with just two or three at any one time. Volunteers with some experience of working with these type of children would be asked to initiate and carry out programmes of support and learning. If you were interested there would also be opportunities to assist professional Ecuadorian therapists who come in regularly to treat the children. The staff and children are friendly and extremely welcoming. You would be made to feel part of a warm, dedicated 'family' from day one. It is a socially important project. Disabled children are given little respect in Ecuador and volunteers can make a significant difference to their humble lives.
This would be ideal for patient volunteers interested in medicine, physiotherapy or one of the caring professions.
Work would be five days a week, week ends are normally free. If you wanted an extended week end you would need to discuss this with Susana Caiza, the project director. You would live with a local family or in the Outreach apartment with other volunteers. This is a short bus ride from ABEI. Like all Outreach volunteers you would attend an intensive two week Spanish course when you arrive in Quito. The children and staff do not speak English so a knowledge of the language is important. It would be easy to socialise with the volunteers based in Quito and you would be invited to join in with the occasional Outreach week end trips. You would be in a good location for exploring other parts of Ecuador. It is a small country with dramatic scenery, boasting snow-capped volcanoes, the Amazon rainforest, a gorgeous coastline and the Andes rising to over 5000 metres. Public transport is good and organising expeditions can easily be done through the South Americas Explorers Club. All Outreach volunteers are registered members of this club.
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General program information: |
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Program open to: European
Age range: 18+
Travel to site: Group Travel
Is opportunity more independant or group orientated: Group
No. in group: Two per project, 10 in a group
Living arrangements on the program: Apartment, Home stays (living with local families)
How long does the program last?: 3-6 months
What are the dates of this program: All year round. We have departures in January, April, June and September.
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Benefits and advantages of the program: |
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In Ecuador, on arrival volunteers attend a two week intensive course run by Simon Bolivar, the premier Spanish school in Quito. The course is excellent and you have your own private tutor. Some of the teaching is classroom based but you will also be given cooking lessons, salsa dancing lessons and tour of Quito… all in Spanish!
Outreach International offers a service to place committed volunteers in selected and meaningful projects where they can make a valid contribution while experiencing a unique chance to live and work with local people. A special effort is made to ensure that volunteers also have the chance to learn the local language, experience different aspects of the local national culture and enjoy some expeditions during their stay in the country. Outreach International is a young organisation with a strong vision and exciting new project opportunities. Bring us your enthusiasm and commitment and we will give you a lifelong memory.
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Cost or price of this program: |
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£2600
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Typical person for this program: |
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This would be ideal for patient volunteers interested in medicine, physiotherapy or one of the caring professions.
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Languages required besides English: |
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Spanish
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Qualifications required: |
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The children and staff do not speak English so a knowledge of the Spanish language is important. A volunteer with artistic skills could usefully liven it up with bright wall murals.
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Salary/pay/benefits description: |
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There is no salary for this position
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Application process Involves: |
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Apply via our website or contact us for an application form. If your application is successful you will be invited for an interview. This is an informal interview of 45 minutes. If offered a placement you will need to send a deposit of £400 to reserve your place.
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