Duration: Two-Week minimum and maximum of 12 weeks.

Centre Description:

The Daycare Center in Quito, Ecuador actually grew out of a small kids’ club in the garbage dump of the city which is also known as the Zambiza Dump. The Zambiza location was permanently closed as a dumping site in 2005 because the landfill was full. The site then became a transfer station. Garbage is now trucked in, dumped in a roofed area, sorted through and then reloaded back into trucks to be taken to a location outside of the city.

The Center opened in April of 2006. It is maintained by a non-profit organization and fully funded by generous donations. It’s purpose is to provide a clean, safe environment for the children whose parents work nearby in the city dump. Some 40-50 children now attend on a regular basis. They receive one balanced meal and two nutritious snacks, as well as clean clothes and baths, and basic pre-school education.

Volunteers will:

Help at the daycare center, giving support in educational activities, arts and crafts, games, songs, serving meals, taking care of the younger children and more! Be part of this life-changing experience with Lead Adventures. Volunteers arrive on Sunday in Quito. On Monday morning they are part of a comprehensive briefing focusing on Quito and the daycare center at the Lead Adventures office. On Tuesday volunteers start their first day assisting with the program.

Location:

The center is located on the East side of Quito, adjacent to the city’s trash dump. From most of our home stays it will take approximately 45 minutes to get to the project by public bus ($0.25).

Testimonials

"The organization of the project was really good due to the orientation. The project has given me insight into another side of Ecuadorian life and I really appreciate the opportunity. Orientation on the first day was a great introduction to the project and showed me how to use the public transportation. I was able to help in the classroom and with the younger children. The Lead staff was always willing to help and I became part of the volunteer atmosphere in the evenings. Georgina Thomas, United Kingdom

After being part of the Street Children program, one sees things from a different point of view. From the beginning, you feel part of it and decide how much you want to get involved. Seeing the smile of those kids day after day is just great. Volunteers get to help with the daily tasks in the kindergarten, play with the kids, read them short stories, feed them... Apart from my work with the Street Children Programme, my life in Quito with my host family was memorable; I really got integrated with them and got to know their culture and lifestyle. It is a unique experience, which I recommend to everyone. Javier Ormazabal, Spain