MARKET OUTREACH PROGRAM

Develop lessons and teach in this intervention program for market working children.

The project

This intervention program takes a very proactive approach, traveling to the markets around greater Quito to approach children and their parents to talk to them about the importance of education and early childhood development. Additionally, the staff and volunteers set up tents at the markets where they offer opportunities for thematic early childhood education, including recreation, health/hygiene, values, identity, and education. By meeting these children on their turf, the program has achieved incredibly success in recruiting and maintaining attendees to the pre-school programs, along with ultimate reduction in the children’s work hours and matriculation in public schools. Volunteers get to work directly with the over 160 children enrolled in this program and witness first-hand the consequences of a globalized, market economy that has made the struggle for poor, subsistence communities even more of a challenge.

 

Dates/Length

Project available year-round with summer camps during June-August. 2 weeks to 6 months durations available.

Costs

2 weeks – $1750

Each extra week – $325

Location details

The project location is in Quito. Accomodation in Quito is with a local host family and it includes 2 meals per day: breakfast and dinner

Requirements

Spanish level: Basic user A2. Must be 18 and over, with valid passport and health insurance

Itinerary Sample

Mondays

8:30 to 12:45 volunteers work in the administrative area doing different activities like cleaning the office, weekly reports, etc.
12:45 to 13:30 lunch time
13:30 to 17:00 meeting and staff training.

Tuesdays to Fridays

8:35 to 12:45 indications for the week and take the bus daily to the markets and have activities with children..
 12:45 to 13:30 lunch time
13:30 to 17:00 recreation and activities with children then go back to the office.

If you take Spanish classes:
It is necessary to have less working hours so you can study two hours for 3 days a week. This would be from 15:00 to 17:00.

Role of the volunteer

The organization visits two markets a day at regular intervals, with both morning and afternoon sessions of about two and a half hours each.

Volunteers would travel to the work sites, assist in setting up the pop-up tent schools, and play/learn/interact with the children.

Social workers are also brought in to counsel the families, as often these children come from backgrounds of physical, sexual or emotional abuse or live with family members who abuse substances. The organization also has intense summer programs with engaging arts, dance, music, sports, etc. for the underserved community in its environment.

Skills required

Applicants should be open, flexible, patient, caring passionate, creative and come with a spirit of collaboration and solidarity. Interest in social work, early childhood education and social justice a plus.

What’s Included?

R

Accomodation

Available during the length of the project (Either at the project or local homestay families with 2 meals included)

R

Transfer from Quito to project

R

Cellphone

Local cell phone is included with a refundable deposit of $50

R

Aiport pick-up

EcuaExplora staff ready to transport you

R

Support 24 hours

On the ground EcuaExplora staff available

R

First weekend accomodation

In a hostal in Quito with breakfast

R

Orientation

(includes city tour and lunch)

R

Weekly activities

in Quito

R

Spanish classes

 In Quito, 6 hours per week (2 weeks).

Not Included

Q

Health insurance (REQUIRED)

Q

Meals not specified

Q

Transportation to/from the homestay to the project each day

Q

Optional extras

Add $60 per week for 6 hours Spanish classes if in Quito.

Sounds amazing? Want to be part of something important?

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