Volunteers work for four hours during the morning only from Monday to Thursday. Volunteers are able to choose their placement; the options include primary schools, daycares, hospitals and orphanages. Additionally volunteers are able to work at a centre for physically and mentally disabled children. The ability to speak Spanish is not necessary at any placement.

Anyone over 15 years old (with some exceptions) can volunteer with us as long as she/he shows they are willing to devote themselves to the poor children of Ecuador. Applicants do not require an academic background to apply.

The people we look for are:

1. People who have an academic background including university graduates and students in various fields. The most desired areas of expertise are English teaching, sports coaching, pre-med, physiotherapy and nursing.

2. Students looking for work experience in social work as a degree requirement. Upon the completion of the period, we issue the corresponding report and a certificate of attendance.

3. People who may not have the background mentioned above but who wish to help in the best way they can are welcomed by The VE. You may choose to work in a non-teaching environment at an orphanage or nursery.

The kinds of tasks involved with working with these children include:

• Playing with the children
• Telling stories
• Teaching good manners
• Supervising the children during breaks

Or you may choose to be involved in teaching however all applicants must have some type of basic knowledge in the area of their choice. The areas of teaching include English language, music, arts, basic computer applications, physical education and mathematics. Teachers are needed for a minimum of one month and are welcome to stay as long as desired (volunteers can be certified teachers or not).

Note: We work intimately with a number of schools and shelters for street children in order to improve the future of our countries’ youth. Our goal is to coordinate with and support the organizations that work to place children back in school, as well as with the schools themselves.

One of the main goals of our organisation within the educational area is that our children learn English. As when a child between the ages of 1 and 14 years old learns English he/ she is able to learn the basics with ease and without the hindrance of a Spanish accent. Therefore you do not need to speak Spanish at our day cares or in the classrooms.