Ecuador: CENTRO DEL AMANECER

About the local hosting organization

Fundación VASE (Voluntariado para la Ayuda Social del Ecuador) is a non-profit organization, created in 2008. We work to strengthen intercultural relations, promote volunteer social aid and inspire the commitment of a global citizenship. We believe in a world full of solidarity, social and personal development, as well as respect for diversity. Through volunteering we build new generations with values dedicated to improving global social conditions. Fundación VASE is the only member in Ecuador of the our partner (International Cultural Youth Exchange) federation. our partner is an international non-governmental organization with more than 70 years of experience in promoting youth activity and global citizenship. Today our partner is a federation with more than 40 national committees in America, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

Presentation of the programme

The project offers alternative, integrative and inclusive education according to Montessori to about 40 children aged 3 to 12 years as well as their parents (mostly with low income). They have 3 “classes” with their own small buildings and 4 teachers. The school’s objective is to offer a personalized, active and playful education in harmony with the environment not depending on the children's age, but respecting their psychological maturity and development, avoiding authorial guidance. Part of the school’s daily life is that the parents help alternately, focusing on the agricultural projects, the excursions, the cooking-project, etc.Project’s activities:Currently, working virtually. The schooldays begin at 8am when the children arrive with the school bus. The classes normally last until 12pm. Sometimes they eat lunch together at school depending on if the cooking-project takes place. Once a week the parents come to the school to help build e.g. a jungle gym.Volunteer's tatsks:Depending on where the volunteer lives, he/she starts to work at 7 or 8am when the school bus picks him/her up and brings him/her to school. There he/she should already take care of the children. Throughout the day, the volunteer helps with all tasks pending. Helping the children with their breakfast, play with the children (especially outside where they spend a lot of time), helping the teachers in the classes and preparing materials after classes, accompany excursions, support different projects like gardening and help to repair/built different things together with the children’s parents once a week. Working hours are from 7 or 8am until 12pm (except if there are meetings or special projects), Monday to Friday.

About the accomodation

Host family.

About the location

The school is located on a huge property in a rural area about 5km from Tumbaco. There’s no good public transport

Requirements

The volunteer has basic Spanish skills, a lot of patience, who is active and interested in alternative teaching methods and working with children. Preferably a male volunteer, but females are welcome as well!