ECUADOR BIRD RESCUE VOLUNTEERS
As a bird rescue volunteer in Ecuador, you will get a hands-on experience with a variety of bird life from this amazing country. This is a fascinating and inspiring local initiative situated just outside of Quito that helps to promote education, respect, and love for all bird life. As a volunteer in Ecuador, you will help with the vital activities involved in the day-to-day running of this project all while learning about the challenges facing bird life within Ecuador.
Background to the Bird Rescue Program
As in many South American countries, Ecuador is home to an abundance of wildlife with its tropical climate, diverse landscape, and abundance of rainforests. Traditionally there has been an abundance of birdlife flourishing in this ecosphere. However, due to several problems such as deforestation, poaching, and domestic care, birds now face a challenge to peacefully coexist with mankind. According to BirdLife International’s update for 2012 of the IUCN red list of threatened species, close to 100 species of birds across the Amazon region are now at a greatly increased threat of extinction.
Parrots are among the most endangered and rapidly declining bird groups, with 28% of their species classified as threatened. Traditionally many families in South American countries have kept parrots and other wild birds as domestic pets and as a result, are continually removed from their natural habitat. Amazon parrots and macaws are preferred due to their attractiveness and ability to mimic the human voice. While it is now illegal to keep a wild bird as a pet, demand is still high in rural areas where over half of coastal communities keep pet parrots. The Ecuadorian Government is playing its part in the process, and it confiscated an average of 392 wild birds annually from 2003-2019. However, with a lack of care facilities, the government often relies on local initiatives to provide additional assistance with the long-term rehabilitation and care of these animals.
The lack of environmental education in Ecuadorian schools is also a barrier to reducing parrot ownership and capture. The main purpose of any environmental education strategy is to change people’s knowledge and attitudes, and ultimately behaviours. Alone, or in combination with other conservation interventions, environmental education projects can result in a decrease in the persecution of parrots and consequently an increase in population size.
Wild birds also face a challenge trying to live within an increasingly growing urban infrastructure in Quito. As the population rapidly grows this means their environment is being displaced at an alarming rate. Living so close to a human population often results in injury and ultimately a declining number of birdlife.
Bird Recue Volunteer Placement Example
Jardin Alado – PMGY has teamed up with “The Garden of Birds” which is an inspiring project established by Paul Tufiño in 2013. This project helps to combat the environmental and social challenges facing birdlife across Quito and beyond. This is a non-governmental project that relies on external donations to help promote their goals of environmental education and the rehabilitation of birds of prey in Ecuador.
The project helps provide a safe sanctuary for birds who have often been kept as pets, mistreated, or injured in the wild. The ultimate aim is to release the birds back into the wildlife and to date, they have been successful by releasing 371 in total. Some birds have become too domesticated or have some physical or psychological damage that prevents them from ever being safely released. Therefore, these birds are well looked after at the project. The unique aspect of this project is it promotes a “cage-free” experience for birds to allow for a semi-free lifestyle.
The rescued birds are put under the care of the local staff at the bird sanctuary. As a volunteer in Ecuador, you will play a vital role in supporting the local staff. In the same vein, as an animal volunteer, you will work alongside the staff to complete core tasks at the project. Such tasks for Ecuador bird rescue volunteering include:
• Taking care of the birds
• Assisting with cleaning and general maintenance
• Support with feeding the animals
• Helping with any medical treatments required
• Assisting in any educational programs
• Help build new houses on-site
The project welcomes local visitors to help provide a revenue stream and promote education into the overall conservation and care of these species. Therefore, there is a big opportunity to connect with local guests and promote the overall aims and objectives of the bird project. Volunteer support and contributions are a big help to the project that otherwise can receive limited help. By choosing to work closely with this bird project in Ecuador, your support as a bird rescue volunteer will be much appreciated by those connected at the centre.
On a broader level, the sanctuary has a range of programs that you as an Ecuador bird rescue volunteer can support with. For example, educational campaigns at local schools and recovery projects for sick and mistreated birds. The centre is located approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes from downtown Quito and is one hectare in size. Other animals that live and are cared for on-site include butterflies, farm animals, llamas, and wild cats.
Our Ecuador bird rescue volunteering project allows volunteers and interns to experience their love of bird life during their time in Ecuador. Working at the centre of the project as part of your international volunteering, your daily tasks will make a positive contribution. Moreover, the care and wellbeing these rescued birds receive will greatly improve.
Your Role & Typlical Work Day
When you complete volunteer work in Ecuador at the bird rescue centre, you will be helping with the daily chores. As an Ecuador bird rescue volunteer, you will help with cleaning and feeding. Other activities include enrichment activities, medical assistance, and general support for the local project staff. The volunteering hours are typically from 8am-4pm on a Monday-Friday basis.
To reach the bird rescue project, you will need to catch the public bus, and this takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The bus stop is located nearby to the volunteer accommodation. Furthermore, the local team will assist you in learning the routes to your volunteer project. As a result, you will be acquainted with how to get to and from your volunteer project. Alternatively, volunteers may opt to take an Uber to get to the project. Whilst more convenient, volunteers should expect to pay considerably more to get to and from the project if opting for this form of transport.
ECUADOR CHILDCARE VOLUNTEERS
As a childcare volunteer in Ecuador, you will provide additional support to childcare projects within the city of Quito. Not only this, PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs provide a great foundation to improve your Spanish. Provide a helping hand for the children and local staff. Plan activities and games, help with meal times and be sure to improve your Spanish as you volunteer with children in Ecuador.
Background to the Childcare Program
In Ecuador, children attend kindergartens typically from 1-4 years old. The facilities often lack basic resources and are usually overcrowded. There is a limited number of local staff supervising high numbers of children. The children who attend the project each day are typically from more disadvantaged communities in Quito.
Subsequently, each child may not get the best start in their early childhood. The presence of a volunteer at a kindergarten can provide much needed support and engagement for children. In turn, this builds their confidence and early years development. Working alongside local staff will help give children the skills they need to thrive during their early years.
Some children also face extra challenges and have additional needs in Ecuador. Children with disabilities face many barriers within and outside the Ecuadorian education system. Lack of awareness and limited access to resources have left many disabled children in Ecuador without the care many desperately need. For children with disabilities, participants can play an essential role in working at a one to one level and supporting with occupational therapy activities. Supporting these projects can be challenging, but equally varied and rewarding.
Volunteer opportunities in Ecuador provided by PMGY will provide you with a platform to make a positive impact. When working at our childcare volunteer abroad projects in Ecuador, it is important to maintain energy, enthusiasm and creativity. For the reason that many of these children will be seeking the care and attention that you as a childcare volunteer in Ecuador can bring. To volunteer with children in Ecuador, you will need to donate your time and skills effectively. This is to ensure you can maximise your impact on the local people. If you need motivation for gap year volunteering, then our projects in Ecuador provide some fantastic options.
Childcare Volunteer Placement Examples
La Bota Kindergarten – The centre hosts more than 40 children aged from 1-4 years old. At La Bota Kindergarten, there are 3 groups of children and their daily activities depend on their age. Volunteers at the daycare centre can help by creating recreational activities for the children and organising games. Additionally, participants can teach about hygiene, read stories, play music and sing songs.
As you participate in the project, you will make fast bonds with the children. Therefore, you must commit to the project for your whole time in Ecuador and plan for each day accordingly. The project runs across the day, but volunteers will usually join in the morning. Usually, this is for 4 hours before the children take their afternoon nap. There are usually 1-2 local staff members in each classroom for volunteer support. Participants can also help the local staff with snacks and breakfast time.
Working with children is one of the most fulfilling jobs. The volunteers will have the chance to interact with the kids in a variety of ways. Taking the initiative and applying creativity is an important skill to have in this kind of work. As you complete volunteer work in Ecuador at this project, you will play a key role in supporting the more limited local support team. Please keep in mind that the centre’s resources are limited. It is important that you know you may have to face adverse situations. Please be respectful and responsible in your work, keep in mind you are a role model for these children! This volunteer project aims to instil in children important values such as care, respect and love for learning.
Horse Therapy Project – This inspiring initiative was created in 1993 and provides an alternative form of therapy for children with disabilities. This is a relatively new but increasingly popular rehabilitation method for treating both mentally and physically disabled people. This project has the overall aim of improving coordination, rhythm, orientation and balance of the children who attend.
The physical presence of horses has a positive effect on the children’s mindset. The production of alpha waves is stimulated by the children riding the horses and this allows them to relax at the same time. It also provides a distraction for children who can often be in pain or suffering some form of depression.
Volunteers play a vital role in the day-to-day running of this project. They help the local staff with the general maintenance of the horses including feeding, walking, and ensuring they are suitably saddled and bridled. Volunteers also assist with the therapy sessions with the children and working with their parents at the project.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Childcare Day
As a volunteer in Ecuador, your role involves supporting local staff with daily chores. Examples include providing volunteer support at mealtimes and with cleaning tasks. This extends to more creative support in singing songs, teaching English and improving hygiene skills. Playing with children in a recreational setting outdoors is also a big part of the role. This is because of the limited time the local caregivers have to do this.
The work schedule is flexible and will be set between you, the centre and our volunteer coordinator in Quito. Thus volunteers will have the chance to make the most of their time. You will be volunteering at the project Monday-Friday. Please plan for at least 3-5 hours on the project.
You can take the public bus to reach your childcare project. The bus stop is located nearby to the volunteer accommodation. Furthermore, the local team will assist you in learning the routes to your volunteer project. As a result, you will be acquainted with how to get to and from your volunteer project. Alternatively, volunteers may opt to take an Uber to get to the project. Whilst more convenient, volunteers should expect to pay considerably more to get to and from the project if opting for this form of transport.
ECUADOR ENGLISH TEACHING VOLUNTEERS
As a volunteer teaching English in Ecuador, you will provide additional support to local teachers across the schools in Quito. Not only this, PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs provide a great foundation to improve your Spanish. Incorporate English language lessons with historic influences of indigenous culture as you teach English in Ecuador.
Background to the Teaching Program
Based on the Global View, Ecuador has a very good school system. The education system is recognised as one of the most developed in South America. Ecuador requires all school-aged children to attend classes until they achieve a basic level of education.
This is not just focussed on mainstream education. The government and local organisations have improved the quality of education for special needs students across the nation. There are now programs from pre-primary to professional studies for over 30,000 students with special needs.
Within mainstream education, the public school system has a high level of enrolled children reflecting that government requirements are met. Unfortunately, the level of participation in high school ages (15+) has decreased over the years, particularly in rural communities.
Education is provided by the government for primary and secondary public students. However, families are facing significant additional costs for extra classes and transportation. Due to this, many are not able to continue into higher education. As a result, they cannot speak English properly. Finding work in more prosperous areas like the tourism industry becomes ever more challenging.
The private school system tends to have extended student involvement. Consequently, this then provides the necessary requirements for higher education levels such as university or training courses. Many of these institutions are run by churches requiring courses in religion along with maths, science, Spanish and other languages. There is an increasing number of private and international schools that offer courses in English, but the spaces are limited.
Volunteer opportunities provided by PMGY offer a platform to make a positive impact when you teach English in Ecuador. When working at our volunteer teaching English abroad projects in Ecuador, it is important to maintain energy, enthusiasm and creativity. Many of these students will benefit from having someone who is fluent in the English language teaching them in Ecuador. As a volunteer teaching English in Ecuador, you will need to donate your time and skills effectively. This is to ensure you can maximise your impact on the local people. If you need motivation for gap year volunteering programs, then our projects in Ecuador provide some fantastic opportunities.
Teaching Volunteer Placement Examples
The Federico Gauss Secondary School – A typical classroom setting, Federico Gauss Secondary School displays many cultural influences of indigenous beliefs. More specifically, it is a private institution school that applies indigenous beliefs alongside a creative curriculum. The project teaches young adults with slight behavioural issues or misconduct in the public or private school setting.
The classrooms are in group settings of 8-24 students based on their ability (ages 12-18). Courses can include general maths, science and English, while arts are very important including computer science, media and history. The teaching program lasts from 8am-12pm. Yet, there are many opportunities to join in the afternoon for tutoring as the school day finishes typically at 2pm.
The project’s top priority is to improve the level of English of future generations of Quito. Many of the people in the schools in Ecuador take English from primary school. However, this is constructed with a very basic curriculum including minimal vocabulary and limited verbal skills. Most primary schools are understaffed leaving children without a proper understanding of the material to move forward in their education.
As a volunteer in Ecuador, you will work with the teachers during the class schedule. This incorporates helping to prepare classes, assisting with marking, tutoring students and interacting during class breaks. There is a sports yard at the school where volunteers can help with physical education activities.
Those with experience in media or computer science may have opportunities to educate and assist the students in learning in this area. More specifically, this includes supporting with film assignments by instructing interviews, broadcasting or equipment used while recording. If volunteers want to assist with software then the school is always in need of such support! Examples of this include helping with Microsoft Office and video design or simple lessons about the use of a computer. The students love to expand their knowledge of the arts in any area when you are teaching in Ecuador.
This is the most common and structured placement where PMGY volunteers teach English in Ecuador. This is because volunteer feedback suggests that participants feel most useful and productive when working at this teaching project.
Colegio Pitagoras – Founded in 1991, the Pitagoras educational unit is a private institution focused on initial, basic and high school education. The school aims to support the children and youth of the Itchimbia community. It is an educational space of joy, love and life. Today, the institution houses more than 200 students from different social levels. Each student receives access to a comprehensive training plan which promotes constructive and creative thinking.
Participants support local teachers during the classes. The presence of an international volunteer contributes to the strengthening of vocabulary, pronunciation and verbal ability among students. Volunteers will play a key role in assisting students with listening, reading, speaking and writing activities. In turn, this improves the development of key language skills for students. Participants will support the local teacher in evaluating the pronunciation and communication skills of students. Individuals on this project will get to enjoy a unique cultural exchange within the educational community of this institution.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Teaching Day
Volunteer work in Ecuador involves supporting the local teachers during the class schedule. This involves helping to prepare classes, tutoring students and interacting with them during class breaks. We expect volunteers to spend an hour or two each day preparing for lessons if requested by the teacher.
For volunteers teaching English in Ecuador, the projects are typically quite well resourced. If volunteers feel basic supplies are not easily available they are encouraged to speak to our local team. The team will then do their best to support where possible. If volunteers are wishing for additional resources, there are some great shops in town. The teaching program typically lasts from 8am-12pm on a Monday-Friday basis. However, there may also be opportunities to join in the afternoon for tutoring.
You can take the public bus to reach your English teaching project. The bus stop is located nearby to the volunteer accommodation. Furthermore, the local team will assist you in learning the routes to your volunteer project. As a result, you will be acquainted with how to get to and from your volunteer project. Alternatively, volunteers may opt to take an Uber to get to the project. Whilst more convenient, volunteers should expect to pay considerably more to get to and from the project if opting for this form of transport.
ECUADOR MEDICAL VOLUNTEERS
As an Ecuador medical volunteer, you will gain first-hand insight and exposure to the Ecuadorian healthcare system. Not only this, PMGY’s Ecuador volunteer programs provide a great foundation to improve your Spanish. Delve deeper into the traditional healing beliefs of the local people. Focus your time and energy on specific departments at the hospital as a medical volunteer.
Background to the Medical Program
In the late 1990s, Ecuador suffered from an extremely weak government with one of the worst financial systems in South America. The healthcare provided was that of the Middle Ages. For the reason that healthcare costs could never be met by the average monthly salary. Furthermore, unemployment was at over 10% of the population and 20% of people were living in poverty. The system was failing and people were faced with little to no solution.
In 2000 Rafael Correa took office. During his early years, although hit with crisis after crisis, he established one of the strongest healthcare systems on the continent. At the beginning of his time, there were few hospitals and medical care providers in the city. So much so, that the patients were receiving a level of care similar to the standard of a rural clinic.
Due to these measures, Correa invested over 2,000 million USD into the healthcare budget. As a result, 18 new hospitals in major cities were commissioned. Furthermore, 250 healthcare centres and health clinics were built in rural villages nationwide.
Since these changes, locals describe all care to be equal across the country. Whether they visit a rural village clinic or a major hospital in the city of Quito, consistency in care was achieved. The care will be of nearly the same quality with only a difference in the availability of specialists in the small facilities.
Changes to the healthcare system are also reflected in the levels of coverage. The system is broken down into four parts; private, public, social care and no coverage. Those with private care are the working class; this care is provided under a purchased insurance plan. In addition to the private system, there is the Social Care system. Such a system is similar to the Social Security system of the United States.
This system applies to citizens who have applied portions of their income to the government care plan. Consequently, they are provided with coverage allowance for healthcare. The public system is free to everyone who has been denied care. In most cases, this is for those with a terminal illness, over the age of 60, under the age of 10 and impoverished.
Volunteer opportunities in Ecuador provided by PMGY will provide you with a platform. Such a platform allows for valuable exposure to medicine and healthcare projects within a new culture. For the reason that many of the facilities, procedures and operations you observe will be completely new to you.
More specifically, they will be completely different from how things are done in your home country. As an Ecuador medical volunteer, you will need to schedule your time and skills effectively to make the most out of your project time. This is to ensure you can maximise your exposure and learning opportunities at the project.
Should medical volunteers in Ecuador wish to consider alternative or additional projects, our medical volunteer projects in India is recognised as our leading medical volunteer opportunity. For the reason that volunteers receive high exposure and involvement across a range of placement and project settings.
Medical Volunteer Placement Example
Hospital Enrique Garces – PMGY medical volunteers in Ecuador apply their time in a public hospital in Quito. The project is at Hospital Enrique Garces. This is one of the few care centres offering free healthcare for people in and around the capital. This is one of the biggest public hospitals in Quito. The hospital provides volunteers with the opportunity to join in 8 different wards. Such wards include:
Internal Medicine (specialty departments), Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Occupational Therapy, Trauma, Out-Patient, Surgery Consult Department
The hospital is very happy to have university students and medical volunteers, but they take the position quite seriously. Volunteers on this project are not required to have any medical education. However, volunteers are advised to have some form of volunteer work experience. Examples of this can include in a community care setting or clinical volunteering hours.
The project does accept school leavers with no experience looking to enter the medical field. However, such participants should be prepared with questions and learning objectives for the doctors and nurses. Furthermore, such volunteers should adopt a positive attitude to gain what they can from the program.
The minimum time in any department will be 2 weeks. The ward will be assigned based on your level of Spanish. The recommended time for this medical project is 4+ weeks to properly apply yourself in the listed departments. When assigned to a department, on the first day you will meet and be introduced to the head of that department.
Medical students are advised to note that all of the staff at the hospital typically only speak in Spanish. Thus, they have little to no English. So volunteers will need to have a good level of Spanish to communicate efficiently with the local staff. Otherwise, volunteers will incur a high language barrier and thus a frustrating learning experience.
Volunteers will join the program Monday-Friday. The project will begin at 7:30am each day to ensure you get a busy morning. The average time on the project will be 5 hours finishing in the early afternoon or time off requested completion. An example of a day on the paediatric ward could be as follows:
• 7:30am-8:30am – Report to the paediatric ward. Observe inpatient rounds with a nurse for medication, consultation and viewing.
• 9am-9:30am – Observe injections for children in need of updated vaccine charting.
• 9:30am-10:30am – Assist care provider by engaging children in games or play while they provide necessary treatment for external wounds, infections or therapy due to disabilities.
• 10:30am-11am – Break time.
• 11am-12pm – Shadow doctor during rounds providing consultation and admission to the hospital.
• 12pm-12:30pm – Assist care providers with counsel and care planning with family for patient discharge plan.
While volunteering in Ecuador you may encounter a variety of illnesses. Examples include acute respiratory infection, diarrhetic diseases, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, depression, malnutrition, physical abuse and altitude sickness. As this is a facility for those with low income or unemployment the severity of illness will vary. This hospital provides care to those within the city and also the surrounding rural developments.
As a medical volunteer, you may encounter indigenous people who rely on holistic methods of care. The belief of the Incan people is to be one with Mother Earth and live a balanced life. The use of Western medications or treatments doesn’t meet that of their traditional belief system.
At times you may encounter people who have received many holistic treatments. These are people traditionally from a more rural or indigenous area. They are brought to the hospital in a severe state and in desperate need of antibiotics and other medications. The hospital system, in general, is centred around prescriptions of Western medications for treatments.
Your Volunteer Role & Typical Work Day
International volunteers will spend most of their time observing on the wards assisted by nurses and doctors. In some cases, they will be asked to assist in engaging small children with activities while they receive treatment. There is a chance if volunteers speak Spanish to get involved with counselling. This can extend to helping local doctors with care plans for families with patients in the hospital.
In general, your medical volunteer work in Ecuador will be Monday–Friday. The project will begin at 7:30am each day. This is to ensure you get a busy morning and can help the medical staff out appropriately. The average time on the volunteer programs abroad will be 3-5 hours finishing in the early afternoon.
You will be required to take a 45 minute bus ride to reach the medical project. The bus stop is located nearby to the volunteer accommodation. Furthermore, the local team will assist you in learning the routes to your volunteer project. As a result, you will be acquainted with how to get to and from your volunteer project. Alternatively, volunteers may opt to take an Uber to get to the project. Whilst more convenient, volunteers should expect to pay considerably more to get to and from the project if opting for this form of transport.