Boomers Abroad

Description

Ecuador is a pocket-sized slice of beautiful South America. Despite its diminutive size, it is bursting with vibrant culture, mesmerising landscapes, exotic tropical wildlife and pristine habitats. It encompasses the all-consuming emerald Amazon, rich in natural resources and home to a wealth of fascinating creatures and indigenous communities.

Ecuador has a picture-perfect capital city painted in pastel colours, alive with cafes, clubs, bars, churches and museums. Markets where friendly locals sell their wares are surrounded by the hustle and bustle of traditional street life. In contrast, the peaceful and serene Andes provide a home for indigenous mountain communities and enigmatic mountain creatures alike.

* What Will I Be Doing?

The aim of this Quito-based project is the care and education of disabled and underprivileged children. It is based in a school with around 130 students, from kindergarten to grade five. The project provides vocational workshops for disabled teenagers, medical attention, rehabilitation, after school programmes and recreational activities. The Centre also provides accommodation for some disabled children.

There are a broad range of activities that volunteers can undertake, depending on their interests and experience. Areas of work available to those with specific experience include medical care, rehabilitation, social work and teachers' aids. Other activities include assistance with recreation for both disabled and able-bodied young children, daily care for disabled children, construction and maintenance work, office work, cooking and cleaning. Volunteers should be flexible, enjoy working with children and should be willing to adapt to a new culture and different environment.