This was my second volunteer experience with IVHQ - they offer great resource and support. I always felt safe and welcomed in Quito. The best thing thus far is the kids asking me to return and their warm smiles and goodbyes have touched my heart. The Ecuadorian culture and people have been so kind and welcoming. Thank you again for a wonderful experience.
Street Children Volunteer Work in Ecuador - Quito
Purpose
Provide a safe space for children to learn
Start dates
Programs start on the first and third Monday of each month
Duration
Choose from 1-12 weeks
Volunteer hours
3-5 hours a day, Tue - Fri
Age
Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Accommodation
Homestay or volunteer house
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Enthusiastic volunteers who like playing with and entertaining children of all ages in an educational setting. You’ll be working alongside local staff so no experience is required.
Project details
Eager to volunteer with Street Children in Ecuador - Quito? International Volunteer HQ’s Street Children project enables volunteers to help an NGO which supports local children from low-income communities in the local markets of South Quito. Here, working parents often cannot afford to send their children to school, and as a result, the children tend to spend long days at the market where there is little in the way of positive education or entertainment. Volunteers will gain childcare experience while letting parents focus on their jobs, and will provide the kids with a fun, productive and educational way to spend their time through strengthening their social skills.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
For many Ecuadorian children, school is never an option. Their working parents can’t afford to give them an education, and sometimes even basic childcare is a challenge. However, volunteers can help an NGO-run childcare center set up in a community marketplace so that parents can sell their goods and know their children are doing something productive nearby. The families of the children are hugely appreciative of the efforts of volunteers in this regard.
As a Street Children volunteer you’ll help in all aspects of keeping children entertained. The aim of this project is simply to provide children with education and enjoyment.
Volunteers on the Street Children project are encouraged to be creative but tasks generally involve:
- Helping with basic English, math, spelling and reading lessons
- Playing games
- Music and singing
- Arts and crafts
- Sports activities
Please note, activities can vary depending on the needs of the placement and children at the time you are volunteering. There may also be some administrative work that is associated with this placement, such as helping to tidy the office at the end of each day’s activities.
Why volunteer with Street Children in Ecuador - Quito with IVHQ?
When you volunteer with street children in Ecuador - Quito you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving quality of life for disadvantaged children
- Helping students develop life skills in a safe place
- Practicing your Spanish
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining childcare experience
- Immersing yourself fully in the Ecuadorian culture
- Discovering the ancient city of Quito
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program
- Volunteers aged 16-18 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or friend over the age of 18 to participate in this program
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
- While being able to speak Spanish is not a requirement to join the Ecuador program, we recommend that volunteers take advantage of the very affordable language lessons offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers by our partner staff in Ecuador. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons help immensely with day-to-day volunteer work and communicating with local people. Volunteers interested in taking Spanish lessons can arrange these directly with the local staff once in Ecuador.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Ecuador photo gallery
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IVHQ Community Development project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ Street Children Work project
IVHQ School Support project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Street Children Work project
IVHQ Music volunteer project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ NGO Support project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ Street Children Work project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ Music volunteer project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Shelter Support project
IVHQ Childcare project
IVHQ Teaching English project
IVHQ Street Children Work project
IVHQ volunteer orientation
Exploring Quito during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
Exploring during an IVHQ weekend
IVHQ volunteer Spanish Class
IVHQ volunteer Salsa Class
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
CC
Carol Cheeks
25 Nov 2024
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HC
Heidi Christian
15 Jul 2024
Trust the process and be open-minded. Meeting the other volunteers was amazing too as well as contributing to the program.
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CC
Charles Chiparo
09 Apr 2024
I felt this was a valuable experience helping local children, experiencing immersion in real, local culture and neighborhoods in Quito.
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WC
Weiqi Cao
17 Jan 2024
The guidance and preparation that IVHQ provided was really helpful. Volunteering in Quito was an amazing experience. I loved working with people who had the same goals as me. It's inspired me to do something more like this in the future.
...
KP
Kade Paplinski
11 Jan 2024
The local team was amazing and really helpful. Volunteering is a great way to travel and see the world. I loved becoming engaged with the locals and community, and this experience really allowed me to see how different each country is.
I really appreciated the webinar that IVHQ provided prior to departure too, it helped me figure out the do's and don'ts for my program.
...
RH
Renee Hites
30 Apr 2023
The trip made me really take stock of what I have in my life and gave me a bit of perspective. As an educator, it also made me realize how much the students I work with have and that it isn't the case everywhere. While I knew this intellectually, it is different seeing it first hand. Working with the children in the markets of Quito was really wonderful. Getting to see their joy in the activities they were involved in was very rewarding. Totally worth trying it!
...
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditRecommended online TEFL course
Recommended online TEFL course
We encourage volunteers on IVHQ’s Teaching and Childcare projects to come prepared by completing some relevant training, such as a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) course. Although formal teaching qualifications are not required on these projects as volunteers are supported by local staff, taking a TEFL course enables you to gain more from the experience. Visit our Online TEFL Course page to learn how to gain an internationally recognized TEFL certification at a discounted rate.
Get TEFL certified onlineLocation
Location
The IVHQ Ecuador volunteer program is based in the capital city of Quito and its surrounding urban and rural areas. Nestled high in the Andes, Quito is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Despite this aesthetic beauty, Ecuador is still a developing country and there is a great need for volunteers to assist with the growth of this city and its disadvantaged communities.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins every Monday and volunteers need to arrive in Quito on the day before orientation.
After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito. Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee and airport drop off is also available as an affordable add-on which you can book through IVHQ. We recommend that volunteers under the age of 18 travel internationally with a notarized letter from their parents to support their documentation.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Quito. Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are traveling in Ecuador prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up in Quito the day before your program orientation, or you can make your own way to the volunteer office.
Orientation is hosted by our local team at their volunteer offices in Quito. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Quito - an introduction to Ecuador, Ecuadorian customs, rules and expectations, safety, travel opportunities in Ecuador and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socializing.
Volunteer schedule example
Please note that volunteering on the Ecuador - Quito Program is held Tuesday through Friday and you can expect to participate for 3 - 5 hours per day. Weekends on the program are Saturday through Monday, however, there are some placements (e.g. NGO Support, Street Children Work) that can offer work on Monday upon request. If you would like to work on Monday, simply let the local team know at orientation and they can make these arrangements for you.
Weekdays
An example of a typical day is as follows:
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the volunteer house or homestay. |
| 8:30 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements. Work and hours are dependent on the project and placement that each volunteer is working at. |
| 12:30 - 1:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel back to their accommodation, prepare for the next day, or do some shopping and sightseeing. If volunteers are taking Spanish language lessons, these will usually take place in the afternoons and last 2-3 hours. |
| 6:30 PM | Dinner self prepared at the volunteer accommodation or out at a nearby restaurant. |
Volunteers on the Ecuador program can also join casual social activities arranged by the local staff. The social activities usually take place 1 - 2 days per week and give volunteers the opportunity to engage in fun events with the local team, as well as learn about the Ecuadorian customs. Club activities include Ecuadorian movie nights, make your own pizza nights, salsa lessons and more! All of the club activities are held in the afternoon or evening, after volunteers have finished at their placement, and range in cost from CA$4 to CA$15 per person. These activities are not mandatory, but are a great way to get involved and meet other volunteers.
Weekends
Spanning Saturday to Monday, weekends are extra long for volunteers in Quito so there is plenty of time to relax or explore other parts of the city and Ecuador. If you are interested in art, culture and history, you can check out Quito’s historical center, where you can learn about Quito’s history, legends and Pre-Columbian cultures. From there, you can take the El Teleferico cable car for beautiful views of the city and surrounding volcanoes. Horseback riding and hiking is available to the Guagua Pichincha volcano summit. You can visit the coastal region of Salango for snorkelling, Silver Island, and the beautiful beaches of Los Frailes. Jungle excursions can also be arranged to experience nature and unique wildlife such as toucans, parrots, and monkeys.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to explore the amazing national parks of Ecuador or the Galapagos Islands.
Looking for more ideas of things to do in Ecuador? Check out our Ecuador Travel & Tours page!
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers stay in a four-story volunteer house. Local homestays nearby are sometimes used during the busy season when the volunteer house reaches capacity. Bedrooms have single beds or bunk beds and you can expect to share a room with one to four other volunteers of the same gender.
Living is comfortable and all volunteer accommodation has electricity, filtered water and western-style bathrooms. While bedding is provided, you will need to bring your own towels and toiletries.
There are two basic private room upgrades available, one with a single bed and the other with a single bed and private bathroom. These can be arranged for an additional fee, once you’ve registered for the program.
Please note, homes in Quito are not heated, so in the colder months extra blankets are available upon request. WiFi is available at the volunteer house and in some homestays, though it can be unreliable at times. You can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone when you arrive in Ecuador or after orientation.
Meals
Volunteers are provided with breakfast every day on the Ecuador - Quito program. Breakfast is usually tea or coffee, milk, oatmeal, local breads, butter, jam and fruit.
Please note, portion sizes in Ecuador are traditionally smaller than what most western countries offer.
Lunch and dinner can be purchased locally for approximately CA$4 - CA$22, depending on the type of meal you’re looking for.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you apply for the program so we can make arrangements for you. However, you should not expect to eat as you normally do at home and need to be flexible.
Typical volunteer bedroom
Typical volunteer living room
Typical volunteer kitchen
Typical volunteer lounge room
Typical volunteer toilet
IVHQ volunteers dining
IVHQ volunteers dining
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Typical volunteer breakfast
Pricing
Secure your place for just US$299 (approximately CA$452), pay your Program Fee later.
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$299 (approximately CA$452) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
|---|---|
| 1 week | $370 Equivalent to $53/day |
| 2 weeks | $525 Equivalent to $38/day |
| 3 weeks | $680 Equivalent to $32/day |
| 4 weeks | $835 Equivalent to $30/day |
| 5 weeks | $990 Equivalent to $28/day |
| 6 weeks | $1,145 Equivalent to $27/day |
| 8 weeks | $1,455 Equivalent to $26/day |
| 10 weeks | $1,765 Equivalent to $25/day |
| 12 weeks | $2,075 Equivalent to $25/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$299 (approximately CA$452) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Quito generally find US$100 per week to be sufficient for expenses, such as meals, personal spending and local tours and activities.
- Breakfast
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalized preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Lunch and dinner
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Popular add-ons & experiences in Quito
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with these popular add-ons and experiences. Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Quito program.
Airport Drop-off
Enjoy a stress free ride from Quito back to Mariscal Sucre International Airport arranged by our local team.
CA$66
Private Room (single/twin bed) + Private Bathroom Upgrade.
A private room upgrade with a single bed and private bathroom.
From CA$328
Private Room Upgrade (single/twin bed), shared bathroom.
A private room upgrade with a single bed.
From CA$304
Spanish language lessons
Spanish language lessons are available for all volunteers regardless of their ability. IVHQ strongly recommends these for all volunteers unless they are fluent in Spanish. Volunteers with a basic level of Spanish should strongly consider these lessons to allow them to work and communicate more effectively during their program. These language lessons can be added via your MyIVHQ profile as an add-on, once you’ve registered for your program. The language lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Spanish and must be paid for in Ecuador to our local staff. The cost is very affordable and offered exclusively to IVHQ volunteers.
- 12 hours/6 days = CA$225 (or 3 days intensive)
- 20 hours/10 days = CA$346 (or 5 days intensive)
- 30 hours/15 days = CA$497 (or 8 days intensive)
- 40 hours/10 days intensive = CA$649
- 60 hours/15 days intensive = CA$936
- 80 hours/20 days intensive = CA$1224
Check what's required to visit Ecuador
Safety and support
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
| Capital | Quito |
| Population | 17.37 million |
| Languages | Spanish |
| Currency | US Dollar (USD) |
| Time zone | UTC-05:00 |
Weather and climate: The climate of Ecuador is composed of a number of microclimates that separate into four distinct zones. La Costa (Coastal Lowlands) is tropical, La Sierra (Andean Mountains) is temperate; and El Oriente (Amazon Region) shares the jungle climate of the upper Amazon rain forest.
Apply to check if you're eligible!
