Overview
Volunteer Education Project for Impoverished Children in Ecuador

Teaching projects in Ecuador give volunteers the opportunity to work with children and adults who might not otherwise have the chance of a formal education. Living with a local family in the lovely market town of Otavalo, you will learn Spanish and travel to remote, rural communities to teach on the educational programs that have been set up in conjunction between GVI and local indigenous leaders.

Taking volunteer work in Ecuador provides you with the chance to truly immerse yourself in Andean indigenous culture, while you help to improve the lives of people in one of Ecuador’s poorest communities. College credit may be available for those attending this project. Consult GVI’s college credit page for helpful tips and advice.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, volunteer stories from the field, volunteer video diaries and more at the programs media centre

It was really good to be able to see a community and a part of Ecuador that most travelers don’t get to. The kids were brilliant and I really enjoyed it!

Olivia Hudson, 2006 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

With just one or two teachers per school, the volunteers’ teaching presence allows the children more opportunity to receive help in their education. GVI Secondary School scholarships allow the children to follow on into Secondary which was not possible before. A substantial part of the fee goes towards the day-to-day running costs of the projects themselves throughout the year, including daily transport, food subsidies for the school meals and fruit for the children (sometimes their only meal of the day), educational materials for classes, monthly birthday celebrations, painting and maintenance.

Highlights

Living in the heart of the community in Otavalo; working with indigenous children; learning Spanish (optional); adventure side trips, cultural workshops and excursions, amazing community interaction.

Location

Nestling high in the Andes, a few hours from Ecuador's capital city, volunteers stay in the town of Otavalo. This market town is famous for its handicraft market and indigenous Andean community, and is a popular destination for visitors to the country. The town has many amenities including the Spanish school, internet access, bars and restaurants. Volunteers work either within communities situated about a one hour minivan ride up from Otavalo, up in the mountains or a short bus ride and a half hour hike.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in Otavalo in comfortable accommodation allows for an enriching cultural experience and the valuable opportunity to practice Spanish! You will have your own private room, with hot water and three meals a day provided. The food is very typical of the area, being varied and including meats and plenty of vegetables and fruits. Vegetarians are also well catered for. Travel upgrades are available on this project see dates and costs for more information.