Ecuador Volunteering-Education-Teaching Assistant for Children with Special Needs

Description

Fundacion Integrar is an non-governmental educational center in Quito for children with special needs. Their mission is to “...provide comprehensive, quality and appropriate teaching values to children and youth with special needs in different areas of development, involving their families as part of the process”. The services offered by Fundacion Integrar are not often addressed by the government social services funding.
The vision of Fundacion Integrar is to become “...a great Habilitation Center and therapeutic management for children and youth with special needs”. In reaching this goal the staff at the foundation attempt to embrace an atmosphere that is warm and nurturing. The foundation has therapists and teachers that work half days with the children, who receive care in the areas of motor skill coordination and therapy, physical therapy, early intervention, meals, language therapy, horseback riding therapy and hydrotherapy.
In 2004 a group for teenagers was also started where they receive lessons in art and wood working, and how to help themselves adapt to society. Other clubs at the foundation include a art workshop and a Sponsors and Friends Club.

Why does this organization need volunteers?

Fundacion Integrar is an educational center in Quito that provides a number of programs for children living with disabilities. This organization receives very little funding to run its programs, so they rely heavily on the generosity and time of their volunteers to help with the daily routine and services.
The children at the center work in two different groups. One group comes in the morning and the other in the afternoon. The foundation has therapists and teachers that work with the children in the areas of motor skills, physical therapy, early intervention, meals, language therapy, horseback riding therapy and hydrotherapy. These programs are crucial in fostering independence, self-esteem, coordination and social skills in the children.
In 2004 a group for teenagers was also started, where they receive lessons in art and wood working, and they also learn how to help themselves adapt to society. There is a missionary named Nelson who works with this teenage group.
This organization would benefit greatly from dedicated volunteers who are willing to give their time and share their experiences and skills.

What tasks will you be required to fulfil?

During your time as a Teaching Assistant with Fundacion Integrar in Quito you will participate directly with the staff and children in the daily programs. Volunteers may be asked to provide orientation for the different groups of children or to learn about the children and get to know their abilities and goals. You will also be working to facilitate and participate in group activities such as music, theatre, handicrafts and dance. You will need to plan sessions that are geared towards the age of the participants and also their abilities.
As a volunteer you will also be helping at mealtimes, teaching appropriate behaviour in a variety of settings, helping once a week at the pool, and helping with horseback riding lessons.
At this placement you will be a integrated member of the organization, working alongside the staff to develop and administer programs for the children.

Requirements:
Any previous experience working with children, or children with disabilities, would be an asset during this placement, however it is not a requirement.

Requirements

Language

English

Upon arrival in country our staff will pick you up at the airport and return you to our Orientation Center for a safety briefing and general country orientation. For this program you are required to complete one - 4 weeks of language training and orientation which is included in the cost of the program. At the end of that week you will transfer to your placement to begin volunteering. Our staff are available to assist you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week should you require help of any kind.