Orphans are deprived of many opportunities necessary for their development. Through education and compassion, children are empowered to challenge a life of further poverty and exploitation. Volunteers focus on educational training which consists primarily of English language classes. Volunteers' active participation in programs such as health education, games, drawing, and painting is encouraged. With such a variety of ways to participate, the orphanage experience provides volunteers many me... (more details)

Volunteer with World Endeavors near the beautiful southern Pacific coast of Ecuador. Through any one of several volunteer projects, participants have the opportunity to make a direct positive impact on the people of Ecuador. Projects include teaching children, orphanage assistance, street children assistance, special education, social welfare, environmental conservation, and wildlife conservation.

Children who roam the streets of Guayaquil selling trinkets and begging for spare change often live a life that is void of love and warmth, safety, protection, and parental care. Volunteers help to change this reality through their involvement in volunteer projects that focus on providing the children English language training, warm clothing, well-balanced meals, medical care, and friendship. Volunteers work with local social workers, counselors, and other staff in a remarkable program that has ... (more details)

Volunteers help shape young lives in Ecuador by sharing their English skills and teaching talents. They teach English along with many other subjects to elementary school children from 5-12 years of age. While the government of Ecuador requires that all schools provide English instruction, many schools lack individuals who can teach it. Native or fluent English speakers with or without formal teaching experience can contribute greatly to a child's educational development. During the first week of... (more details)

Ecuador, despite its small size, is one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. Yet environmental degradation is a major threat to this unique and fragile place. Problems such as loss of bio-diversity, deforestation, desertification, soil erosion, over-fishing, and pollution are significant. Environmental conservation projects address these issues directly through community education and collaboration as well as hands-on conservation work such as planting and research. (more details)

The loss of natural habitats along with human population growth has put increased pressure on wildlife in Ecuador. Volunteers participate in wildlife conservation projects in southern Ecuador near Guayaquil. One project in particular focuses on rescue and rehabilitation of parrots, macaws, and other native tropical birds. Injured birds are brought to the rescue center where they are cared for and re-introduced to the wild whenever possible. (more details)

Volunteers work in a local school for children with mental disabilities. Volunteers assist local social workers and staff by teaching, providing basic care, organizing events and outings, and helping children with projects. One of the projects is a vegetable garden. The children are taught how to plant seeds, care for the plants, and harvest and enjoy the outcome of their work. Children with mild, moderate, and severe mental disabilities attend the school. Volunteers with a background in deaf or... (more details)

Volunteers will assist local communities, in both rural and urban Ecuador, with projects that focus on community development. Projects could include building construction, park and trail construction, or community education, all of which support sustainable eco-tourism for local communities. One project in particular focuses on improving the living conditions for children of impoverished families. (more details)