Orphanages and At-Risk Children's Programs

Volunteers can work with an orphanage or child welfare organization in one of several locations throughout Ecuador. The children come from a variety of situations including loss of one or both parents, physical and sexual abuse, extreme poverty, and more suffering than any child should have to bear. Many of these children have been denied the chance at an education as well as the basics for survival: food and shelter. Volunteers will spend time with the children leading activities and games, helping at meal times, and teaching. The facilities are always in need of upkeep, and volunteers are welcome to assist with projects to improve the facilities as well as daily activities with the children.

Teaching

In recognition of the importance of learning English, the Ecuadorian government requires English to be taught in the schools, but there are not enough qualified teachers. ELI works with pre-schools, primary schools, middle schools, and high schools throughout Ecuador to link the schools with international volunteers to teach English and assist with other subjects such as math, science, extra curricular activities and sports. Volunteers will provide a much needed service as well as experience the learning opportunity of a lifetime. Working directly with Ecuadorian students will give volunteers the the chance to learn about many of the issues Ecuadorians face every day and a deep understanding of Ecuadorian culture. International volunteers also provide Ecuadorian students with the unique experience of getting to know a foreigner and serve as mentors and role models to the students. Teaching opportunities are available in towns throughout the country including Quito, Mindo, Salinas, Puerto Lopez, the Galapagos, Lago Agrio, Puyo, Otavalo, Ambato, and more. In the Andes and Amazon, the school year starts in September and runs until the end of May, and on the coast and in the Galapagos, the school year starts in April and runs through December. This program requires a minimum of a one month commitment.

Animal Rescue

Illegally traficking animals is a billion dollar business in Ecuador. Thousands of birds, monkeys, tortoises, bears, and other animals are caught each year and sold on the black market. The animals that are recovered need to be rehabilitated before they can be reintroduced to the wild. ELI works with two rescue centers: one on the Rio Napo in the Amazonas region and one on the coast of El Oro province near Guayaquil. At both placements, volunteers will assist to clean enclosures, build new enclosures, feed the animals, monitor the animals' behavior, and assist with ongoing reintroduction projects.

Community Development Projects

The economic crisis of the late 1990s affected almost everyone in Ecuador. Today approximately 40% of Ecuadorians still live below the poverty line. ELI works with several governmental and non governmental organizations in Ecuador devoted to giving small communities the tools they need to pull themselves from poverty. Possible projects include helping with infrastructure development, educational programs, capacity building, and microloan programs. Volunteers will work directly with the organizations and community members.

Sea Turtles and Galapagos Tortoises

Three species of sea turtles nest on the Ecuadorian coast and all are threatened by traditional fishing methods. Volunteers with the Sea turtle project will monitor sea turtle nesting activities, record census data, and assist with educational projects for area fishermen. Another important part of this project is to pick up litter on the beaches. The baby turtles can become disoriented by reflective pieces of litter or plastic. They can also die after eating small bits of tar or other litter.

On the Galapagos Islands, volunteers can work in one of several tortoise breeding centers. Galapagos tortoises were hunted nearly to extinction by whalers in the 19^th century. In addition to the over-hunting in the 19^th century, the tortoises have been forced to compete with goats introduced to the islandsfrom the time of the whalers to the 1970s. The breeding centers are now breeding and repopulating several different subspecies of Galapagos tortoises. Volunteers will help provide care to the tortoises, clean enclosures, and make observation on the tortoise population.