Program Overview

Provoked by the debt crises of the 1980s, working children became a common sight on the streets of Quito, and all over most Latin American cities. Since this phenomenon began, many programs and centers have been formed to assist these children, focusing almost exclusively on male children.

The Center to help children in the Southern area of Quito was created 1991 by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd.

The local NGO uses educational and vocational programs to help working girls and their families overcome grinding poverty and improve the quality of their lives.

The foundation offers a medical clinic service where volunteers are needed to talk about health, general problems, nutrition, and hygiene with many mothers and their children. The clinic is a place where families without any money can seek medical attention, and where they can bring their children and extended families as well. In addition to volunteers, there is also a doctor working in the clinic during the afternoons.

The Street Clinic is another program, where medical stutents visit the flea markets and do general health procedures: taking blood pressure, administrating vitamins to the children, etc.

Location: Southern area of Quito, the capital city.
Accomodation: Homestay or student residence.
Meals: Half-board provided, seven days a week.
Dates: Year round, according to avilability.
Program duration: Minimum two weeks +
Requirements: Minimum age 18. Basic-to-intermediate Spanish level.
Volunteers should have an entusiastic attitude and a keen interest in the medical field.
Activities will be assigned according to paticipant’s experience.