Volunteer at a Centre for Street Children (Dream Centre Quito)

The volunteers work in the center with the children who either go to school in the morning or in the afternoon. The volunteers are mainly assistants and educators; apart from giving the children many hugs and much attention, these are some of the tasks

- Help children with their homework, espcially English homework, as most of the local staff don't speak English and children are often behind in school and do not have a quiet space to do their homework, or have parents who are not capable of helping them at home so volunteers are a great help in this area.
- Help in the kitchen, especially during lunch time which can be very chaotic and busy. The staff need help assisting the youngest children and make sure they clean up after themselves.
- Help in the carpentry workshop (when necessary)
- School visits (the center needs to keep a check on the children enrolled at school and regularly visit the local schools to ask about a certain child's attendance, grades, ability etc.)
- Prepare educational activities
- Prepare recreational activities to be carried out when the children finish their homework or during their breaks
- Assist in hygiene education, such as hand washing and brushing teeth
- Supervise and assist children when they are allowed to use the computer room for their homework

The more hard work you put into the project the more reward you get! Show initiative, work independently and don't be afraid of working hard. They need all the help you can give them.

The project is located in the historic center of Quito. The hostel is on walking distance from the dream center project.

If you have the time, we highly recommend starting with an Introduction Week in Banos so you will go well prepared to your project. This first week gives you an idea about life in Ecuador, shows highlights of the city and its surroundings, includes 20 hours of Spanish Group lessons, an in-depth volunteer preparation including language specifics, and other fun elements such as a half day Bike Tour and a half day Canopy bridge tour.

If you choose the Introduction Week, we will pick you up from the airport on Saturday in Quito, and your first nights' accommodation is included. A private transfer from accommodation to bus station in Quito, where you will get assistance in buying a ticket from Quito to Banos, is included (bus ticket is not included). Lessons start on Monday, so you have Sunday to relax or check out the neighbourhood.

You will receive 20 hours of group lessons per week. On Monday you will meet your teacher and companions at the hostel and you will start this fun learning process. Your classes are scheduled 4 hours a day from Monday to Friday. During your stay will also have 2 extra activities: a half day Bike Tour and a half day Canopy bridge! Your teacher will also share with you tips about all the great places to visit in Baños for eating, drinking and dancing.

Your lessons can be tailored to your wishes or follow the textbook, depending on your Spanish level.

The project is closed on the following public holidays:

2025
06 & 25-31 December

2026
01 January
16-17 February
03 April
01 & 25 May
10 August
09 October
02-03 November
25-31 December

The project is closed during summer and winter holidays.

2025
20 December 2025 - 02 January 2026

2026
17 August - 04 September

Minimum age of 18
Police Clearance Certificate
Please check if you need a Yellow Fever Certificate
All foreigners entering Ecuador are obliged to have a valid health insurance
Basic English
Basic Spanish is required - you need simple phrases to be able to communicate with the staff and kids.

In your welcome letter, prior to departure, our volunteer partner will offer you the possibility to join in some volunteer guidance, all details are in the welcome letter, it’s a good way to get yourself prepared before you depart.
The Volunteer guidance - short, casual conversations designed to help you get the most out of your experience as a volunteer.

We’ll meet three times:
1.Before you start: Let’s set goals and prepare for your journey.
2.During your first week: Check-in, share how things are going, and talk about ways to stay balanced.
3.Towards the end: Reflect on what you’ve learned, celebrate your achievements, and think about what’s next.

Most Ecuadorians do not speak English. Therefore, it is recommended that volunteers have at least a beginner's level of Spanish to effectively communicate with local communities and staff, particularly for social projects. Volunteers with basic Spanish skills tend to have a more rewarding experience than those without. If desired, basic Spanish lessons can be arranged before the volunteer placement for an additional cost.

Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.

Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.

Our projects range from 1 week up to approx. 30 weeks. Projects have a specified minimum stay, then it's up to you how long you can commit. In our experience the longer you stay the more you will gain, as your understanding of the project broadens and you take on more responsibilities. Every volunteer will be given a certificate of appreciation at the end of their stay as a symbol of volunteering stay.