Do you want to see the world while boosting your CV?

Ecuador is on the defensive in almost all respects; its rainforests are under significant threat, the future of its diverse wildlife is uncertain and 45% of its population live under the poverty line. Hospital Baca Ortiz is the only public children's hospital in Quito and works with young children who have cancer. For anyone who doesn’t believe that they can make a difference, the statistics are stark; 70% of children with cancer make a full recovery if they have access to modern medicine, but only 20% do. On this project previous medical experience is not necessary, but flexibility and compassion are. Both will be used in assisting the nurses with delivering treatment, playing with the children and helping to communicate with the parents.

Project details:
Fundacion Sol y Vida was founded by a group of Europeans living in Ecuador. The focus of the foundation is to help children who have cancer and need to receive medical treatment at a hospital in Quito. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 70% of children with cancer have a chance of full recovery - if they have access to modern medicine. However, worldwide only 20% of children with cancer have access to the resources they need. The remaining 80% are left with very little hope, and this is the reality in Ecuador. The widespread poverty in Ecuador exacerbates the situation. The aim of Fundacion Sol y Vida is to help improve the situation of these children and to save as many lives as possible.

Why the project needs volunteers:
The projects run on few resources and finances, and so any assistance that can be provided is much appreciated. There is a lot of work that can not be done, and volunteers will help in making that happen.

What kind of skills you need to go on this type of project:
If you have experience or training on medical jobs, that will be helpful, but not necessary. What we need is your creativity, your flexibility, your willingness to help and, of course, your time. A love for children is essential, as is patience and empathy to both the children's situation and the restrictions placed on the project's team, by way of limited resources. As the locals do not speak that much English, you'll get more from your experience by learning some Spanish before you start your project.

A CV is required to be approved for this project.

Your role as a volunteer:
Assist the staff in the hospital, give information to the parents of the children, take care of or play with the children, train the staff of the hospital if you have specialized knowledge to do so, stay in contact with the foundation and the hospital

Where the project is based:
Accommodation is a comfortable homestay with a local family in Quito.

Being in the capital city, you will have access to any facilities and resources you may need during your placement, The city is well serviced with public transport. You can expect to travel approx 1 hr across the city from your homestay to your project.

You will need to arrive at Quito International Airport (Airport code UIO) on the specified arrival date.