After having seen a few locations and possibilities to work, I went with Helene, the manager of voluntary work to Casa refugio Mathilde and decided to stay there for a few months. Casa refugio Matilde is a house of refugee for women and their children suffering from domestic violence. The institution offers boarding and lodging for women and their kids, medical care and psychological attention.

There are also workshops concerning domestic violence, self-esteem, family relationship, sexuality, working in groups etc.

It wasn't very clear what I had to do, so I decided to work with the children in Casa Matilde. Beside the women they are really the persons, who need help and generally they enjoy to have the possibility to play and work with a volunteer. At first, I started to make a daily plan for the children and managed some special projects for example a painting hour or a rubbish collecting competition. The work in Casa Matilde isn't that easy, because on the one hand you have to be able to work and create things almost every time alone and it isn't clear how many days you can spend with a group of children, because almost every day mothers with their kids are leaving and entering. On the other hand all members of Casa Matilde, as well as mothers and their kids are very thankful for the support by a volunteer. The kids are very glad to be engaged in some activities. Moreover you may learn a lot of things about social life in Ecuador and about various destinies of life of Ecuadorian and Columbian kids. One of the most important experiences in my live! Thank you very much!

The time I spent at Fundacion Integrar was one of the most fulfilling, challenging, stimulating and FUN experiences I have had in South America. The staff are very experienced but also extremely friendly and made sure that I was fully involved with the work of the centre from day one. More than anything, working with the children and youths at the centre taught me considerably more than I would ever be able to teach them - you cant underestimate the value of patience, a sense of humour and a smile for these kids. I will remember my time at Fundacion Integrar for the rest of my life.
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It was a great experience to see how people life in this country and to be part of a time I will never forget! It’s great to spend some time in the same place to get used to it and to enjoy the real Ecuadorian life
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The first day at work can be really difficult you understand nobody and nobody understand you. But its get better and its a great experience.

I’ve met so friendly people at the hospital and I also learnt a lot. I would never like to miss this experience. I’ve learn a lot for my life.
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Volunteering at San Roque, was a beautiful experience that thought me about the poverty, the prejudice and the hardship the Quichua people in Quito struggle with. In spite of their situations, I have never seen such joy in the eyes of children. Those kids have a lot to teach.

Ecuador is unlike any country I have been to and in spite of the things that did not go as planned, I learned a lot and will forever be grateful for the lessons and wisdom my kids have showed with me.
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Hacer voluntariado en Latinoamérica y trabajando con niños, era un sueño que cada día retrasaba más y que nunca pensé que fuese a ser tan importante como ahora pienso que ha sido. Mi idea cuando empecé era aportar mi pequeño granito para intentar aportarles algo de felicidad pero después de un mes siento que han sido ellos los que me han hecho más feliz a mi con sus sonrisas y abrazos los que me han enseñado, me han cambiado y me han robado parte de mi corazón.

Una experiencia inolvidable!
Natalia Cordero
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La experiencia ha sido genial. Trabajar ayudando a una buena causa llena mucho y hace crecer como persona. Además la gente en Ecuador es encantadora, todos tiene ganas de ayudar y han sido muy acogedores.

Estuve encantada con mi estancia en Ecuador!
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I decided to volunteer in Ecuador alter returning back to my country and seeing that things haven’t changed much. That were still children in the streets without a proper shelter or a decent education. From then on I set out to find a place where my help be most needed. Initially I got a placement through the International Students Volunteers in the Amazon working with some local tribes in a development program, however the cost for the placement was very high and although it was worth it, as I student I couldn’t afford it. Nevertheless with some luck I managed to get in touch with the Simón Bolívar Volunteer Program, from the start they were very supportive and friendly. They granted me a placement at the day care in San Roque.

When I arrived at my placement I felt very intimidated by the children, there were so many. Eventually I started to engage with them and I discovered that they were all very special. During the 5 weeks of the placement not only did I have the opportunity to teach them things, but I also learn many valuable things, and thought the work was demanding at times it was equally enjoyable. In general I felt that the experience was worthwhile, and if I ever return to do work experience in Ecuador I would definitely consider to do in it through Simón Bolívar.
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I am truly grateful to Simón Bolívar for connecting me with Children International through this organization. I taught English to under privileged Children between the ages of 5 and 14. Even though these children live with the bare minimum, their spirits are so energetic and strong as much as they think I helped them, I am truly the one who can not thank them. They opened my eyes to the important things in life: family, community, hard work, and hope. I will carry the memory of them with me wherever I go.
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I made a lot of nice experiences, but I sometimes did not feel secure. It would have more sense if the volunteers speak better Spanish before they come. I could not work like in Austria although I would know a lot of illnesses, because I couldn’t speak good enough. My boss at my volunteer place at a Hospital helped me a lot and I enjoyed working there.
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Spending 2 months in the volunteer program of Simon Bolivar was a really great experience. I enjoyed get to know so many people here, to live with them, to learn with them and to work with them. The activities during the week were always great fun and I felt good supported by the team here. Joining the volunteer program is a great chance too to learn Spanish and to get to know the Ecuadorian culture.
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What I liked about the program was the fact that one can easily meet people and make new friends. The school offers the opportunity of getting to know other students and volunteers during the various afternoon activities. The weekend excursions are an additional possibility of getting to know the country and learn more about the inhabitants. Even though you arrive alone in most cases, you can find new friends pretty fast no matter if you live in an apartment with other volunteers or in a family. I enjoyed sharing an apartment with people from my program and it was never boring at home.
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If you love the chance to join a volunteer program of Simon Bolivar, do it! The experiences you will get in Ecuador are very special and individual, like in no other country. Nice people at the school who help you with any problem you might have. Join the program and I think you will never forget the experiences in this nice country and its people and culture.
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