Volunteer in Quito
Welcome to Quito - the capitol of Ecuador! Quito is one of South America’s top destinations - you’ll see why when you’re there! Quito is an incredible historic city located high in the Andes Mountains, near the equator.
As a volunteer, you’ll have the life-changing opportunity to care for children living in orphanages and make a real impact on their lives. During your free time, you can explore Quito and eat at delicious cafes, visit the local cathedrals, and go souvenir shopping at the artisan markets - and don’t forget the
weekly group activities!
OSSO has partnered with orphanages in Quito since 1999. If you’re looking for a meaningful volunteer abroad experience with a well-established nonprofit - Quito is for you!
What's it like to volunteer in Quito?
AT A GLANCE:
Number of Orphanages: 4 orphanages
Age Range of Children: 0-17
Volunteers Eligible to Serve: All single volunteers and families with children 9+
THE BASICS:
As an OSSO volunteer, your main service is to help meet the emotional needs of children and youth living in orphanages. These children have their basic needs met by the orphanage (food, shelter, clothing, etc.), however, what they most often lack in is love. This is where YOU come in!
OSSO volunteers help fill in the role that orphaned children are often missing - parents, older siblings, mentors, and friends. As a volunteer, your job is to help each child receive the individual love and attention they need to truly thrive. While this might seem like a big task, the volunteer service itself is typically very simple! The smallest actions often have the greatest impact on a child’s life - such as a smile, a hug, or even just remembering their name.
A TYPICAL DAY:
Your average day volunteering in Quito might include:
- Bottle-feeding a young baby
- Taking care of babies and toddlers while they explore the playroom
- Playing soccer with the older kids outside in the courtyard
- Bringing a fun craft for everyone to do after school
- Comforting a toddler who is crying
- Helping a child with his homework
- Singing songs with the kids
- Helping teach English
and more!
What is there to do in Quito?
Every Wednesday, you’ll have the entire day off for an OSSO-organized group activity. We take care of planning all weekly activities - meaning you can just sit back, relax, and soak up every experience!
Quito and the neighboring region is rich with incredible destinations - you won’t need to go far for amazing sightseeing! You’re bound to fall in love with the people, places, and culture of Ecuador during your weekly travels.
Some of the weekly adventures you go on may include:
- Stand in two hemispheres at the same time at Mitad del Mundo - the equator!
- Explore the Basílica del Voto Nacional cathedral - the largest neo-Gothic basilica in South America!
- Ride the TelefériQo gondola for a spectacular view of the city (it’s one of the highest lifts in the world)!
- Visit Quito’s largest park - Parque La Carolina. Here you can ride paddle boats on a lake, explore the beautiful botanical gardens, and enjoy the large bike paths!
- Check out the souvenir shops and restaurants at La Ronda, one of the oldest streets in streets in Quito!
- Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest - a unique ecosystem in Ecuador that’s known for its incredible biodiversity and bird-watching!
- Visit Otovalo - an Andean town known for it’s indigenous handicrafts and textiles!
-And SO much more!
Ready to go? Apply now!
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OSSO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the principles, teachings, and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, OSSO is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. While primarily a member-created organization, volunteer opportunities are open to people of all faiths who are willing to follow OSSO's code of conduct. Our Statement of Faith
Photos on this website are used with permission and follow Ecuador’s privacy policies for children in orphanages.
OSSO is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization aligned with the principles, teachings, and values of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; however, OSSO is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Church. While primarily a member-created organization, volunteer opportunities are open to people of all faiths who are willing to follow OSSO's code of conduct.
Our Statement of Faith
Photos on this website are used with permission and follow Ecuador’s privacy policies for children in orphanages.