About

The project offers alternative, integrative and inclusive education according to Montessori to about 40 children aged 3 to 12 years as well as their parents (mostly with low income). They have 3 “classes” with their own small buildings and 4 teachers. The school’s objective is to offer a personalized, active and playful education in harmony with the environment not depending on the children’s age, but respecting their psychological maturity and development, avoiding authorial guidance. Part of the school’s daily life is that the parents help alternately, focusing on the agricultural projects, the excursions, the cooking-project, etc.

The schooldays begin at 8am when the children arrive with the school bus. The classes normally last until 12pm. Sometimes they eat lunch together at school depending if the cooking-project takes place. Once a week the parents come to the school to help build e.g. a jungle gym.

Location

Tumbaco, Quito – Pichincha. The school is located on a huge property in a rural area about 5 km from Tumbaco.

Accommodation

Host family/Volunteers’ house

Volunteer’s Tasks

The volunteer’s day begins between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, with pick-up by the school bus dictated by their proximity to the school. Once at school, volunteers immediately assume responsibility for the children. Their daily duties are diverse, encompassing assisting children with breakfast, engaging in supervised play (especially outdoors, a favored activity), supporting teachers in the classroom by preparing educational materials, accompanying students on excursions, contributing to enrichment projects such as gardening, and once a week, participating in hands-on building and repair work alongside parents.

Child Protection

Please note that you will be required to sign ICYE’s policy Care to Engage on Safeguarding Children.