SINAMUNE - Sistema Nacional de Música para Personas Especiales (ECU-114)

Type: Health: Disability - Country: Ecuador

Brief description and main aims

To give disabled youths the chance to improve their skills through music by taking part in an orchestra. There is a main orchestra that gives concerts at an average of one per month and the “Orquesta inicial”, for the students learning to play an instrument. The institution also teaches the students to paint
and dance. The students with fewer problems are trained in working inclusion/basic Maths and language.

Main Activities

The center teaches how to play different instruments. When the kids have developed some skills, they become part of the orchestra. Therefore, the kids practice for the orchestra concerts and presentations every day. Later, they have different classes. One day every week is gym class, where the whole school is
leaving to a pool and one day PE (Physical Education) class.

Volunteer tasks

Depending on the skills, the volunteer may be working in the orchestra and teach some of the children in music class (piano, clarinet, guitar or flute). The volunteer also supports the teachers during different classes and activities. At the end of the day, the volunteers have to accompany the students in the school bus that brings them home.

Volunteer requirements / Skills

It would be an advantage to already have some experience in working with kids with special needs. Also, having musical knowledge will help the volunteer to have a stronger role in the organization. SINAMUNE is open for all those volunteers who are willing to share experiences with people that need a lot more attention than others. As a volunteer working in SINAMUNE patience and encouragement should be part of the character. 

Location

SINAMUNE is located at the very north of Quito, in a neighbourhood called Carcelén, a popular area full of little stores and restaurants. 

Hosting Situation (Board and Lodging)

The volunteer will live with a host family.