Who can volunteer?
Individuals
Anyone 18 or older can serve as an individual volunteer. You can travel solo or get your friends to volunteer with you.
College-aged individuals (18-25) typically make up the majority of our volunteers, but we welcome applicants of all ages!
Couples
Experience the adventure of a life-time serving with your significant other! Apply as a family if you are married.
Families
OSSO is one of the best volunteer abroad programs for families! We welcome parents and children of all ages, and will adjust your service accordingly.
Company teams and other groups
Meet the ultimate team-building experience! Contact us at info@orphanagesupport.org with more details on your group’s size and we’ll guide you through the application process.
Teens
Volunteer abroad as a teenager, ages 14-17! Check out our Teen Service Adventures program here.
What do you do as an OSSO volunteer?
When you volunteer abroad with OSSO, your main priority is to help meet the emotional needs of children living in orphanages! Your days might include playing soccer, reading books, doing crafts, wiping away tears, and giving hugs.
All orphanages in Ecuador have their own respective staff of caregivers to meet the basic needs of the kids - make sure they are fed, clothed, make it to school, etc. However, there are a lot of children to take care of and it can be difficult for the staff alone to make sure every child receives enough individual love and attention.
This is where you come in! OSSO volunteers help make sure every child knows they are loved, which is pivotal for their health and development. When needed, you may also help the orphanage staff with feeding the children, changing diapers, and other basic needs.
You’ll have the opportunity to serve in several different orphanages and work with children of all ages - babies, toddlers, younger children, teens, and more. Click the button below to learn more about the specific orphanages we serve.
How long can you volunteer?
Enjoy OSSO’s flexible volunteer schedule and choose your own program length! Our volunteer program is open year-round and you can serve for any length of time between one week to five months.
Short-Term Volunteers
A short-term volunteer serves in Ecuador for four weeks or less.
Short-term service is a great way to spend your holidays, school breaks, or any other free time you have available!
Long-Term Volunteers
A long-term volunteer serves in Ecuador for more than four weeks.
The children we serve benefit greatly from having the constant presence of long-term volunteers, so we highly recommend serving long-term if you can!
Where can you volunteer?
OSSO has been sending volunteers to the beautiful country of Ecuador since 1999.
Ecuador has a rich and vibrant culture, incredible scenery, and amazing food. Most of all, you’ll love the kind locals and amazing children! They'll make a lasting impression on your heart and you’ll never want to leave.
Our volunteer program currently operates in two different cities - Cuenca and Quito!
What is the volunteer schedule like?
At a glance:
Choose between full-time or part-time service.
You’ll have a 2-hour lunch break every day.
Spend every Wednesday participating in a weekly adventure!
You’ll always have Sunday mornings off, which can be used as free time or to attend religious services.
Volunteer Families - We recognize you and your children’s ability to serve will differ based on the age and abilities of your children. Because of this, we invite you to adjust your service schedule based on the needs of your family!
Full-time Volunteers
Most of our volunteers serve full-time and spend about forty hours every week serving in the orphanages.
Full-time volunteers typically serve two shifts each day (may vary from week to week). Each shift is usually between four to five hours.
Part-time Volunteers
Part-time service is available to individuals who need to work or study remotely when not volunteering with OSSO.
Part-time volunteers typically serve one shift a day, for five or six days a week (may vary from week to week). Each shift is usually between four to five hours.