Long-Term Volunteer Information
The majority of volunteers are between the ages of 18 and 22, though we’ve had many volunteers older than that who have also had a great experience. The regular service commitment is about three months (10-12 weeks), and we have programs in two cities in Ecuador, Cuenca and Quito.
OSSO's first priority is the safety of the volunteers, and we expect everyone to abide by a strict Code of Conduct for their own safety as well as the integrity of the OSSO program. We constantly monitor safety conditions and keep informed by the information the U.S. Department of State sends us. The U.S. Embassy in Quito is aware of our program in both cities, and we are on their contact list in the event of something happening.
OSSO's second priority is to provide the best possible service to the children. There are other programs whose priorities are adventure, relaxation, education, sightseeing, language training and cultural enrichment, and those who are interested primarily in those things should seek out those other programs. Participating with OSSO isn’t for everyone. We want volunteers who are willing to sacrifice in order to serve these children, and we expect dedication and commitment from each volunteer—treating their service time as they would responsibly treat a job back home.
Aside from daily service assignments in the orphanages, we expect volunteers to attend weekly planning meetings and fulfill leadership and committee assignments throughout the week. We give volunteers pre-departure training and instruction as well as on-the-job training and instruction, and volunteer are supported in-country by volunteer leaders and the Project Directors.
Serving with OSSO is a life-changing experience…for the children as well as for the volunteers!
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