Volunteer in Quito

 What is it like to volunteer abroad in Quito?

AT A GLANCE:

• Number of Orphanages: 2 large orphanages

• Age Range of Children: 0-17

• Unique to Quito: The Quito program may occasionally include overnight volunteer shifts to take care of the younger infants. It may surprise you but this is often a favorite experience amongst our volunteers!

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.

UNIQUE TO Quito:

The Quito volunteer program has historically included overnight volunteer shifts to supervise the babies as they sleep or help feed them if they wake up in the night. Overnight shifts are not guaranteed but may be included in your volunteer service if the Volunteer Directors see a great need for it. Volunteers are always given extra time to sleep before and after an overnight shift!

While the idea of volunteering at night might not initially sound appealing, our past volunteers have loved the overnight shifts and it has been a core part of our Quito program for many years!

 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! 

  Weekly activities are included in your program costs!

 Where do volunteers live?

Volunteers live together in well-loved three-story house in Quito. The house is on the same property as one of the orphanages we support in Quito, in a safe and secure location. The house has separate bedroom areas for single women, single men, and families.

The house is modest but equipped with Wi-Fi, clean drinking water, washing machines, a fully-stocked kitchen, and more. Lunch is provided to volunteers every day, but you will be responsible for making your own breakfast and dinner (or making a meal together with your fellow volunteers)!

The temperature in Quito is fairly temperate throughout the year and generally stays between 48-68°F. Because of the temperate weather, the volunteer house does not have heating or air-conditioning. You generally won’t miss either of those, except when it gets cooler during the night. As long as you pack some warmer clothes and a rain jacket, you’ll be fine!

Please Note - The Quito house is currently undergoing many renovations. We thank you in advance for your patience with the renovation work!

 Meet your Volunteer Directors!

You will receive 24/7 in-country support by your Volunteer Directors!

Volunteer Directors are responsible for training and caring for all volunteers in Cuenca and organizing your service in the orphanages. They living in the same building as the volunteers and are always easily accessible to volunteers in need of anything.

Most Volunteer Directors are past OSSO volunteers, speak intermediate or fluent Spanish, and serve between 6-12 months.

spring 2025

Bio coming soon!

Interested in becoming a volunteer director? Learn more about the position and apply here!

 How do I apply?

Want to check out our other volunteer abroad locations? Explore our Cuenca program here!