Street Children

In Ecuador, there is a high rate of homelessness in young people due to a number of factors. As well as the need for a home, food, water and love, these kids are in great need of education and social skills. Volunteering at street children centers can have a significant impact on the lives of both the children and the volunteers themselves. These centers fill an important void in the lives of many children and teenagers from underprivileged backgrounds, whose parents are unable to provide them with three meals per day and often struggle with alcohol or drug problems. The role of the centers is to give the kids a safe space during the day where they can get food and get help with their studies.

Some reasons why volunteering and supporting these centers is so important:

• Though the children may live with their own families, many of them would spend their days in the streets if there were no centers.

• Most of the children going to the centers comes from very poor families and often lack access to basic needs such as food and clothing. Because many parents struggle with alcohol and drug problems, these children often suffer from neglect and domestic violence.

• Many of the local staff work voluntarily, as the Ecuadorian government provides very little or no support to the centers. By volunteering, you will be provide important support to the local volunteer staff as well as the children.

• There are a multitude of ways in which volunteers may help at these centers. The local staff often ask volunteers to help with English homework as they don’t speak English themselves but there are many other things that volunteers can help with as well. The kitchen can always need an extra hand to prepare meals or maybe you have some music, sport, numeracy or art skills that you could teach the children.

• Volunteering to help Ecuadorian street children is an important way to make a positive impact on their lives. They often have psychological problems and need to regain trust in adults. Your influence can provide them with academic and life skills, and help create a positive outlook for their future. Despite some challenges you may face as a volunteer, the experience will not only help them immensely, but will be extremely rewarding and potentially life changing for you too. By giving your support, you can help to create a brighter future for the children.