| Overview of the Project
HIV/AIDS is a world-wide epidemic affecting citizens of ALL countries – regardless of race or sexual preference. Our HIV/AIDS programs in Ecuador collaborate with already-existing health clinics, non-profit organizations as well as government agencies providing relief and education to those affected by HIV/AIDS. Volunteers in this project can assist in the implementation and creation of public health campaigns covering such issues as: sexual health education and prevention. Individuals benefiting from these efforts include healthcare professionals (who not be as up-to-date as those in more developed nations), sex trade workers, exploited children/young adults and everyday, Ecuadorians.
Our HIV/AIDS projects in Ecuador are located in various locations throughout this spectacular country – both urban and rural locations. During their stay, volunteers also have the opportunity to explore and learn Spanish (except if participating in the Galapagos Islands ). Volunteers can also assist in additional aspects of HIV/AIDS – psychological, medical and antiretroviral therapy programs. Another important aspect of this project includes providing comfort to ALL those affected by this deadly disease – the patients as well as their friends and families. Often, volunteers may be requested to make frequent trips to medical facilitates and hospices – providing an in-depth perspective into this devastating sickness.
Role of the Volunteer
Volunteers in any of the above projects are involved in various activities such as:
- Social work
- Public outreach and education
- Supporting healthcare professionals
- Organizing and developing public health campaigns
- Educating the general population on topics related to HIV/AIDS
- Home-visits of those affected by and/or living with HIV/AIDS
- Assisting already-existing HIV/AIDS programs (health clinics, non-profits, government agencies)
Skills/Qualifications Requirements
There are no specific qualifications required since the project staff will provide any necessary orientation and training to adequately perform volunteer activities. However, beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred as well as individuals who are enthusiastic about caring for other and compassionate to those affected by HIV/AIDS.
Room/Food/Supervision
Global Crossroad provides living accommodations and three (3) meals a day with an Ecuadorian host family. Host families are carefully selected to ensure that volunteers enjoy their time in Ecuador . Volunteers are provided their own private, comfortable room. Volunteers are essentially welcomed as an additional member of their host family – participating in daily activities and being fully immersed in the Ecuadorian culture AND language. Host families are in quite, safe residential areas and usually within walking distance (or a short bus ride) from assigned projects as well as supermarkets, internet cafés, and other activities/sites of cultural significance. Details pertaining to host families and living accommodations will be provided to volunteers prior to arrival in Ecuador .
Location Descriptions
Ecuador 's volunteer projects are located in both rural and urban areas throughout this amazing country. Projects are located in the cultural city of Quito as well as Puerto Lopez, Santa Elena and the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Region and many other places throughout Ecuador .
Ecuador itself is a country brimming with such wildlife and varying environments, there is always something to do regardless of location. Furthermore, with projects located all over Ecuador , these uniquely amazing experiences are easily accessible – some in your very backyard. Volunteers have their weekends to themselves to explore all of what Ecuador has to offer: Isla de La Plata (world famous for its whale-watching opportunities), the Amazon Jungle, world-renowned Indian markets, numerous tours, sparkling beaches and (of course) the enigmatic Galapagos Islands and their encyclopedic arrays of plant and animal life.
A Typical Day at the HIV/AIDS Projects in Ecuador :
8:00am – 9:00am: Breakfast and preparation time
9:00am – 10:00am: Arrival at assigned project
10:00am – 12:00pm: Assist local organizations; home-visits; educational seminars
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Lunch time
1:00pm – 5:00pm: Continue in daily activities set forth by assigned organization
5:00pm – 6:00pm: Volunteers return to their host families/accommodations; end of day
NOTE: This daily itinerary provides a proposed schedule which may be altered to accommodate changes in field conditions as well as the requirements of the particular project .
| Ongoing Programs (Galapagos, Quito, Puerto Lopez, Mindo, Galapagos Islands)
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HIV/AIDS
