Integrated Music, Dance, and Art Therapy for Children with Special Needs
Project Summary
Volunteer in Ecuador on this integrated therapy project for children with disabilities and learning difficulties and use your creative skills to help others. This project was set up over 20 years ago to offer support to children who are often unsupported in society. This integrated therapy centre calls on its dedicated, multidisciplinary team to help children with its broad spectrum of services: from early stimulation for those with learning difficulties, to physical rehabilitation, and language therapy. Young adults have also been incorporated into the program. Students perform within an orchestra and have regular, well attended public dance performances each week.
There are a number of different programs in place to address the needs of various of children, as the project has responded to the demand in the Quito area. the project now serves around 80 children each day. Activities include music therapy, an academic art program, therapeutic care, a day care program and a summer project. Apply your caring nature and creative talents to help the local team run and develop this stimulating program for a delightful group of talented children.
Why Choose this Project?
The committed founder and local staff have poured passion, skills, and personal resources into to getting this centre where it is today and are able to offer a range of interactive and exciting activities for children with learning difficulties and disabilities. The project benefits by accepting volunteers who are needed to bring new ideas, enthusiasm and creativity to the project and to help local staff to provide these essential services. Volunteers will be able to put their Spanish skills and experience to good use on this project, as well as building the experience section of their CV/Resume.
Role of the Volunteer
As there are a number of program at the centre, volunteers may help with the following:
- academic artistic program – supporting children aged 12+ s in arts, music, reading, other academic disciplines, computers and sports activities. A full orchestra and performing dance group are a central part of this element
- therapeutic art program – supporting children aged 12+ with music, art, dance and craft activities
- day care project – working with children over 12 plus young adults, focussing on life skills, group work, conduct and developing autonomy
- learning therapy – older children and young adults developing educational performance to give students the chance to be involved in possible employment activities
- musical artistic development – for the under 12s, developing their creativity
A summer program also runs during July.
Skills Required
Education or work experience in early childhood education, physical or occupational therapy, dance, music or art skills are a plus, and placements can be specialized in like with those skills. Intermediate Spanish speakers are strongly preferred (minimum level A2 Basic User of CEFR). Volunteers should be open, flexible, patient, passionate, creative and come with a spirit of collaboration and solidarity as well as be willing to have fun! You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project.
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