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Quito, Ecuador ( July-August 2012)
Estimated Dates: July 17th – August 7th 2012 (dates are subject to minor change)
Working with the diabetes foundation “Fundación Diabetes Juvenil Ecuador" (FDJE) this program will serve as a training program for volunteers (national and international) to prepare them for implementing FDJE’s diabetes outreach strategy across five provinces of Ecuador as well as running Campo Amigo Ecuador.
 Local Partner Organization
The Fundación Diabetes Juvenil Ecuador (FDJE) is a group of parents of children and youth with Type 1 diabetes based in Quito, Ecuador. The group came together with the goal of supporting their children as well as others living with the same condition. The mission of the FDJE is to contribute to improving the quality of life of children and youth living with Type 1 diabetes or insulin dependent diabetes.
Click on the language links (English, Español) to learn more about FDJE and the work they do.
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Local Project Objectives
Build capacity, teach and train children, adolescents and their parents how to control Type 1 diabetes in order to give them the tools to live a better quality of life.
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Volunteer Program Description
PRE-DEPARTURE PROGRAM
Pre-program training is well established at AYUDA. Comprehensive pre-departure training begins from the volunteer’s date of acceptance (mid-February 2012) to the end of in-country program. In 2011, AYUDA augmented its volunteer training process with an online electronic training program (VTP e-Course) to supplement in-person preparation sessions in Washington, DC (VTP Summit) and in-countries programs (Ecuador and Dominican Republic). Volunteers can expect to receive multiple support documents and online training via an ongoing e-course as well as direct support from the Volunteer Coordinator and Volunteer Mentors.
Volunteer Training Program E-Course
(February-September 2012)
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Online training enables AYUDA to better prepare its volunteers for their experiences abroad and enhance long-term sustainability on the local level. Since AYUDA’s volunteers live, work and study across much of the US and other parts of the world, it is logical to provide a training platform, accessible via the internet, to provide some flexibility for its users. The e-Course will not only allows AYUDA to engage new volunteers immediately after their acceptance onto a program but also enables them to immediately create a comprehensive fundraising strategy. Volunteers are able to connect and bond with fellow volunteers as they share ideas and learn about the realities of living with diabetes in the communities they will be serving.
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The course includes:
-Multiple internet and social media platforms to enable volunteers to connect with one another and prepare volunteer for their experience abroad
-Bi-weekly online group training sessions/conference calls
-Practical training/preparation (ie. how to set up an online fundraising page etc
-Supplements in-person training programs in Washington DC and in-country
-Training focuses on 5 AYUDA focus areas and core values:
1. AYUDA Background & Principles: Volunteers learn about AYUDA’s mission, objectives, philosophy, and history, as well as about the diverse volunteer programs and opportunities.
2. Fundraising & Social Entrepreneurship: Volunteers learn to be effective advocates, fundraisers, and social entrepreneurs as defined by AYUDA Volunteer Core Competencies. Additionally, they share fundraising strategies, best practices
3. Cultural Training & Country Program: Volunteers learn about their program’s history and needs, host country culture, prepare outreach strategies, and discuss safety issues. This training is facilitated by AYUDA local partners so that volunteers understand locally defined priorities and objectives.
4. Living with Diabetes: Volunteers learn the fundamentals of diabetes management, train in hands-on peer-based practicum sessions, practice medical Spanish communication, explore the psychosocial issues surrounding diabetes, and understand the diabetes lifestyle.
5. Team Building & Mentorship: Volunteers strengthen their team bonds, get to know each other, and prepare to work effectively as a team. They prepare for their roles of mentorship in the variety of contexts that they will encounter in their respective programs. Though their education at the VTP, volunteers become invested in the future in diabetes care, advocacy, and social change.
IN-COUNTRY PROGRAM
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The in-country program will serve as a training program for volunteers (national and international) to prepare them for implementing the FDJE’s diabetes outreach strategy across Ecuador as well as running Campo Amigo Ecuador, an overnight educational diabetes program for children with Type 1 diabetes.
The in-country program consists of:
Cultural Training AYUDA Team Retreat (3 days): FDJE, Quito
- Volunteer accommodation, most meals, and group activities provided by AYUDA & Local Partner
- Volunteers learn about local customs, cultural traditions, etc.
- Volunteers receive outreach training to prepare for home and community visits
- Volunteers receive supplemental Health & Wellness and Safety & Security training
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Cultural Training/ Homestays & Program Planning (7 days): Quito
- Volunteers live with host families (usually affiliated with the FDJE)
- Volunteers understand Ecuadorian culture
- Volunteers understand reality of diabetes in Ecuador
- Volunteers participate in AYUDA/FDJE group and leadership activities in preparation for camp
Diabetes Outreach (3 days): Quito & surrounding areas
- Volunteers divide into teams and work closely with local youth to implement FDJE Diabetes Outreach Strategy
- AYUDA & FDJE teams visit children with diabetes and their families in their homes to motivate them to participate in camp and to discuss camp with the parents
- Some teams may travel to neighboring provinces to visit other children and their families if appropriate to the FDJE’s outreach strategy
- Parents and/or family educational workshop(s) as requested by FDJE
Diabetes “Pre-camp” Leadership Training and Preparation for Camp (3 days): Cumbaya
- Volunteers train and prepare for camp in conjunction with local youth leaders, medical students, FDJE staff plus AYUDA Staff & Volunteers
- Camp staff make final preparations for Campo Amigo Ecuador
- FDJE and AYUDA volunteers and staff review medical and safety protocols
- FDJE and AYUDA volunteer lead team building activities
- FDJE and AYUDA volunteer finalize camp activities
Campo Amigo Ecuador (4-5 Days ): Cumbaya
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-Volunteers participate in overnight diabetes camping program for children with Type 1 diabetes between the ages of 5 and 18
-Volunteers work with local youth leaders and FDJE technical team as camp staff
- AYUDA volunteers may serve as: Camp Counselors (ages 5-18) (girls and boys), Sports Staff (land sports), Arts and Crafts Staff, Night Activities Staff (skits, dances, bonfires, game nights, etc), Medical/Nutrition Staff
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Wrap Up Sessions (1 day): Quito and activity in surrounding area
- Wrap up sessions and AYUDA evaluations
- Becoming AYUDA Alumni
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POST-PROGRAM
-AYUDA volunteers return to their respective communities and continue to serve as agents of social change
-Volunteers become part of a broader network of AYUDA volunteers and self-select to participate in additional US-based AYUDA activities
-E-course wrap-up sessions and feedback
-Volunteers apply and may be selected to become Volunteer Mentors for 2013 programs
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Volunteer Requirements and Expectations
Qualifications
- Minimum age: 16
- All education levels can apply (from high school students to medical professionals)
- All backgrounds
- No prior diabetes knowledge required
- Intermediate Spanish* see details below
- Must fulfill program requirements (attend training, complete fundraising, etc.)
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Character
Outgoing, responsible, motivated, flexible, adaptable, creative, collegial and passionate about the mission of AYUDA.
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Roles
Each AYUDA volunteer is expected to do the following:
- Uphold program approach by respecting local partners as primary stakeholders
- Be respectful of local customs and household rules, in particular during homestays
- Value cultural understanding in learning
- Understand and uphold program safety policies/protocols
- Serve as staff at CAE/CADR and uphold the local responsibilities that accompany the role
- Participate in diabetes outreach and uphold the local responsibilities that accompany the role
- Communicate any concerns to AYUDA Volunteer Mentors or staff
- Evaluate Volunteer Training Program and In-country Program
- Rejoice in the success of others
- Demonstrate interest in social issues and working for solutions
- Represent AYUDA at all times, uphold AYUDA values, principles and work ethic
Volunteers will work to support AYUDA’s partner organization in conjunction with local youth leaders and medical students.AYUDA volunteers can serve as:
- Camp Counselors (ages 5-18) (girls and boys)
- Sports Staff (land sports, water sports)
- Arts and Crafts Staff
- Night Activities Staff (skits, dances, game nights, etc)
- Medical Staff
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Volunteer Training Program Dates and Times
Washington DC
March 30 - April 1 2012
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Language Requirements
Preferred: Intermediate Level of Spanish or more advanced [INTERMEDIATE: Medium vocabulary, some tense variation, simple oral communication in practical situations]
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Fundraising Requirements
$4950 pre-program (by Friday July 6th 2012)
$550 post-program (by Thursday November 1st 2012)
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What is Provided
- Flight reimbursement**(see Volunteer Fundraising & Core compentencies document for full explanation)
- Volunteer Training Program (VTP) in DC
- Accommodation
- Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
In Country
- Cultural Training Program
- Outreach Training
- Diabetes outreach projects
- Pre-camp training
- Campo Amigo Ecuador
- Pick up & drop off at airport
-Accommodation, breakfast
- Some group meals
- All project related transport and accommodation costs
- Funds invested in local projects
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What You Will Need to Provide
- Travel to and from the VTP in Washington DC (click here for more information)
- Travel to/from the Ecuador***(reimbursement available post program, see Fundraising document)
- Travel insurance
- International health & emergency evacuation insurance
- Petty Cash for some meals, entertainment, gifts etc.
Recommended in DC: $50+
Recommended for Quito: $300+
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Safety and Wellness Concerns
Safety & Wellness training will be given to all volunteers.
- Provide proof/copy of valid passport and VISA (if applicable for some non-US citizens)
- Provide copies of travel itineraries to AYUDA prior to departure for VTP and Ecuador
- Complete emergency contact information prior to participation in VTP
- Complete Health & Wellness questionnaire prior to participation in VTP
- Obtain and demonstrate proof of traveler’s insurance (AYUDA will provide volunteers with list of recommendations)
- Obtain and demonstrate proof of travel health insurance and emergency evacuation insurance
- Consent to online criminal background check once accepted to volunteer with AYUDA (fees will be covered by AYUDA)
- Adhere to AYUDA principles
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Timeline
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February 1st - Application Due Date (rolling interview process)
Note: Applications are reviewed and interviews granted on a rolling basis. If you wait until last minute to apply there may not be adequate time to coordinate an in-person interview prior to the selection meeting. It is highly recommended that applications be submitted as soon as is possible.
- February 15th - Final Notification due date
- July 6th, 2012- Fundraising due date
Include in the application
$25 (deducted from fundraising target if accepted)
-Full CV
-References (recommended but not required)
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Helpful Links
- Country Information - World Bank
- Ecuador Explorer
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