Questions? (212) 986-0989
"It is amazing how one semester can influence one's life. I spent my service time in Guayaquil at a vocational school for children and adults with mental retardation. Today I carry a Latino caseload as a Senior Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with the State of Connecticut."
- Torrey, University of Vermont
With nearly 2.5 million inhabitants, Guayaquil is Ecuador's largest city. Like many cities in South America, Guayaquil has experienced tremendous population growth in recent years; parts of the city have undergone impressive redevelopment while other areas of the city have become vast tracts of squatter housing lacking basic urban services. Urban growth is also putting significant pressures on unique, delicate ecological reserves that provide homes for endangered flora and fauna. These many challenges form the framework for the community service agencies in which IPSL students are placed.
You will serve 15–20 hours a week in an established Ecuadorian agency. Some of the service placements are in the "invasion" communities of rural and poor migrants. Areas of service may include:
You might aid homeless (street) girls; assist in projects for the disabled; work at an adoption agency for abandoned infants; teach in primary or secondary schools; assist in a hospital; or serve in other areas.
Following are examples of agencies where IPSL students have served in the past or may be able to serve. Other service placements may be available. Your placement will be determined by community and agency needs, as well as your interests, goals, and skills (including Spanish language ability).
An organization somewhat analogous to Habitat for Humanity, this agency provides housing, education, health and other services for the thousands of persons streaming into the “invasion” or squatter communities that encircle Guayaquil. The initial focus of the agency has been to provide low-cost prefabricated dwellings using materials native and adapted to the city’s wet, tropical climate; but a new area of emphasis is on adult education focused on developing micro-business and micro-financing opportunities particularly for women living in “invasion” communities. IPSL students assist with housing construction, English language instruction, and educational efforts with “invasion” community women connected to micro-business development.
Population Served: “Invasion” or squatter community residents
Areas of Service:
Construction
/
ESL
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Micro-business
Guayaquil is surrounded by two unusual and fragile ecological assets: the tropical dry forest of Cerro Blanco, home to one of the world’s most spectacular and endangered macaws; and the mangrove forests which form a tidal buffer between the city and the Gulf of Guayaquil. This private, non-profit organization operates the Cerro Blanco ecological reserve as well as a protected mangrove forest near the fishing village of Puerto Hondo, both on the outskirts of the city. IPSL students are engaged both in ecological conservation projects as well as education outreach activities to both city and local residents at both locations.
Population Served: Environment and residents of Guayaquil, Cerro Blanco, and Puerto Hondo
Areas of Service:
Environment
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Conservation
A non-profit organization that helps poor families in two locations in the city’s “invasion” communities by providing regular medical care and health education, the foundation is also dedicated to the rehabilitation of young children (infancy to 5 years old) suffering from the effects of malnutrition. IPSL students have served in a wide range of tasks, such as checking the weight and measurements of children, feeding them, giving them nutritional supplements and vitamins, helping with patient intake interviews, assisting therapists with early stimulation routines, and providing general recreation activities for children.
Population Served: “Invasion” or squatter community residents
Areas of Service:
Healthcare
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Nutrition
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Recreation
A significant social problem in low-income neighborhoods of Guayaquil is that of girls who have been turned out of their homes or otherwise left to defend for themselves on the city’s streets. This agency provides a home for such girls as well as access to elementary and secondary education and health care. IPSL students provide essential back-up services to the staff of the home, including help with academic tutoring, arts projects and recreation.
Population Served: Homeless girls
Areas of Service:
Social Services
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Homelessness
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Recreation
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Women's issues
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Teaching/tutoring
A significant number of children and youth in Guayaquil come from families who work on the streets during the day and expect their children to work with them rather than go to school. The goal of this agency is to provide an educational alternative for these children, linked to efforts to help parents understand the importance for the future well-being of their children of education rather than work on the streets. IPSL students serve as aides for teachers in classrooms as well as provide tutoring, recreation and companionship for participating children and youth.
Population Served: Children who work on the streets
Areas of Service:
Education
/
Recreation
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Children & Youth
