A wee story about the joys of volunteering in another country. Rather than traveling. Even as a backpacker… And by “volunteering” I mean: living and working with people. That’s all.

The center provides care and meals for 40 – 70 children, ages two to 12, who need attention; their families are missing fathers, or struggling with alcohol and drug problems, or suffering from disabilities. Many single moms drop off their kids while they cobble together work – selling food on the streets, cleaning. The center is jumping with life, but existing on a shoestring.

At the elementary school w the teachers from Boston; they’ll be doing English immersion with the best and brightest students… Here’s the deal: teachers are WONDERFUL. It’s so easy to say, Teachers are our Heroes, and then begrudge them what they need to do their jobs. But they are so dedicated, and smart, and giving: and now these teachers are giving even more.

Warren-Prescott, a public elementary school in Charlestown, MA is blazing trails with a new program in cooperation with The Quintiliano Sanchez School in Quito, Ecuador. In July, a group of teachers will be traveling to Quito to volunteer and tour; they’re excited about their trip, and we can’t wait to be a part of the experience!

Working and traveling together as a group is a great way to forge new friendships and create lasting memories. In March 2011, 18 students from Appleby College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada, spent 2 weeks in Ecuador. Matt Rakhit, 16, has this to say about the trip.