Get out of the stress: on to Ecuador

Svenja worked in the ecological kindergarten in Quito for seven weeks. In an interview, she talks about handicrafts and learning with the children and how she learned to be less stressed in Ecuador. 

January 2018

RGV: You were in Latin America with Rainbow Garden Village – what did you think of the project?

Svenja: I chose the project because I wanted to work with children and to do something completely different than at home. I do not really know why I chose Ecuador. It was the first land that came to my mind. The kindergarten has made a very good impression for me, the complex is very well maintained and very nice. To be honest, I was surprised how beautiful it is and the groups are also extremely well equipped so that my presents were not used properly. All children bring along all their materials at the beginning of the year (pencils, paper, glue, etc.). The team and another volunteer were very nice.

I was in the dolphin group and the teacher played very nice games with the kids and I was always involved in everything. We also played a lot outside, which I liked. The daily routine for me was that I supported the teacher in all activities. I printed out tasks for the children and prepared the homework for them. In addition, I helped the children with their daily tasks. The kindergarten is more like a preschool and the children learn colors, numbers and even a few English words. There is a lot of tinkering and painting and here too I was able to support a lot.

I think it's a shame that the children didn't play at all during the breaks, neither the teachers nor the other volunteers (not from Rainbow Garden Village). I was always the only one who worked intensively with the children. I quickly took the children and the team to my heart and it was very sad to say goodbye. As a farewell, I got a great cake and a farewell photo.

Things to do in the language course

RGV: How was the language course? How did your Spanish language skills develop during your stay?

Svenja: The language and introductory course has brought me a great deal and has helped a lot to get along in the beginning. My teacher did a lot with me, so we could use the language well in everyday life and I was able to quickly improve my Spanish. In the project and in the family, I spoke Spanish almost exclusively, so that my language skills quickly consolidated.

RGV: What tips do you have for volunteers traveling to the country soon?

Svenja: I researched a lot before and read a lot about Ecuador, that prepared me quite well but in the end you learn everything important on the spot. I found Ecuador very safe and never felt uncomfortable, but still had friends who were robbed in Quito. One should simply listen to his common sense and observe the usual safety instructions. 

RGV: Is there something you should not do?

Svenja: I did not walk alone in the center of Quito at night or in the dark, but otherwise I did not feel constrained.  

A little Ecuadorian serenity

RGV: Were there special challenges or complicated situations?

Svenja: Initially my host family did not have the shower but that was fixed after a few days. I finally learned to see everything a bit more relaxed and a bit drained of the German severity ;-)

RGV: Do you now see the country and Latin America with different eyes?

Svenja: I was sure beforehand that I would have a great time and that I would really like Ecuador. I would have liked to have had more time, but I was able to see a lot and I really liked Ecuador with its country, people and food. I can't wait to return.  

RGV: Did you have the feeling of being immersed in people's everyday lives?

Svenja: I am very glad that I was allowed to live in such a lovely family and to participate in the everyday life of an Ecuadorian family. I had the feeling to get to know the culture well and enjoyed the time very much.  

RGV: How does the change of cultures feel?

Svenja: It was a bit of a culture shock at first, but I got used to it quickly and it was one of the reasons I came to South America so I wouldn't keep walking around the world stressed out all the time. I've learned here to see everything more calmly and I'm not that impatient anymore.  

RGV: Would you like to volunteer again?

Svenja: I would do it again and again and live in a family again. The next time I would definitely want to stay longer and travel even longer after the project.  

RGV: From your point of view, does the project contribute in a meaningful way to improving the situation on the ground?

Svenja: I think it's great that there are such projects and think that they help not only on the ground but also the volunteers. I quit my job to do this project and every single day I was glad to have taken this step.