A chance at higher education for Kichwa children

Greetings friends,

While the search for a more permanent plot of land continues and new fundraising strategies are explored, we have used our minimal personal funds to rent a small house on the edge of Guamote. Here we are housing the volunteer teachers as well as holding weekly skill building workshops in traditional music, dance, artisanry, pastoral practices, and youth leadership workshops, all led by local community members. All this while an itemized budget and plan are finalized to build the permanent community center.

The volunteers in Guamote and Balda Lupaxi continue to teach, working with over 150 students between the two schools, and collaborating with community leaders to create a curriculum which caters to both the specific needs and existing strengths of already bi-lingual Kichwa/Spanish-speaking students. In the near future we look to better furnish the temporary headquarters to host larger workshops, cook community meals for "mingas" (community work days), and a functioning office for the organization's administration to more efficiently meet the needs of those they serve. 

We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to all who have supported us so far, and are excited for the myriad of opportunities unfolding for the communities of Chimborazo.

Sincerely,

Aaron Stapel

FYYChE Vice President