Volunteering in Cuenca

         Ecuador is a beautiful country as evidenced by the numerous photos we have posted on this blog. Breathtaking landscapes and very friendly people abound.  But underneath all this natural beauty are natives living in very poor conditions.  The World Bank estimates that 33% of the population is Ecuador is below the poverty line, which the government has established as a few hundred dollars a month for a family of four.  One out of every 3 Ecuadorians live in poverty!

       I see this poverty everyday when I head to the El Arenal Foundation, a non-profit that serves kids from families that work in the large commercial market in Cuenca.  There are hundreds of hard working Cuencanos working in this market, Feria Libre, selling anything from newspapers, to clothing, to vegetables and fruits.  The more fortunate ones have a permanent stand or “tienda”.  Many just sell their strawberries or cherries or belts or wallets from baskets or wheelbarrows on the street corners.

      The market is not a healthy environment for kids to hang out at.  The foundation was set up as alternative for children in the market.  Rather than shine shoes, sell newspapers, or get into mischief, the foundation provides a positive refuge for the kids to do their homework and grow socially.

        When I first started volunteering at the Foundation back in November, I spent most of my time assisting the kids (age 6 to 13) with their homework. This was a bit challenging for me because of my limited Spanish, but I soon realized that math problems have no language barriers and 2+2 =4 in any country – Que Bueno! 
         As I got to know the kids and staff, things just naturally evolved for me to take on other responsibilities.  The Turkey Trot and Jingle Bell Run was a fun way to involve other Gringos (expats) in fundraising activities.  The Director of the foundation, Betty Valarezo, learned that Linda was an instructor in Nutrition, and she approached Linda about putting on a nutrition class for the kids.  Their diet is quite unbalanced …lots of starches, rice, potatoes, etc and very little fruits and vegetables, even though these foods are so plentiful. Linda adopted her nutrition education program that she had developed for the inner city kids through City of Lakes Loppet Ski Foundation.  The goal was to get the kids to experience different, healthy foods.  Each class module was followed by the kids preparing the food for the next day’s snack.  We concluded the Nutrition program in late February with a two-hour class for the parents.  This was attended by over 30 parents…their good questions showed that these parents are very concerned about providing healthy foods to their kids

Linda instructs the kids with the help of interpreter Anika

Snack served by the kids

Chicken and red pepper delight

Cutting pineapple

These kids know how to use knifes!

Linda and interpreter Sandra teach the parents

What are healthy foods to eat?  

The moms prepare a healthy meal 

       I have noticed violent behavior, mostly roughhousing among the kids, both boys and girls.   The staff have shared with me that family violence is quite prevalent as is alcoholism.   Single moms head up over half of the families.   I approached the social worker about doing a home visit so I could get a better understanding of these home situations.  I was able to visit the home of my two favorite kids, Armando and Wilman, and what an eye – opener that was! This family of four lives in a one-room house no bigger than your average bedroom.  The boys share a small bed and mom and dad have a small bed.  No refrigeration, only a two-burner stove.  A small 3-foot long bench serves as their eating area, and clothes are hung from the ceiling on long wooden rods.  Three  families share an outdoor toilet and shower.  The family has been living in this house for 11 Years!   Dad works as a cartadora (Cart pusher/ carry out boy) and mom sells vegetables on the street…. Bringing home $10 a day is a good day for both of them!  Count your blessings everybody! 

Armando and Wilman's Happy Family

      As I have thought about what can I do to make a sustainable contribution to the foundation, I noticed a foundation website in Spanish and English was sorely lacking.  With Betty’s blessing, a talented team of 6  Gringos has formed to create a top notch  website, including links to social funding sites.  So if you are thinking of ways you could help out the Foundation – hold that kind thought…we hope to be live with our new website in a month and you could make a contribution then!

     We have had many visitors come in the past month, including my 4 Brothers and brother-in-law Tom, my 3 cunadas (sister-in-laws), my sister Kim, and our good friend and neighbor  Phyllis.

The Cunadas and Kim at Cajas Nacional Parque

Enjoying a Pilsner after a long uphill bike ride!

The 6 Hemanos in front of the Old Church

On the Way to Banos 

We have had muy divertido showing people this beautiful area.  Daughter Jenna arrives tomorrow and 4 other families will be coming before April 15^th.  We are definitely in full swing with our tour guide hats on!

Sadly, we will be leaving for home on May 9, but we know we belong in Minnie!!