My goals were and are the two stated weaknesses of Malingua Pamba, Ecuador as identified in a community meeting, our first of many, in October, 2003. These weaknesses are education and health. My initial commitment and promise to this marvelous, loving community was to help them improve their lives through education. However, in the back of my mind was to try to address some of their basic health and hygiene needs.
Prior to September, 2004, this community only had a one-room schoolhouse with one teacher to try to attempt to address the educational needs of 100 children under the age of 18. Some children would simply quit attending school as their needs were not being met.
My original vision was simply to build a second classroom and get a second teacher from the local department of Education. If you read the latest newsletter, you will find our current status: who would have ever thunk it? What happened? Well, the more that people heard about the plight of the Quechua and felt their spirit through my stories, the more they opened their pocketbooks. As long as the money keeps flowing, we keep expanding our focus as well as the amount of communities in which we are working.
This financial and motivational force helped us address the health issues beginning with a composting toilet and a hot shower. Now, with the support and expertise of Engineers Without Borders, Denver Chapter we are bringing potable water to the people. These are the beginning building blocks to improved health. The sky is the limit.
Along the way, many people of different backgrounds and skills have been key players and contributors. This project/passion is all encompassing from tapping your skills to tickling your toes. Malingua Pamba and the Quechua would love to meet and embrace you. See the volunteer page to read some of their stories. Please consider helping at whatever level of involvement (pocketbook to your presence) is best for you.
If you would like to help on either front - education or health, please contact pamelita@escuelaminga.org
Thank you,
Pam
