When I first heard about Malinga Pamba, I knew that it was the experience for which I was looking. It would be an opportunity to work with people in another culture, an opportunity to practice my Spanish and to use my skills as a literacy specialist.  The experience that I encountered was so much more then I could ever imagine. I have traveled to many places in my life, but never have experienced the magic that I felt high in the Andes in the little pueblo of Malinga Pamba. 

I was not exactly sure what my particular mission was going to be. I knew there was a vision clinic happening while I was there and I was asked to help out as a translator. My Spanish is so, so, and I felt a little nervous about that particular job.  I just decided I would help out where I could and make a point of observing their classes in school. I had no idea how their schools operated or what their needs were-other than a list of materials sent to me AND I believed I was in no position to impose my teaching expertise without first observing, learning, and asking - another words , a needs assessment. 

Driving to Milinga Pamba from Latacunga, I took in the beautiful scenery and vistas. We drove up,up,up joining onto a little dirt road high in the steep, terraced green, lush mountains where you could see women herding their sheep and farmers cultivating their crops. Driving into the pueblo, we were greeted by all ages and everyone shook my hand saying,Oma puche. Quechua for greetings. 

Because the volunteer quarters were being used by the doctors coming the next day, one family gave up their home for me and 4 others who came to work for the clinic. I had my own room with a bathroom to share with my companions (a flush toilet and a warm shower). Quite a luxury so far away. Our meals were delicious and plentiful. We always had the most wonderful soups everyday along with a plate of rice, potatoes and a small piece of meat. 

The first day I had the opportunity to walk with the young daycare children to their their homes. The teachers always walk them home. This can be up to a mile or more  and not one child complained or cried to be picked up. They just all hold hands and walk home with the sheep following behind.  The next day, we prepared the community center for the vision clinic by moving furniture and darkening the windows with black plastic bags. When finished, we were able to get one of the guys from the village to drive us over to the volcano so that we could climb it. It was very comparable to climbing a mountain in Colorado. Near the top, we could see several pueblos each with different colored roofs indicating which pueblo it was. Malingua Pamba was red. We could also see a festival going on at a different pueblo. 

The doctors arrived in the evening tired and a little intense to prepare for the clinic beginning at 8:00 in the morning. They had so much stuff including glasses with every prescription imaginable and sunglasses for everyone. The evening concluded with a presentation from the mayor and women blessing us by throwing rose petals on everyone.  

Truly, through next 3 days were the most amazing thing I have ever experienced. The indigenous people came from everywhere. They had been given a ticket as to what day and time they were to arrive. There was an assembly line beginning with intake of information, acuity texting done by covering each eye and telling which shape was on the paper. Next the doctors would examine them and give glasses if needed or visit the ophthalmologist  if necessary. There were other translators as well from the peace corps and medical students from Quito to assist. My main job was to help with acuity testing and information intake. I found that I could speak well enough or get help when I needed it. Mostly, the people were so glad that one tried their best to communicate. They didn't care if my grammar was correct.  The clinic saw more than 900 people in 3 days. Most complained that their eyes hurt because of the strong sun and dust and that their eyes had a lot of tears. Eye drops were handed out to all as well as sunglasses. Many had new glasses. My favorite ending to the whole thing was: the clinic was closing and there was one 10 year old boy left to test. He was shaking he was so scared. He really could not see well at all. When they put on the new glasses, tears came down his face and he began to cry because he could see for the first time. 

On the last day, I decided to observe the classes. They were combination classes - first/second third/ fourth etc.  I was pleasantly surprised at the level of instruction. Somewhat different than in the U.S. I would say that they are a year behind our grade levels. Their first grade was like our kindergarten and on up. They do need materials. I took two stationary pencil sharpeners, which they had never seen., and many pencils and Spanish books for their libraries. I also took some teaching manuals in Spanish for reading. They have a computer lab and do have internet in the lab. When I asked them what they needed, they responded, maps, white board markers, erasers for the white boards. They need alphabet charts that you put in front of the room. They need booksets in Spanish for each grade level. I also took some big books in Spanish for content area subjects. 

I would love to return to Malinga Pamba one day. I have never felt such kindness and generosity from such humble people. I was the one who truly benefitted by learning how to decompress and be with people who really know how to work and be together. 

Lindsay Andrews