SOCIAL IMPACT
We deliver a wide variety of social, educational, economic, health and environmental projects for the nearby rural communities, in our mission to create a more meaningful, prosperous and sustainable world.
Local Challenges
Economy
Bolívar is one of Ecuador's poorest provinces - 40% of rural people live in poverty as their hard agricultural work earns them far less than minimum wage. This forces many to migrate to the cities (or even overseas) in search of income to provide for their families, often leaving their culture behind.
Culture
95% of the people in the communities surrounding Atandahua are indigenous. They have a fascinating culture with diverse food, clothes, songs, ceremonies and language. However, 500 years after the Spanish colonisation, this unique culture is under threat from discrimination and the attraction to a Western lifestyle.
Education
Education standards are low in remote villages throughout Ecuador. Around Guaranda, less than 25% go beyond middle-school. With limited life prospects and worldview, young people don't have many opportunities to improve their situation where they are, resulting in migration and a rate of teenage pregnancy of over 1 in 4
Infrastructure
Local domestic water is unreliable and unsafe due to deforestation, a lack of storage and filtration, as well as the grazing of cattle and use of pesticides upstream. This leads to gastro-intestinal issues and water shut-offs during the dry summers. Many people also live in inadequate or derelict housing, often without toilets, showers or insulation.
What We Do
Children & Young People
Educational & confidence building activities to give them the best start in life - one in which they have the skills and self-belief that they can be the designers of their destiny.
Adults
Training and knowledge in agriculture and business to assist them towards economic prosperity for themselves and their families.
Elderly & Disabled
Installing smokeless stoves and supporting essential services such as the local health centre and governmental inclusion initiatives, to the most vulnerable and excluded from society.
Wider Community
Cultural events and infrastructure projects that strengthen identity and improve essential services so that communities can thrive.
