Education in Bua de los Tsa'chila

Brief Description of Project:

Yanapuma does not involve itself directly in questions of curriculum in local schools, but seeks only to provide necessary resources for the optimum development of the education system that operates in the Tsa'chila communities. We have provided library resources, computers, interns to teach English and other skills, and resources for infrastructure development of the schools.

General Objective:
Provide resources for education, supporting the Ecuadorian state's policies in general, and opportunities for appropriate education in local cultural values and history.

Specific Objectives:

1: Improve infrastructure where necessary with potable water, good sanitation, appropriate classrooms that are properly equipped.

2: Integrate local traditional customs with education on new and diverse issues confronting Tsachila society today

3: Add options like the creation of school vegetable gardens, worm farms for composting, and other ideas that promote sustainability.

Capacity development in leadership, self-esteem and organization through interactive communicative methods

Brief Description:

This project forms an important element of all projects and programs in the region. The formation of community action groups will be integral to future project development. Using knowledge of local customs and traditional forms of communication, Yanapuma, together with local beneficiaries will continually use the force of the local population to drive progress. Recognizing that without leadership, self-esteem and organization none of the projects we aim to develop will be successful, the foundation views capacity development as a transversal component that lays the building blocks for empowerment and local ownership. Rather than viewing capacity development as a unidirectional process of facilitator and beneficiary, Yanapuma views capacity development and the formation of action groups as ways to promote dialogue among the local population about the issues that affect them most. It aims to provide a space of dialogue and subsequent action, always working with local people to find sustainable solutions to a diverse but interconnected range of social, environmental and cultural issues.

2009 Project Actions

1. Begin working with partner organization in capacity development workshops using innovative and interactive forms of communication
2. Incorporate issues of organizational skills, leadership, and cultural self-esteem in all aspects of our work so that in all areas community members are able to promote their own interests