New opportunities, New Hope

Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa has funded some new schools in some of the most vulnerable areas.  When Cristhian & Eddy found out that their were still a few spots left and that Eddy knew one of the directors, they decided to try their luck at getting two of those spots even though they are already two months into the school year.  Normally this is not allowed in Ecuador.  There are no school districts, so even if you move you're out of luck and probably in for a very long commute for the rest of the year.  Also most families probably would not be able to afford to buy new supplies and uniforms.  Luckily the boys are able to use the same uniform and we were able to help them out with some of the supplies!

Eddy & Cristhian spending time with Starfish volunteer, Andrew!

Today Cristhian & Eddy share with us about their decision and their awesome new high school!

"We changed schools for a better future because at the high school where we were there wasn't any hope for a better future.  The difference now is that our new high school is really big.  There are labs for physics, biology and English.  There are computers for each student in each lab.  There is a cafeteria.  There are 3 soccer fields and they're going to make another grass soccer field.  The teachers are cool.  We have electricity workshops too.  Next week they are going to take us to ElectroGuayas (the electric company) so that we can learn more.  What we learn in this high school is going to help us get ahead and help others!"

~Cristhian and Eddy, Flor de Bastión

*Note* This school is not typical of the schools where our Starfish scholars study, but we are excited about new opportunities in the near future if the government continues these initiatives next year!

UPDATE: Starfish Scholars (& sisters!) Pamela & Lili have also switched to this new school.  We feel very fortunate that our scholars have sought out this great opportunity for a better education!!

Singing partners Jordan & Eddy at June's Integration Day.

"Nos cambiamos de colegio por un mejor futuro porque en el colegio donde estábamos no había esperanza para un mejor futuro.  La diferencia es que el nuevo colegio es grandísimo.  Hay laboratorios para física, biología y ingles.  Hay computadoras para cada alumno en cada laboratorio.  Hay un comedor.  Hay 3 canchas y van a hacer otra cancha de césped.  Los profesores son cheveres.  Hay talleres para electricidad también.  Nos van a llevar a la empresa ElectroGuayas para aprender mas también. Lo que aprendemos en este colegio nos va a ayudar a salir adelante y ayudar a los demás!"

~Cristhian y Eddy, Flor de Bastión

Cristhian with some of his Starfish friends & family.
(L to R: Dulce, Melani, Cristhian, Arelisa, Pamela, Tyrone)

Felicidades Señor Presidente!

A few weeks ago Ecuador held elections, including many Asambleistas (like Congressmen) as well as the President.  Ecuador is officially a "Presidential Representative Democratic Republic". What does this mean?  Well as of the current constitution (written in 2007, approved in 2008), the President is elected every 4 years, and can be re-elected once just as in the United States.  Ecuador's government also has both a Legislative and Judiciary branch with regular elections.

Congratulations to Señor Presidente Rafael Correa on his re-election!  Correa is well-liked and respected by the citizens of Ecuador and most Latin American leaders for his many social initiatives such as conservation of natural resources in the Yasuni/Amazon, housing projects for low-income families, bringing social services to invasion communities and for his work on education reform.

Presidente Correa and VP Jorge Glass celebrating victory!

(http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/18/world/americas/rafael-correa-wins-re-election-in-ecuador.html)

Some fun facts about elections in Ecuador -

• In Ecuador you can vote when you're 16 years old.  
• It is MANDATORY to vote for everyone 18-65 years old.
• After you vote you get an official document proving that you voted with the date of the election.  It's a little smaller than your driver's license and is required for many official transactions such as securing a job or opening a bank account!
• Ever heard anyone complain about the "two-party system" in the U.S.? (Yes we are aware there are other smaller parties!) Well on this year's ballot in Ecuador over 20 parties were represented!
• This is technically Correa's 3rd term as President, since he became President in 2007.  In 2008 when the new Constitution was approved, Ecuador established the 4 year term and 2 time re-election from then forward, making Correa still eligible for this third term.
• This means Correa when he finishes this term he will have been President for 10 years, while in the previous 10 years Ecuador had 6 different Presidents!

Initial Election Results

(http://www.eluniverso.com/2013/02/19/1/1355/cne-ya-contabiliza-8157-votacion-presidente.html)