Spotlight on a scholar: Itaty

Meet Itaty Morocho, a bright, talented 14 year old Starfish scholar whose determination and hard work has enabled her to reach for, and achieve, her goals.



















The oldest of 5, Itaty serves as a motivated, positive role model for her younger siblings. Itaty and her mother are very involved in our community, always willing to devote their time and energy into Starfish, thus entering into the cycle of receiving and giving that we try to cultivate here at Starfish. Itaty is an inspiration to her classmates, her family, and the entire Starfish community! A few months ago, she and Luiggi were nominated to go through a competitive selection process to be on the city-wide student council in Guayaquil (as we elaborated on in a previous blog post: Guayaquil Student Council! ).

And as of recent news, Itaty has been nominated for a prestigious English scholarship! The road to winning the scholarship is long and intense, and Itaty has had to prepare for several interviews and presentations. 70 students from the Guayaquil's school system were chosen to enter into the scholarship contest, and 30 of those original 70 actually receive the scholarship (becado). For the first stage of the scholarship process, Itaty prepared a papelografo, a large poster board, and she also participated in group activities in which all the candidates' skills were evaluated and critiqued. The next phase is a house visit, in which the scholarship committee went to the candidates' homes and conducted an informal interview. A formal interview is the last step in the determination of who receives the scholarships. Best of luck, Itaty!

Update as of February 21, 2016: 
Itaty got the scholarship!!!

She will get to study English for three years free of cost at an excellent school sponsored by the U.S. consulate. At the end of the three years she will take an exam that will prove her proficiency in English. March 7, 2016 is her first day of class! Congratulations, Itaty- we are so proud of you.

Starfish Students elected as part of the Guayaquil Student Council!

This week we are featuring a blog post from Luiggi Pluas, a Starfish student from Flor de Bastion, who, along with Itaty Morocho, were 2 of the 12 students elected to represent District 8 in a city-wide student council. The selection of Luiggi and Itaty demonstrates their academic success and leadership abilities, and we are incredibly proud of them. Being chosen as a representative is a great honor and accomplishment. Congratulations, Luiggi and Itaty!

 

The Youth and Adolescents Advisory Council of Guayaquil 

In the first council, the Guayaquil officials had to elect 12 youth representatives from a previously selected group of 24. During this meeting, Itaty and I were fortunate to be elected as 2 of the 12 representatives from District 8 (our district). There are a total of 10 districts, and each district sent 12 youth representatives to the large, city-wide Student Council, which totaled to 120 children that attended the council. 

At the first meeting [that Itaty and I attended], only members of District 8 participated, but at the second meeting, we joined all of the districts representing the entirety of Guayaquil. To accommodate  such a large group of youth representatives, the meeting occurred in the Multifunctional Town Center (Zumar). When we arrived, they gave us purple shirts, the purple signifying that we were representatives of District 8. The other districts had various colors to differentiate themselves.  We began with icebreakers, then we created some small representations (sketches) of the social problems present in Guayaquil, such as drugs, alcohol, human trafficking, and pollution. 

Itaty and I truly enjoyed the activities. After the group discussions and activities, we then went to eat, and once we finished, it was time to choose the 12 representatives of the entire Guayaquil and 12 alternates from the 120 students present at this council. Truthfully, choosing 24 students from 120 proved to be very difficult; therefore, the 120 candidates had to participate in many exercises, such as speaking, socializing, etc., and during these activities, we were evaluated and had to pass certain criteria. As they were determining the 12 representatives and 12 alternates, I was incredibly nervous, since I didn't know what was going to happen, or if I was going to be chosen. When they gave us the final count of the votes and informed me that I didn't qualify, I felt a little sad that I wasn't chosen to represent Guayaquil as part of that small council. However, there will be another opportunity soon, and I have to keep faith that I could be a representative in the future. 

The purpose of this Council of Students is to gather ideas from the adolescentes and present them to the mayor, so that the city government may come to understand what the youth of Guayaquil wants, which is: for our city to become a better, safer place. 

~Luiggi Pluas

Luiggi Pluas 

Itaty Morocho 

(en español)

Consejo Consultivo de la niñez y adolescencia de Guayaquil

Primero nos mandaron a citar en al primer reunión, en la cual se debía escoger a 12 niños entre aproximadamente 24 niños del distrito 8, ya que los demás distritos (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) ya habían tenido anteriormente otras reuniones en la que también escogido a 12 niños mas, es decir, entre todos los distritos tenía que haber aproximadamente 120 niños escogidos, desde hay ya quedamos como representantes del distrito 8.

Posteriormente a esa reunión, nos citaron a otra, pero esta vez era para concursar ya no solo los que estábamos del distrito 8, si no contra todos los distritos para que representemos a Guayaquil entero, y asi fue, la reunión se realizo en el Centro Municipal Polifuncional Zumar, cuando llegamos nos entregaron una camisa de color morado, el cual nos representaba como distrito 8, los demás distritos tenían otros colores para diferenciarlos, entonces eramos como 100 niños que estábamos concursando, primero hicimos dinámicas, pequeños sketchs sobre problemáticas sociales como las drogas, el alcohol, trata de personas, contaminación ambienta, etc…

Nos divertimos mucho, luego fuimos a comer, una vez que terminamos, ya había llegado la hora de comenzar a escoger 12 representantes de Guayaquil y 12 mas de suplentes, de entre todos los aproximadamente 100 estudiantes, al verdad es que estuvo difícil, y aunque teníamos que dar diferentes criterios, hablar, socializar, etc, pero cuando ya fueron los votaciones yo estaba nervioso ya que no sabía de que iba a pasar, pero cuando ya dieron los votos finales, me dijeron que estaba descalificado, me sentí un poco triste ya que no pude alcanzar a representar a Guayaquil, pero para una próxima oportunidad será, hay que tener fé de que se va a poder.

Este proyecto, tiene el fin de recolectar ideas de los niños, adolescentes para asi los directivos, alcalde, tengan una idea concisa de que es lo piensan los jóvenes y así ser de Guayaquil un lugar mejor. 

Luiggi Pluas

Las Entrevistas (Interviews): Isis and Yesenia

Join us for another brief segment of las entrevistas (interviews) with our Starfish students! 

Today, two of our Starfish scholars from Guasmo, Isis and Yesenia, share some of their pensamientos (thoughts) about their motivation and inspiration for their educations. 

Stay tuned for more entrevistas with our scholars, coming next week, in addition to a blog post created entirely by our very own educadores as a part of their technology workshop! During this workshop, our Guasmo educadores learned about technology in the workplace, and practiced skills such as professional emailing, and creating blogs and powerpoint presentations All of these skills will provide our educatdores with valuable resources for their own careers and studies, as well as enable them to better develop the skills of our scholars. 

Isis Matias, 14 years old.

What motivates you to excel in your education?

-"My main motivation to excel comes from my parents, because each day, I see the daily sacrifices they make to provide me with an education so that I can better myself and truly become someone in this life." 

What is one thing about your country that you wish to change?

-"I hope that one day, society changes to create a greater level of respect. In this way, I wish that people can develop a different way of thinking." 

 Yesenia Guallo, 14 years old.

Tell us about a professor or educator that has helped you to discover your academic strengths.

-“One day, my professor Mercedes told me that there are always, and will always be, difficulties in live and that a setback is not synonomous with a defeat. Mercedes believes that I can overcome struggles, and she helps me achieve my goals. I’m grateful for this advice, for it has helped me realize that if I fail, it doesn’t mean I am defeated.” 

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone younger than you?

-"One piece of advice that I would give would be to set goals, and to achieve them, for this is the best thing to have done. However, only set goals that benefit yourself and those around you."

En español: 

Isis Matias, 14 años. 

Que te motiva para sobresalir en tu educación?

-"Mi mayor motivación son mis padres porque veo como se han sacrificado en la vida para darme educación y que yo me supere y sea alguien en la vida."

Cual es una cosa de tu país que te gustaría cambiar?

-"Que esta sociedad cambie se forma de ser respecto a cómo tratar a las personas solo por tener una manera diferente de pensar."

Yesenia Guallo, 14 años. 

Cuéntanos sobre un profesor o educador que te ha ayudado a reconocer tus fortalezas académicas?

-"Mi profesora Mercedes un día me dijo que siempre hay dificultades en la vida y que por tropiezos no significa la derrota y que piense en superarme y que cumpla mi objetivo. Y gracias a este consejo me ayudo a darme cuenta que si fallo no significa la derrota."

Cual es el consejo que tu le darías a una persona menor que tú?

-"El consejo que le daría seria que se proponga un objetivo, lo cumpla y será lo mejor que haya hecho, pero siempre que lo que se proponga sea para bien de él y de los demás."

Words from Karen, our new psychologist!

Karen Quimiz Rodríguez, the new psychologist for Starfish, shares her plans and thoughts about how to build confidence, encourage personal development, and provide a support system for our students.

Psychological Attention at the Starfish Foundation

Contributing to the Development of My Country

By analyzing the psychological aspects of the scholarship students of Starfish Foundation, one is able to diagnose various types of psychological phenomena, which often stem from: behavioral conflicts, conflicts stemming from certain family dynamics, a lack of self-esteem, and problems rooted in biology and physiology. During the time when the children's personalities develop, they are especially susceptible to risky behavior, such as the consumption of legal and illegal substances, and early behaviors concerning their sexuality, behaviors that, without a doubt, influence their personal and educational development.

"There is nothing more important than the education of the child and of the youth, since our whole life depends on this" -- Juan Martin Moye

The family, as the first link to society and the place where children develop their first values, plays a crucial role in the psychological attention given to the scholarship students. The systematic structure of the family, including the roles, structures, hierarchies, and limits of the family, often has deficiencies. A therapeutic approach to the family dynamic is certainly a way to improve life within the home.

With regards to improving individual and familial health and happiness, another crucial area (of students' lives) to focus on is that of sexuality. We are beginning to give informative workshops on this topic and we hope they can hopefully break the societal structures of "machismo" in the Ecuadorian society, where deep-rooted machismo still plays a role in the daily lives of communities. The objective of the first workshop is: to change misconceptions about the differences in gender roles in the adolescents of the Starfish Foundation in order to promote greater gender equality.

The objective of the second workshop is: to demystify the adolescents' preconceived ideas about sexuality in order to eliminate the myths that have arisen throughout history and their own personal lives. This workshop intends to inform the youth about the preventative campaigns that the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health provides, as well as reinforce the idea that sexual activity should be loving and reproductive. This workshop will also inform about methods of contraception, and will be aimed at a specific population of Starfish students. It will convey that reproductive sexuality is a normal process, and will use science to inform the students, rather than the students obtaining false information and rumors from their friends.

To further promote the development of the students through the teaching-learning process, we have created a third workshop about vocational interests with experts from different professions, including: 2 architects, a lawyer, a graphic designer, and internal members of the foundation who possess a university degree. The idea for this workshop arises from the students' misconceptions of many professions and lack of knowledge about other professions (other than the military and police). The aim of this workshop is to guide students' plans for their futures, and there will be a career test that will provide more career options for those students who do not aspire to one of the careers presented on this day.

It's a great pleasure to work with these students and promote their present and future development.

Karen Quimiz Rodríguez

General Psychologist

---

Versión en Español:

Atención Psicológica en la Fundación Estrellita del Mar

Contribuyendo al Desarrollo de Mi País.

Al trabajar en los aspectos psicológicos con los estudiantes becados de la fundación, se puede diagnosticar diversos tipos de fenómenos como son los de tipo comportamental, conflictos en la dinámica familiar, conflicto en la esfera socioemocional (autoestima), problemas de origen biológico; Y en el contexto donde se desarrolla su personalidad, son vulnerables a las conductas de riesgo, como son el consumo de sustancia psicotrópicas legales e ilegales, comportamientos precoces sobre su sexualidad amorosa y reproductiva, que sin duda alguna influyen en su desarrollo personal y educativo. 

“No hay nada más importante que la educación de la niñez y de la juventud, puesto que de ella depende toda nuestra vida” Juan Martin Moye

La familia como célula principal de vinculación a la sociedad y de donde se desarrollan los primeros valores, juega un rol importante en la atención psicológica a los becados, se aborda desde un enfoque sistémico, la estructura familiar, funciones, roles, jerarquías, límites, etc. siendo este último de gran deficiencia dentro de la dinámica familiar, sin duda alguna se da la veracidad y el abordaje terapéutico para mejorar la convivencia en el hogar.

Otros de los trabajos que están próximos a realizarse dentro de las competencias es promover talleres sobre sexualidad, su génesis consistirá en romper los esquemas culturales machistas de la sociedad ecuatoriana que aún están vigentes dentro del contexto; El primer taller tiene como OBJETIVO: MODIFICAR CONCEPCIONES ERRADAS SOBRE LA DIFERENCIA DE LOS GÉNEROS EN LOS Y LAS ADOLESCENTES DE LA FUNDACIÓN ESTRELLITA DEL MAR PARA FAVORECER LA EQUIDAD.

El segundo taller tiene como OBJETIVO: DESMITIFICAR A LOS ADOLESCENTES LAS IDEAS PRE CONCEBIDAS SOBRE SU SEXUALIDAD PARA ELIMINAR LOS MITOS QUE HAN SURGUIDO A LO LARGO DE LA HISTORIA Y DE SU VIDA, este taller pretende informar a los jóvenes sobre las campañas preventivas que maneja el Ministerio de Salud Pública del Ecuador, y reestructuras las ideas que mantienen sobre una sexualidad amorosa y reproductiva, además de informar sobre los métodos anticonceptivos, este segundo taller estará dirigido a una población especifica de los becados, que precisamente se encuentran en todo el apogeo por informarse de su sexualidad reproductiva como proceso normativos de la edad, así considero importante que obtengan información por fuentes científicas, y no de inexpertos, (amigos que se encuentran en el mismo proceso generacional).

Además favoreciendo el desarrollo de los jóvenes becados en su proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, se ha desarrollado un taller sobre sus intereses vocacionales, con expertos invitados de diferentes profesiones, contamos con la colaboración de: dos arquitectos, un abogado, una licenciada en diseño gráfico, y con la experiencia de miembros internos de la fundación que cuentan con un título universitario, esta idea surge a raíz de una concepción errada sobre sus deseos y aspiraciones profesionales, sus ideas se limitan a querer ser, policías, militares, marinos, vigilantes de tránsito vial, para encaminar sus propósitos futuros se ha elaborado el taller y que conozcan otras profesiones a las que pueden aspirar, allí mismo se aplicará un test para aquellos jóvenes que no se identifiquen con alguna.

Es un gran placer contribuir con estos jóvenes hacia su presente y su futuro.

Karen Quimiz Rodríguez
Psicóloga Generalista

Ecuanomics ~ a Volunteer Perspective

Ecuanomics 

Bananas, prawns, cocoa, oil, and coffee - that's what the Ecuadorian economy is made of, according to the statistics. Take any bus from Guayaquil to the sierra and you can't miss the acres of leafy green banana plantations, the hectares of skeletal cocoa plants left barren after the May harvest.

But there's one additional factor to add to the list, something that you'll never read about in The Economist or Forbes or Bloomberg BusinessWeek; one very simple principle that keeps the world turning here in Flor de Bastión and weaves its way through the very fabric of the national economy.

It starts with the education system. Imagine you govern a developing country with limited financial resources and a significant poverty level. One of your many responsibilities is providing free primary and secondary education, but here's the problem: there are five million schoolchildren in your country and only enough schools for half of them. What do you do?

You divide up the school day, of course. Half the kids in the country go to school in the morning from 7am until noon; the other half use those very same schools in the afternoons from 1pm until 6pm. Every building, every desk, every single facility is shared in order to open up access to education and further social equity.

Don't have the resources you think you need to survive? Doesn't matter, you can still manage. Just share the resources you do have: that's Ecuanomics.

The same idea applies to the local economy here in Flor de Bastión, a fairly young invasion community in which every resident is living dangerously close to, if not well below, the poverty line. Not everyone has all the money they need to buy the ingredients for groceries or toiletries or household items every day, so the existing money in the community is borrowed and lent in a complex system of partial payments and zero-percent interest.

Pay me half today, I'll manage for tomorrow, and next week when I need to buy school supplies I'll come to pick up the other $5 you owe me: that's Ecuanomics.

But these unspoken agreements extend far beyond mere financial agreements between vendors and clients; they also include time and service. A local church group, made up of people who are themselves heavily economically disadvantaged, make regular visits to local people even more in need. The same mothers who have to feed a family of six on $12 a day will take a bunch of bananas, a pound of rice, or a few eggs from their own homes and take them to the houses of the sick or otherwise needy, will sit with them and provide company and conversation, will clean their house or feed their dog or take their kids to school.

However little you have, you’re still in a position to help someone worse off than you: that’s Ecuanomics.

As a Starfish volunteer, I’ve been lucky enough to experience more than my fair share of this generosity. As well as opening their homes and kitchens, Starfish families have offered me a special insight into this fascinating country. They’ve shown me what it means to be Ecuadorian, they’ve taken me in like a long-lost daughter, they've given me the gift of melodic Pacific-Coast Spanish. From an impromptu house invite for fresh ceviche one week, to a complete history of Latin American dance styles (complete with demonstrations) the next, I can honestly say I feel nothing less than privileged to be accepted into this community.

Of course, the golden rule of sharing economies like these is to contribute an amount equal to or greater than what you have received. But as eager as I am to share my passion for teaching, my love for the English language, and my mathematical knowledge, I can’t help the feeling that I’ll never really be able to reciprocate for what has been offered to me.

Giving on this scale is more than just a financial gesture; it has left an indelible mark on me, forever changing the way that I connect with others, challenging me to open myself in a way that I hadn’t thought possible before.

And that, in a nutshell, is the definition of Ecuanomics.

~Sanchia R, Volunteer.  Sanchia returned to Starfish this summer as our Volunteer Coordinator after volunteer for 3 months last fall.  She is a certified English teacher and a seasoned world traveler.  Check out her other blog posts at: trueeast.wordpress.com

50 Lessons I learned in Ecuador ~ Volunteer Perspective

Abby volunteered with Starfish for 5 weeks from May-June 2015.  During her time, she kept a list of lessons she learned in Ecuador.  Enjoy!

Abby with host family - Andrés, Milena, Mariana, Michelle & David!

Lessons I've learned in Ecuador:
1) High school Spanish teaches you nothing.
2) Having a chicken run into the house is normal.
3) You yell "A Ver" rather than knocking on someone's door
4) You must have change for the bus.
5) If you visit someone's house, they will almost always give you food and you must always eat it with a smile. 
6) The stray dogs tend to leave people alone.
7) The soap TV shows have terrible acting but they are entertaining.
8) Just when you think you've figured out the bus system, you realize you haven't.
9) If you have blue eyes and hair that is not black you stick out like a sore thumb.
10) Beware of mud: you will lose a shoe.
11) Having a toothless indigenous woman tickle you is hilarious to her but not to you until afterwards.
12) If you don't keep the kids busy they will play pelota (soccer), and even if they are busy they will still want to play pelota. 
13) The tricimotos are a blast, but also a potential death trap depending on the driver.
14) Pizza here is not the same as in the U.S. unless you go to Pizza Hut and order the "American."
15) Wearing white clothes is not an option for volunteers, and yet all the children manage to keep their white school uniforms clean.
16) Cold showers are actually wonderful with the heat here.
17) Having a mosquito net at night is your saving grace from the mosquitos.
18) The mosquitos are relentless even with mosquito repellent.
19) Roosters crow all night, not just when they are supposed to at sunrise.
20) The families here who have nothing are the first to help anyone in need.
21) All directions are given with landmarks not street names.
22) Seco de Pollo is served at least once a week.
23) Panama hats are actually made and originated in Ecuador.
24) Twilight is still just as bad in Spanish as it is in English.
25) All the kids can draw amazingly well.
26) The garbage trucks play music that sounds like ice cream trucks except they don't serve delicious frozen goods - they reek and have everyone's trash in them. 
27) The game Monopoly is expensive here.
28) Hammocks are incredibly comfortable.
29) If you fall through the floor it's okay and they can fix it. 
30) When the garbage truck comes every single person runs to get their garbage and take it to the truck before it leaves them stranded with their trash.
31) Sometimes the water will not work randomly but the people still manage.
32) The stray dogs and cats do not eat the stray chickens even though it could be an easy meal.
33) Having one mosquito in your mosquito net when your trying to sleep is the worst situation ever.
34) Even if a really bad car wreck happens the traffic doesn't stop and people will honk if you do stop.
35) People will tell you their life story for 45 minutes on the bus then ask for money.
36) Banks will take a minimum of an hour in line before you make it to the teller.
37) Rice is served with everything, even spaghetti.
38) When anything hits the aluminum roof it is ear piercingly loud, especially if it's a chicken or a cat. 
39) Even if you think you have planned things perfectly, Ecuador will still manage to throw a wrench into those plans.
40) Even if it's the first day of whale season on the coast you can still see two whales breach.
41) When the captain of your boat says you need to turn back, don't allow the two deckhands to continue to poke at the engine with a knife for an hour before finally turning around.
42) When you finally have a hot shower at a hostel, it's like the heavens have decided to descend upon you and engulf you.
43) Even if you speak the same language, you still may not understand each other.
44) Music will be played at all hours, even at five am.
45) The TV shows here are sometimes one that got cancelled years ago in the U.S. Such as "Drake and Josh."
46) If you don't love either Barcelona or Emelec, then you don't have a life. 
47) Almost every kid here is good enough at soccer to play on a high school varsity team even if they are only 12.
48) Ecuador time means 5-10 minutes later than the actual time planned.
49) The families here are more welcoming than the families in the U.S.
50) Ecuador always wins at everything. Whether that be making simple plans to purchase a cake or plans in taking an all day tour whale watching, Ecuador will always win.

What was your favorite lesson? What would you like to learn more about?

Volunteer Reflection: Taken Aback

Jackie traveled to Ecuador this year for a few weeks, and immediately immersed herself in the culture.  Her positive attitude and energy allowed her a special opportunity to get to know many of our students and families.  Today she reflects on a few of these special people in her life!

"Taken aback, I believe, is the most accurate way to describe how I’ve been feeling and how I’ve been processing all the different and beautiful people I have met here.

There are some people we encounter– and we all know who they are, in our own lives– that shine and live so ferociously that, even when we close our eyes, we see the bright outlines cast by their luminescent presence. These people, simply by their existence, encourage us to be better, kinder, gentler, and to live in a bold, brave, and intentional way. These kinds of people leave indelible marks on our spirits and minds. They are colorful and magnificent, radiating with determination, love, and hope. Even in seemingly hopeless and impossible situations, these people rise above the material world and overcome countless obstacles through inner strength- strength of the soul.

I have met such people here, people my own age whom I look up to as role models and hold as friends. Thinking of them and their goals and dedication inspires me to live in a radical and beautiful manera.

Melanie. Now in her final year of high school, she spends three hours total commuting to and from school each day, and on Mondays and Thursdays, she skips lunch so she can attend refuerzo and receive extra help with English and her other studies. She is a devoted student, a talented dancer, a caring daughter, a loving sister, and a loyal friend. She dreams of becoming a flight attendant: of learning languages, attending university, of traveling and seeing the world. And she will.

Joel. Currently a first year student at a top private university in Guayaquil. His high test scores, hard work, and determination led him to win a prestigious scholarship that covers 100% of his tuition. He, like Melanie, has a long commute to and from classes, and afterwards comes home to study and volunteer at Starfish, thus giving back to a foundation that gave him opportunities to grow, succeed, and continue the process of lifelong learning. He studies hard: he studies to maintain his scholarship, to learn about economics and business, and to secure a stable occupation for himself. He wholeheartedly dedicates himself to growing in knowledge to achieve his dreams. And he will.

Maria. Like Joel, she is also a first year university student. And, like Melanie and Joel, she travels several hours each day to attend classes. She studies medicine: biology, chemistry, anatomy. She has a beautiful smile, loves to dance and sing, and she, also, gives back to Starfish and works there as an educadora, providing help that she once received. She is an inspiration to the students at refuerzo, and an inspiration to me. She studies for countless hours, loves her family and friends, and dreams of becoming a pediatrician. And she will.

Melanie, Joel, Maria. They exemplify hard work, passion, creativity, love, and dedication. They constantly overcome obstacles, they leap over the many hurdles that stand in their paths, and they rise above unjust situations. I feel honored and grateful to know them, and I am proud and joyful to call them my friends.

~ We must allow the world to pierce our hearts. For if we are not passionate, sensitive, and courageous, we are nothing ~  "

~Jackie A., Starfish Volunteer.  Read more reflections from Jackie on her blog!

Vacation Fun @ Starfish

The first two weeks of October are always an exciting time for our Scholars – school vacation! Last year the government standardized the school year schedule so that all schools have vacation at the same time.  This was especially exciting for us at Starfish because it meant that we could plan some special activities for all of our Scholars and tutoring students.

This year we had a fun mix of activities including: Crafts with recycled materials, Talks on Self-Esteem and Values, Debating, Music, Games, Community Service, Sports and more!  All of our Educadores were able to share their special talents and knowledge with all Scholars and tutoring participants.  We all got to learn a lot - exercising both our minds and our bodies during school break!

To end the week our students from Guasmo traveled to Flor to inaugurate the new space and end vacation with a fun-filled day of ice-breakers, games, soccer and more.  We even decorated the place a bit – each person leaving their mark with their handprints on the wall.

The theme of the day was “5K”.  Why you might ask?  To support our friends over at VISEDAL in Nicaragua.  Their Baltimore based non-profit sponsored a virtual 5K for their scholars.  This meant that you could run 5 kilometers – or do 5 of any activity – from anywhere in the world!  Our students participated by playing 5 games of soccer, building 5 towers, jumping with 5 friends, cooking (& eating!) 50 pounds of rice and much more!  Check out the VISEDAL page to hear more about this awesome event! Starfish even won a special prize as the largest group to participate in the 5K.  ¡Felicidades chicos!

A message from our Guasmo Employees

During the months of July, August and September, we have had a lot of activity which we are really happy to share with you in this post.  It's important to the help of the volunteer during these months and it's a pleasure that some of them are still here.  They are a big help, especially with English and some other activities like ice-breakers, group activities, etc.

During these months, we've continued working with the parents for snack at tutoring.  The parents are a lot more committed to the foundation and this is really important for us because we feel that the work isn't only done within the premises of the foundation, but also in each home.

We are very happy to have had the Starfish Board and visitors here in Ecuador.  Thank you for visiting us and thanks for your words of encouragement and well wishes.  We also enjoyed the 2014 Starfish "Olimpiadas" (field day) here in Guasmo.  We were looking forward to the Olimpiadas and by the blessing of God and working as a team, everything turned out well.

We also went to the beach with the visitors.  This was very special for everyone.  The students were very happy and they behaved well both on the trip there and back.  All behaved well, while also having fun and continuing to be charismatic.

We've done a lot of diverse activities, one of which is starting each day with an ice-breaker activity or group game since this helps them work as a team and participate more.  It's really good since it helps wake the students up and get rid of any stresses from the day.

Recently during the month of September, we had our monthly Scholar and Parent meeting, where we were able to update the parents on the various activities we have been doing.  One of these is the visits to all of the high schools.  We informed each parent on the behavior and grades of each scholarship student, encouraging them to keep moving forward and aspire to continue with the scholarship in 2015.  We had the help of Carlos Campos (new volunteer).  He prepared a powerpoint to help the parents have better control and to not neglect their students' grades & education.  With the scholars we did some ice-breakers and we Carlos had also prepared a slide about the "Comfort Zone".  It was really interesting and it helped us reflect on the fact that we should not complacent but we should always aspire to be something more.

With true success in teamwork, luck has nothing to do with it; luck is for the improvised and unprepared; success is the result of perseverance, responsibility, effort, organization and the balance between reason and the heart."

We continue to work for an even better foundation.

From, Yuliana, Cynthia, Lissette, Betsabeth & Marcos

***

And for our Spanish language readers, the original post:

En los meses de julio, agosto y septiembre hemos tenido muchas actividades, las cuales nos llena de mucha satisfacción  mencionarlas en el siguiente post. Cabe mencionar la importante ayuda de los voluntarios en estos meses, y es un gusto tenerlos a algunos de ellos todavía, ya que son de gran ayuda en el idioma inglés para los chicos y otras ciertas actividades como dinámicas, trabajos, etc.

En estos meses hemos seguido trabajando con los padres con el refrigerio de los chicos, los padres se ven mucho más comprometidos con la fundación y eso para nosotros es muy importante porque sentimos que no solamente el trabajo se lo realiza dentro de las instalaciones de la fundación sino que también se lo realiza en cada hogar, tanto en los chicos que son becados como los que no son becados.

Nos llena de mucha alegría haber tenido la grata visita de la Directiva de StarFish aquí en Ecuador, gracias por visitarnos y gracias por las palabras de aliento y los buenos deseos. También disfrutamos de nuestras Olimpiadas Estrellitas 2014 aquí en Guasmo, nosotros estábamos muy ansiosos por las Olimpiadas y gracias a la bendición de Dios trabajando en equipo, logramos que todo saliera muy bien.

También fuimos a la playa con la Directiva, que para todos fue algo muy especial, los chicos estaban  muy contentos y tuvieron un buen comportamiento, tanto a la ida como en la venida, todos bien comportados y tranquilos, no dejando el lado divertido y carismático de ellos.

Hemos realizados diversas actividades una de las cuales que hemos hecho es comenzar el refuerzo con dinámicas, es muy bueno ya que los chicos se les quita la pereza y también el estrés. Realizar trabajos, juegos en grupos, ya que les ayuda a trabajar más equipo y que sean más participativos.

Ahora último en el mes de septiembre tuvimos la reunión de Padres de Familia y Becados, lo cual nos ayudó a explicarle a los padres las diversas actividades que hemos realizado, una de ellas es la visitas a los colegio, le informamos sobre el comportamiento y el aprovechamiento de cada chico becado, animándoles que sigan adelante y que aspiren a la beca en el año 2015, tuvimos la ayuda de Carlos Campos (nuevo voluntario), el preparo una diapositiva para ayudarles a los padres a que ellos tengan un mayor control y que  no descuiden las calificaciones de los chicos. Con los becados realizamos dinámicas y también Carlos les preparo una diapositiva acerca de la Zona de Confort que fue muy interesante y ayudo a reflexionar que no debemos de ser conformistas sino aspirar siempre algo más.

“En el verdadero éxito en equipo, la suerte no tiene nada que ver; la suerte es para los improvisados y aprovechados; y el éxito es el resultado obligado de la constancia, de la responsabilidad, del esfuerzo, de la organización y del equilibrio entre la razón y el corazón.”

“Seguimos trabajando para hacer una fundación aún mejor.”

Post data
Yuliana
Cynthia
Lissette
Betsabeth
Marcos

Exciting News from our Flor de Bastión Employees

Newly painted walls in our new place!

Students comfortably fit in our new &
 improved BIG classroom in Flor!

Hello...
We are very happy to write to you all again after a few months.  We want to tell you that things are getting even better every day here.  Now we have a bigger space and we have a lot of hopes, we've thought about a lot of things that we are going to do.  The most important to highlight is that we are like a big family, and united we are going to achieve all of our goals.

More space for more supplies!

And a whole field outside just for us! 

Recently, we had a visit from the Board & other friends of Starfish and for us it was an unforgettable experience.  Both the employees and the students were very excited about their arrival.  Some of the students were able to meet their pen pals, and for each one it was really interesting to meet them in person as they exchanged likes and preferences.  The days that they were here in Ecuador were really fun.  Both in the "Olimpiadas" (field day) and trip to the beach all of the students behaved really well and we are really proud of them.

We've also had many visits from volunteers during these months.  They've been a lot of help in our tutoring program since they share their cultures with each one of us, in addition to teaching small English classes for the students.  Not too long ago ago 2 of them left and we want to tell them through this blog that we are going to miss them and we hope they come back soon.

With love,

The Flor de Bastión Employees

And for our Spanish-language readers, here is their original text!

Hola…
Nos sentimos muy contentos de volver a escribirles después de algunos meses. Queremos contarles que las cosas aquí cada día van  mejorando, ahora ya tenemos un lugar más amplio y tenemos muchas expectativas, hemos pensado en muchas cosas que vamos a  hacer y lo importante de destacar es que somos una gran familia y todos unidos vamos a lograr  lo que nos  hemos propuesto.
Recientemente tuvimos la visita de la Directiva y para nosotros fue una experiencia inolvidable, tanto los ayudantes como los chicos nos sentimos  muy emocionados de su llegada. Algunos de los becados conocieron a sus amigos de correspondencia, para cada uno fue muy interesante conocerlos en persona pues intercambiaron gusto y preferencia. Los días que estuvieron aquí en Ecuador fueron muy divertidos tanto en las olimpiadas como en el viaje a la playa todos la chicos tuvieron un muy buen comportamiento y estamos muy orgullosos de ellos.
También hemos tenido visitas de muchos voluntarios estos meses, quienes han sido de mucha ayuda en nuestros refuerzos ya que comparten la cultura de su país con cada uno de nosotros además les dan pequeñas clases de inglés a los chicos. Hace poco dos de ellos se fueron y queremos decirles a través de esta blog que los vamos a extrañar y esperamos regresen pronto.
Con cariño,
Ayudantes “Flor de Bastión “

Stepping into a New World

Welcome to Flor de Bastion.

A place covered in lomas (hills) and filled with dogs roaming the dusty dirt streets, a beautiful community filled with warm smiles and open arms. 

Usually, we work in Flor on Tuesdays and Fridays, returning to Guasmo (where we volunteers live) afterwards by bus after a long day. My fifth week in Ecuador I decided to do something different: spend Tuesday through Friday in Flor instead of returning home in between sessions. 

 

Isa (a.k.a. Beth, Starfish co-founder) originally inspired me to spend an extended period of time in Flor. When she visited as part of Starfish’s retreat group, she spent a night with a Starfish scholar’s family in Flor. She talked about how amazing it was to see and experience life after refuerzo in Flor, especially because it differs significantly from Guasmo in terms of development. 

Spending a few nights up north has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. My days were filled with visiting scholars’ homes, seeing some of the kids outside of the classroom, and getting to see their true personalities shine. My nights were filled with lots of laughter, especially from simply talking about our day. I have learned from my time in Ecuador that the dinner table is where everything happens, where you really get to see someone and learn about his/her aspirations in life.

I cherished every moment.

Written by Summer/Fall 2014 Starfish volunteer in Ecuador, Nancy Landeros

Familia: A Starfish Volunteer Reflection Part 2 of 2

Part 2: (Be sure to check out last week's post if you missed Part 1)

To survive in Ecuador you have to pay attention and learn quickly. The custom while greeting people is to kiss them on the left cheek. Women kiss each other and men kiss women, but men do not kiss other men. You can imagine how this can be tricky when you are first learning the cultural norms and your Ecuadorian family member’s are practical jokesters. Another interesting cultural phenomenon is machismo, best translated as an intense masculine pride of sorts. This can best be seen while taking public transportation. If you are a man, the bus will not stop for you when you are boarding or debarking. However, the bus comes to a complete halt for women. Some interesting facts: the current gas price is about a dollar, 22 chocolate covered bananas cost $1.40, and bus fare is 25 cents.  The words that come to mind when thinking back on this experience are “eye-opening” and “life changing.” It is not every day that you can experience the culture and the people that you find in Ecuador and it really makes you appreciate your life.

  

I have been asked several times “what is your favorite thing about Ecuador?” To me the answer is simple: its people… especially my Ecuadorian friends and family. I stayed with a host family in Guasmo during my trip. My host mother’s name was Filadelfia (pronounced Philadelphia) which we all thought was funny given that I go to school in Philadelphia. Filadelfia, in my humble opinion, is one of Ecuador’s best cooks. This single mother of three runs the house, cooks every meal, not only for our family but occasionally for the neighbors, all out of a compassion for her friends and family. 

Some of the kids who made a particular impact on me were Geovanny, Christian, Joel, and Mike. These four boys as well as all of the children’s at Starfish have such compassion and genuineness and will never be forgotten. These boys would go out of their way to say hello and make sure that my day was going well. By the end of my trip, these boys went from being my students to my friends to my little brothers. 

If you ever have an opportunity to visit Ecuador I would highly recommend it. In Ecuador it’s not hard to find an experience that will make an impression and meeting these families was truly an unforgettable experience.

           

  

All the best,

Greg “Gregorio” Branigan 

      

Written by Summer 2014 Starfish volunteer in Ecuador, Greg Branigan.

Alegría - Happiness: A Starfish Volunteer Reflection Part 1 of 2

¡Saludos desde Ecuador!

I am very proud to be associated with such a great organization as the Starfish Foundation. Ecuador is a very unique country filled with extraordinary people. I was given the opportunity to meet some of the most generous and gracious people whom I now have the pleasure of calling my friends. All of the families we met warmly opened their homes to us and shared their culture and their lives without hesitation.

 

During the week, the volunteers attend refuerzo, which are the tutoring sessions that occur at the foundation for the scholarship students as well as many of the neighborhood kids. The general set up is an hour and half of studying and doing homework and then a half hour of dynamicos (a game that gets everyone up and moving). There are two locations for refuerzo: one in Guasmo and the other in Flor de Bastion. My job as a volunteer was to help with student’s homework and to explain concepts that they did not understand; my primary role was to assist the students in English, Math, Biology, and Chemistry, all in Spanish. This allowed me to get a glimpse of the education system in Ecuador, which is a wakeup call for most of us. A major struggle that we have to deal with is the fact that the students don’t always have the most competent teachers in their schools. Many times the homework they have is only copying problems or multiple pages out of their textbooks into their personal notebooks without truly understanding the concepts. With this, the kids are only going through the motions because the massive amount of work prohibits real learning and understanding. Despite this, they still keep going and are dedicated and excited to learn. 

 I found it interesting to observe the differences between the two groups and how they have formed their own community within Starfish. The two towns have their own distinct personalities, both towns being of extreme poverty. Guasmo being slightly more developed and Flor de Bastion only having running tap water for the last three months. One can only imagine how a child would act coming from either of these two scenarios, yet the commonality amongst all of the children and people who I worked with was a genuineness, eloquence, and love that was obvious within the first few moments of meeting them. While talking to one of the other visitors, he made the comment that if you needed to learn how to love you could not find a better teacher then the families in Ecuador.

         

Given the loving and genuine nature of the people it is hard to imagine that the areas in which they live are in utter shambles. The typical house has windows covered by large metal gates and tin roofs. While lucky families have cement floors and walls, the remainder of the houses are made of dirt floors and cane. What is extraordinary is the happiness that radiates from these people while living in this level of poverty. It is said money cannot buy happiness and you wouldn’t need more proof then to spend the day with the Starfish families. 

Written by Summer 2014 Starfish Volunteer in Ecuador, Greg Branigan.  Stay tuned for part 2 of Greg's reflection next week!