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

Vacacionales and First Ever Starfish Open House!

Hola again from Guayaquil, Ecuador.  We've had a few really exciting weeks here.  Last week we shared about the graduations of our 6 seniors, but that's not all we've been up to!

For the last 3 weeks we've held vacacionales, sort of like day camp, for our students with a wide range of activities planned mainly by our educadores.

Some of our female students were able to participate in community service at a local shelter and school for young girls who either don't have families or have suffered some sort of abuse and have been removed from their homes.  Our students were able to share some activities and friendship with them several days during vacation.  We hope this partnership can continue so that our students can continue to give back to their community!

Other activities included spiritual retreats, teamwork activities, a treasure hunt, and more.  On the last day we also thought about our dreams for Starfish and created this poster (above, right) so that we may keep our dreams in mind always.

  

In Flor, the main activity was learning how to make various things from recycled materials (above).  Spearheaded by educadora María, the students learned how to make many items using just plastic bottles, newspaper, empty toilet paper rolls, and other materials found around the home.  On the last day we held an open house where parents and other family members came to learn about the projects the students had been working so hard on over the past few weeks.  We concluded the open house with the first ever "Miss & Mr. Starfish" where students modeled various outfits - including their very own dresses & suits made from recycled material. Congrats to Oscar & Itaty for winning this year due to their hard work on their recycled outfits as well as their confidence in expressing themselves!

Towards the end of our camp, we also held our closing ceremony for the 2014-15 school year, recognizing our students, employees, and parents for their efforts during the year.  We started off with some inspiring words from Milena's mom, Mariana & Scholars Geovanny & Mirka.  Then we recognized all of our employees with some awesome Starfish hats and awards.  Educadores Tyrone from Flor and Cynthia from Guasmo were recognized by their co-workers as "Educador del Año" or Employee of the Year.  Jordy's mom Norma was recognized as "Parent of the Year" for always going above and beyond what is asked of her.  Yesenia from Guasmo and Jordy were recognized for earning the most stars on our star chart that tracks grades, attendance, behavior, community service and more.  Our 6 graduates also received framed graduation pictures as our special gift to them!

Scholars who have been with us since the first year!

Mariana, Milena's mom

Flor Scholars with their families!

All of our students acting a little loco to celebrate their hard work!

Year-End Family Olympics

Last month when school ended here in Guayaquil, we held a day long event that brought both Starfish neighborhoods together for a fun-filled day of fun!

This was a great event as it was the first time parents from both neighborhoods had the chance to meet each other as well!

                 

This year's Olympics started with a sack race, an egg on a spoon race, and an obstacle course based on a popular show in Ecuador, "Calle 7". 

Next, we had our adult soccer tournament followed by the students' tournament.  This year we had 8 teams - made up of both students and their families.  

The black team and the light blue team met in the championship game, where the light blue team, "Los Sky Blue" won in penalties.

At the end of the tournament, we also had a chance to celebrate all of our scholars and tutoring students.  We recognized all of their hard work with a certificate noting excellence in one or all of the four categories measured by our Battle Star Chart - Grades, Behavior, Community Service and Attendance.  

We also selected two overall winners in each neighborhood.  These girls had the highest overall total of stars on the chart, plus excellence in all 4 categories.  Congratulations to two of our youngest scholars, 12 year old Briggitte from Guasmo and 13 year old Arelisa from Flor de Bastión.  (Fun fact: Arelisa is a repeat winner in Flor and last year Briggitte's older brother Steve won in Guasmo!)  

New video - Starfish Family United at Integration Day!

Remember Integration Day in June?  Recent Fairfield U grad and Starfish intern, Maria, made an incredible video high-lighting this event.

Singing, dancing, learning and uniting as a Starfish family -- it's all there!

Watch the video today!

Some Starfish students relaxing after a long day of fun at Integration Day!

The Starfish family - united!

Minga - work day!

Today's Spanish word of the day is "Minga" or something like a "work day" in English.  In Flor de Bastión, our scholars and their families have been busy with many mingas, helping to renovate the space lent to us by Starfish Scholar Kiara's family.

Kiara & Cristhian's dads - working hard along with 2-year Starfish scholar, Cristhian!

First, we had to buy many large sugar cane poles, which were then split into workable pieces to make the walls.  Kiara & Cristhian's dad, along with Cristhian worked tirelessly for several days to put up the walls.  The other students helped when the could at night and on the weekends.  The final step is buying some more tin for the roof.  It really has been a group effort - and something all the students are very invested in since they are really looking forward to an updated space to do homework, socialize, and have fun! 

To help cover the costs, the students are doing a raffle - so far we've raised $96!  In total we will need to raise about $250 - and the students are excited about being able to do this on their own.  They have some more fun & exciting ideas in the works so stay tuned for more updates and photos of the finished product in the coming weeks and months!

Part of the Flor de Bastión Starfish family in their partially renovated space with Jenn & Beth!

The crew, working late into the night to make the space ready for June's Integration Day. 

Anthony teaches us about our rights!

Anthony drew us a picture to demonstrate to us that although we are all different in many ways, we need to treat everyone fairly and equally.  Thanks Anthony!

Scholars who lead by example!

These past 2 weeks I was "out of the office" as I traveled home for Thanksgiving.  While gone, Starfish scholars assumed leadership responsibilities to make sure our programming could continue.  Students each from the morning session and afternoon session were put in charge of snack, cleaning, attendance, behavior and keep tracking of the "estrellitas" or stars earned by each student.   Check out our new "Battle Star" rewards chart to see the different kinds of stars our scholars have earned for their excellent participation in our programs!

Pictured above is the Battle Star chart for Guasmo.  We are so proud of our scholars and their efforts!

Thanks for helping me in the best moments of my life!

Today Starfish scholar Pamela shares with us her gratitude for being a Starfish scholar, as well as her hopes for the future!

Hola me llamo Pamela.  Me da gusto, alegría y emoción conocer a gente que le gusta ayudar a jóvenes, niños y adolescentes. No puedo explicar con palabras pero sí les digo que estoy agradecida por todo lo que han hecho con cada uno de los becados.  Yo cuando este en la Universidad, quiero trabajar como ustedes, ayudar y trabajar en alegria y armonia todo el trabajo y emoción de esta fundación.

Cada día que pase, estoy muy contenta.  Me alegro mas de la cuenta por que sé que hay personas que me quieren y me ayudan en los mejores momentos de mi vida.  Le digo lo que siento por Estrellitas del Mar.  Gracias x todo.  Gracias!   Att: Pamela Rodriguez


Hi my name is Pamela.  I'm happy, joyful and excited to know people like you who like to help young people, children and adolescents.  I can't explain it in words, but I can tell you that I am grateful for all you have done for each of the scholarship students.  When I am in college I want to do work like you all - I want to help and work with happiness and harmony just like all the work and excitement that is this foundation.

With each passing day, I am very happy.  It makes me even more happy because I know that there are people who love me and help me in the best moments of my life.  I'm just telling you want I feel for Starfish.  Thanks for everything.  Thank you! From, Pamela Rodriguez

Pamela, (above in white shirt), relaxing at the end of homework help with some of her Starfish friends!

La pasé posi...I had an awesome time!

Today Jerson, a Starfish scholar from Guasmo, shares with us what he liked about Sunday's day of fun where our scholarship students from Flor de Bastión finally got to visit Guasmo!

• La comida estuvo bueno.
• El postre también.
• Decorar las plumas.
• Jugar con los juegos de mesa.
• La pasé bien con los chicos y las chicas.

Que se reúnen otra vez con los de Flor de Bastíon.  La pasé posi ayer.  Me gustó la reunión y quiero que se suban las fotos al Facebook!

• The food was great.
• The dessert was great too. (*note, Starfish volunteers Ashley and Taylor made rice krispie treats and puppy chow so the kids could try some delicious treats from the U.S.  Thanks!!!)
• We decorated pens.
• We played board games.
• I had fun with the other kids.

I hope we can meet again with the kids from Flor de Bastión.  I had an awesome time yesterday.  I liked the meeting and want to see the pictures on Facebook!

Jerson (above, left) receiving homework help on a drawing assignment!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday / Feliz Cumpleanos to all the Starfish Scholars with birthdays in June and July!

Another performance from Integration Day!

Three Guasmo ladies (Dayanna, Karaoyln and Maria) prepared this song to sing for the party in a matter of minutes! Don't they have beautiful voices?

Skit from our Dia de Integracion

After the group finds the money on the ground, they debate what to do with the large prize. In the end, the voice of reason shines: "the man's money fell; we have to return it to him. We have to be in solidarity and honest. We have to continue onwards. Therefore, we WILL return the money."

A Day of Integration!

Sunday, June 17: Dia de Integracion - Estrellitas del Mar

We spent our Father's Day 2012 bonding as a whole group. Here's a play-by-play of what we did this day.

Mi Cometa's driver brings the Starfish Scholars from Guasmo to Flor de Bastion. Jenn had the place all decorated! Two friends of ours, Becky and Marita, joined us for this day. The three of us were so excited to see all the work Jenn had done in Guayaquil with Starfish thus far! 

Jenn and I each gave some opening remarks, and then one student each from Flor de Bastion and Guasmo spoke. Check out the videos on Facebook soon to see these speeches!

The students from Flor did a skit about honesty and solidarity. Finding money on the ground ... do you return it to the owner or spend it yourself? What if you are really in need? Starfish Scholars tells us that it's important to be honest and live in solidarity with those who have worked hard for their earnings.

Becky popped one of the flour balloons on our head. Thanks Becks :)

Becky and Marita were pulled to dance by Dayanna and Geovanny!

Lili, Arelisa and Pamela's mom Elena serving the lasagna. Cristhian's mom made the delicious lunch for us!

Becky, Marita, Beth and Jenn! <3 

Making Father's Day cards! Samantha, pictured here, won one of the two prizes.

Dayanna working on her card.

Jenn with some of the supportive family members in Flor de Bastion - Cristhian (in aqua), his sisters and mom (left) and Pamela's mom, Elena (right). We couldn't do it without them!

2012-2013 Starfish Scholars <3 

Jenn gave Samantha her Father's Day card award, and here I am giving Anthony his!

MIL GRACIAS to the four Scholars who have turned in EVERYTHING on time!

As Jenn says, here at Starfish, birthdays are really important to us. Look how many people we sang to for June and July!

Thanks for a great celebration, Jenn! It was so wonderful to meet all these incredible young leaders. <3 

Guasmo welcome speech!

My name is Geovanny, I want to say thanks for what we have had. Thanks for the hand, and ... thanks.

Flor de Bastion welcome speech!

Firstly, I want to give thanks to you all for coming, although we have told you welcome. Equally, we thank you for that which we have had, and we give you thanks for giving us the support that you have been able to provide for us.

Gracias a Mi Cometa!

During my visit to Ecuador, Jenn gave me a great little tour of Mi Cometa. Come join me on the tour!

Upon my arrival at Mi Cometa, Jenn ushered me into Gladys' office. We talked at length with her and the woman in the red shirt, Eugenia, who told us that Mi Cometa used to work all over Guayaquil - in neighborhoods north and south! She was one of the founders of Mi Cometa, when it began 20 years ago in the neighborhood of Guasmo.

Later, I spent time with both Gladys (left) and Janet. Gladys is the president of Mi Cometa - we love that a female runs this great organization! Janet is in charge of Creciendo Nuestros Hijos (CNH), a program to provide early stimulation for children ages 0-5.

Look - we have a cabinet! Jenn is able to keep supplies in this cabinet, in a locked room at Mi Cometa. We are so appreciative of the space to keep track of our Scholars' materials!

I peeked into the room where CNH operates, and I met one of our Scholars (Geovanny, middle) and one of our huge supporters from CNH! Many of the staff members at CNH recommended certain families for Jenn to visit - in total, she checked out almost 50 houses to elect the 28 Starfish Scholars!

THANKS ... For keeping this space clean, "remember that cleanliness is part of good living."

"We care for the environment." Mi Cometa and Starfish share many values!

View from the roof of Mi Cometa. You can see for miles!

One location of many Guasmo Starfish meetings.

Another view from the roof of Mi Cometa. It was so peaceful up there - a great place to sit and think!

The bulletin board for Adopta Una Familia (AUF). The program works with families in the area to have "minga" - joint clean-up sessions - where everyone pitches in to build a house for one of the families. AUF works closely with a church in Connecticut to sponsor and support this effort.

Jenn and I with Marjorie, one of the AUF social workers and promoters. Marjorie has SO much energy - she made me feel right at home!

Thanks to Mi Cometa for a wonderful visit! I also learned a lot about the music school at night and their new efforts to care for street kids in 2013. I appreciate every one of you and all the work you are doing so much. God bless you all!

--Beth Awalt, Co-Founder

The Starfish Foundation, Inc.