How can you be so strong, efficient, beautiful, and caring all at once?
Lovely and amazing dance teacher at the school in Quito
I can’t begin to guess at the reasons (I mean, I CAN, and I’d bring up the nature of the indigenous people and the division of labor by gender in a largely agrarian economy; the value placed on verbal skills in a country that was dominated by another culture, and another language; the strength of the family unit, and women’s role in that; but that would be pretty uninformed musings) – but I can tell you about some of the delightful women who run some really successful and vital operations there.
- Martina Zurita, director of a center that provides shelter for street kids in Quito.
Martina, a psychologist and social worker, is a bright, efficient young woman who says her work doesn’t make her rich, but does make her heart glad (that sounds much more poetic in Spanish, btw). The center welcomes dozens of street kids during the day (the number fluctuates throughout the school year), and houses about 10 boys overnight.
Martina (right), psychologist and social worker, is all about the street kids
Martina is intimately familiar with the families: where they live (many on the outskirts of the city, in the most basic of huts); where they work (largely on the streets, selling food and gum, juggling); what problems and risks they face (drugs, prostitution, sexually transmitted diseases).
The center embraces the kids and aims to provide programs that will help them in the long run: helping them with academics (homework if they’re in school); teaching them about hygiene, sexual precautions, nutrition; coaching them on living with others; engaging them in group games that include sharing and good values.
A vital part of their work is a microcredit program, which provides small business loans to the families who would be turned down by banks. Mostly women apply for the loans to help with businesses such as hairdressing, crafts, street food.
A place for street kids to learn, socialize, play.
The most difficult part of her work? When the kids return to the streets.
The one thing that would help her work? “Voluntarios.” I swear I’m not making that up. And while really what she means is staff, for this center, that translates to volunteers.
The center receives several volunteers each year, many from European countries; the longer they can stay, the more beneficial for everyone. The volunteers get integrated into the daily routines – such as cleaning up after breakfast, and helping kids with academics; and the kids get to forge and cement bonds with them.
Matt, 17, spent weeks in Quito: at the center for street kids, at Spanish school, in a home stay.
Matt and Rachel were United Planet volunteers for several weeks each at the center, and had an “amazing” experience. Rachel: “I completely love all the boys and girls… Little kids love to be held, I love picking them up and holding them.” Matt: “The best part is when we do the school stuff, and they respond; it’s great when we can help them with that.”
Rachel, 17, loved the chance to give kids attention and affection.
2. Beatriz, director of the public elementary school; Mariana, English teacher at the school
Beatriz is soft-spoken, elegant, and fiercely determined to improve her school, and the opportunities for the students. Since she became the director (principal), the school has, for the first time in many years, garnered a number of prizes (for example, in dancing); and has attracted and retained talented teachers.
Beatriz (center) with Allison from Boston (left) and a dance teacher from Quito
Considered an “experimental” school, it has welcomed United Planet volunteers several times, and has embraced their enthusiasm and hard work. Many days, a physician is on site, and sees patients from the neighborhood.
Beatriz welcomed the teachers from Boston with open arms – and with a wonderful party on the first night of school. There was food (tamales), drink (canelazo, with fierce alcohol), a DJ with a full sound system – and dancing! Beatriz recounted indigenous legends, invited us to enjoy everything that Ecuador has to offer, and danced up a storm.
A gran fiesta at the school in Quito
Mariana, the English teacher, smiles, speaks English well – and whips that class into order. She welcomes the help from the volunteers, as it enables her to take more time on lesson plans, exams, and class preparation.
Mariana crafts her classroom teaching aids by hand…
She was happy to show the tools she’d made by hand: animals cut out of foam sheets, eyeglasses in the shape of animals for the kids to wear, and guess.
3. Jacqueline, head of nursing at the public clinic in Quito
I saw her in action twice: giving vaccines, and sitting at the front desk.
When she talks, everybody listens.
She’s whip smart and fierce in her dedication to babies, children, and parents. She took time from her duties – instructing parents about when to return for boosters, keeping track of dosages, giving the vaccination shots, keeping the charts – to show the visiting nursing students how it’s done.
She took time from a ferociously busy day to show the nursing students from Mesa State how it’s done.
With her old-school nurse’s hat and her efficient demeanor, she had the air of authority and experience that made everyone stand a little straighter.
And more…
They’re everywhere, these women. Selling snacks on the street, in the market stalls, teaching… remarkably strong and resilient.
Businesswoman in Otavalo Market
Nursing student volunteers with medical personnel at clinic in Quito
World’s cutest baby with mom at a clinic in Quito.
If you want that hammock in Otavalo, you’d best bargain for it. Or the ladies will be disappointed…
Love these ladies.
Mom.
ABOUT UNITED PLANET
United Planet is a non-profit organization with a mission to create a global community, one relationship at a time. Established in 2001, United Planet offers volunteer abroad, virtual internships, internships abroad, gap year volunteering, and global virtual exchange in more than 40 countries.
