Just for the Girls

Thursday evening was an extremely rewarding experience for those of us involved with and interested in women's programs here in Ecuador. I always enjoy Lucy's zumba class, but this week was extra special. We moved our hips to Spanish hits in a room packed almost to capacity with Ecuadorian women and our American volunteers. Summer intern Jeanine did an incredible job taking on three songs towards the end of class, showing off her natural dancing abilities and an enthusiastic smile.

After class we had planned a Women Only health charla to talk about children's nutrition, and then segway into an idea we've had to start a bi-monthly women's club to establish more personal relationships with our female community members and talk about the type of things that come up when there aren't any men around! We were nervous about the charla, since we were trying out a new time and idea, and we weren't sure how many people would show up. Our nerves were soon eased as we walked into the Preventative Health Center to a group of 11 smiling women, eager to talk about nutrition, and try whatever strange American dish we had cooked up this time.

We discussed why children's nutrition is important, and ways to reinforce healthy eating habits while kid's are still young. The women had a lot of thoughtful feedback and asked some great questions. Teaching nutrition in a different culture is always an interesting challenge. Although the chalra went well, the women were mostly just confused by our broccoli and cheese served with cabbage in pineapple sauce, and I'm not sure they will be serving it up to their kid's anytime soon. They ate it politely and some said they enjoyed it... and we learned that Ecuadorians have myths about mixing salty and sweet.

After eating, Jenni stood up to introduce our idea of a "girls only club" which the women laughed at, but seemed generally interested in. They came up with several topics they would like to discuss at future meetings, such as how to talk about sex with their children, and how to get along with their teenagers. A library neighbor and women's exercise participant Ximena also requested a club field trip, which sounds like a lot of fun... especially when we tell the boys they aren't allowed to go!

Summer intern Jeanine leading the zumba class 

PD Janine leading the charla on children's nutrition 

Enjoying their vegetables

Recent Developments in SBD

Initial class of successful loan recipients

The end of the first ever loan cycle of our micro-finance project was a resounding success with a 100% repayment from all five of our loan recipients. Both the loan recipients and members of the Small Business Development program were extremely pleased with the work and progress we made that we have decided to give another round of loans to the small producers in Jatumpungo. However, before we go full steam ahead with the next cycle, we, with the help of our three summer interns helping with the program, have taken a step back and listened to the project participants on how to improve the next cycle.

Manna has had such a positive impact in Jatumpungo, not just with the loans but with the agriculture program and volunteer groups helping out in the fields, that our reputation has spread throughout the small barrio. Therefore, more members of the community would like loans and we are currently trying to raise more money and researching potential candidates to expand the group from five to eight or nine recipients. They have also requested business classes to help them manage and expand what they do with their produce. With a curriculum prepared by a Vanderbilt micro-finance volunteer group, we plan to start giving weekly classes to anyone in the community who wants to attend. Manna is also looking into purchasing a tent to rent out to the farmers so that they can sell their produce at a small market in July set up by the Patronato.

Finally, the tight knit community has come up with a few long term goals. They are currently attending classes on bee and honey production and want to set up a community initiative creating honey products to sell at the local markets. They also have floated the idea of starting a community run restaurant. Needless to say, Manna has inspired this small rural community to dream big and have helped them accomplish a few of their aspirations already. We look forward to continuing work in Jatumpungo and hopefully expanding to another community one day as well.

PD Interview: Polly Jean

Full Name: Polly Jean Colgan

Home Town: Westport, CT

College and Major: Vanderbilt University, Political Science and Psychology

1. What programs do you run?

I am involved in Children's English, Children's Art, Children's Nutrition, and Small Business Development. (I like children.)

2. If you had to pick one, which is your favorite and why?

I can't pick just one. My two favorite programs are Children's English and Small Business Development. I love Children's English because my kids are for the most part psychos and it entertains me to no end. I can also make them do really funny things in the name of learning (i.e. lie on the floor and use their limbs as clock hands as I shout out times), which also entertains me to no end. Small Business Development, on the other hand, is a great break from the under-10 crowd and it's been really rewarding to see the success of our microfinance project.

3. How did you hear about Manna and what made you want to join?

I heard about Manna as a spring break option at Vanderbilt. After participating in one of these spring break trips as a sophomore, I became pretty involved with Vandy's chapter over the next couple years. I knew I wanted to do something unique and travel-oriented before settling down for a "real job" so Manna seemed like a great option.

4. Is there something from your experience so far that has caught you off guard?

The lack of good coffee within this country. For a place that produces some of the best coffee in the world, you're hard pressed to find a non-instant cup o' joe.

5. How are you finding the burden of living with 9 extra people in the house?

I think it's a bit of a burden, but also a fun addition to the house. While I love all my fellow PDs, it is nice having some new faces and energy around. Plus we are really lucky to have a great group of summer vols (and I'm not just saying that because they might read this) who will watch (and by watch I mean dance and sing along to) Beyonce and old school Usher videos with me. Having to interact with that many more people in the mornings, though, is starting to take its toll... but we all know mornings aren't my strong suit. 

6. What is your favorite meal to cook for dinner?

My favorite thing to cook is anything new that I haven't tried cooking before. But my go-to meal would have to be pesto pasta with chicken and roasted red peppers. Yum.

7. Who's more talented Beyonce or Jesus? Explain.

More talented? Easy. Beyonce. Just watch the Love on Top video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob7vObnFUJc.

8. Do you have a favorite place to eat or hang out in Sangolqui?

TGIFridays. I sound so uncultured but that buffalo wings, potato skins, mozz stick combo plate is just heaven.

9. Should we get a new dog or cat? Elaborate.

DOG. I can't even begin to explain why dogs are just so much better than cats. I'm pretty upset that we didn't just go to the market and buy one a few months ago... at this point I don't think I'd have it in me to part with a pup just 3 short months from now.

10. What do you think is the best thing you will take away from your experience with Manna?

I think the friendships I've made here are the best thing I'll take away. The experience of living, working, and socializing with such a small group of people creates such a unique bond that I think will last for many years to come.

11. What impact do you hope to leave on Manna?

I hope I can impact the people living in this house to be very wary of the mold and fungus growth on the walls and fruit. It's not okay, guys.

12. What has been your favorite place you've visited in Ecuador as well as in South America? How did the two countries compare to one another? What has impressed you the most about Ecuador? What would you change to better the country?

This is a long question. My favorite place I've visited in Ecuador would probably be Canoa, which is why I'm so excited we're going back this weekend! I also loved our trip to Cotopaxi, and felt very accomplished (and surprised) that I was able to manage the hike to the glacier line - outdoorsy-ness tends not to be my forte. Outside of Ecuador, Buenos Aires is definitely my favorite place I've visited in South America. The steak alone really just made the trip. Argentina and Ecuador are such different places, and almost impossible to compare. From the one little bit of Argentina that I was able to see, I found it much more cosmopolitan than most of Ecuador. 

One of the things that has impressed me most about Ecuador is the natural beauty. Everywhere I've been - passing through the Andes, spotting snow-capped volcanoes, swimming in the ocean or sunbathing on the sprawling beaches, overlooking a river in the jungle - I've been struck by how beautiful my surroundings are. That's not say it's perfect... in fact, one of the the things I would change to better the country is get rid of the trash and waste that people casually toss anywhere they want. I don't think people in this country necessarily realize how lucky they are to be living in such a beautiful place, and they treat their surroundings as if they're nothing special. 

Summer Interns

The first summer session of interns arrived this weekend and we've kept them busy their first few days. I'm actually in charge of this group but due to a scheduling conflict I was in the States for their first weekend and Jenni graciously took the helm. After a weekend exploring Quito, the group of nine college interns have chosen their projects, programs, and partner orgs and have started off their first week running. Be on the lookout for their blog posts throughout the month in the Summer Session 1 tab.

Best,

Jefferson

Summer Session 1 interns at Capilla del Hombre with Heather, Jenni and Joey

Planting Seeds

What started with a few seeds, egg cartons, and some of our very own compost, has now turned into a healthy, producing garden!

 Our little project.

Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Tomatoes - Oh my!

Jefferson and I are in charge of the Agriculture Program here with MPI Ecuador.  We work with a local special needs school, Antorcha de Vida, one of our partner organizations, maintaining their gardens, planting new crops, and hanging out with the faculty and students.  We also have done some work with the loan recipients in our Micro Financing Program, assisting with their agricultural projects all the while strengthening our relations within the community.  

When we first arrived and were choosing our programs, both of us expressed interest but had never started our own gardens before.  I worked on a large vegetable farm throughout high school and helped my mom in her gardens during the summers.  Jefferson did some of his own projects, growing potatoes and tomatoes in his younger days.  However, moving into such a large house with plenty of space, rich soil (you can put anything in the grown here and it will grow, not to take away from our efforts), and being in the "Ag" program, we figured there was no better time to start then here in Ecaudor!

Now we have planters full of basil, parsley, cilantro with about five tomato plants in the ground.  Just last night, when Madeleine and I were cooking, the recipe called for some cilantro and basil.  After a quick trip outback our needs were fulfilled; fresh from garden to our plates.  

Let your garden grow, folks! Until next time..

Pete