My name is Victoria and I am in a small fishing village on the coast of Ecuador teaching English with the goal of helping the youth earn scholarships abroad and pursue their dream career. I am also teaching piano for those who wish to serve in Praise and Worship in the Casa de Dios, a church led by Pastor Fabian Buenaventura.

The Buenaventura family home serves as a community hub, where the pueblo goes for a warm meal, a class, soccer practice, or a Bible study. I was thinking we could buy a keyboard for the Buenaventura house, a place that the girls are able to safely walk to and practice at any time. There is a keyboard at the church; however, the church is not within walking distance for the girls. Also, the church’s keyboard recently broke, so the fund will go to fix the church keyboard as well.

Aside from a piano, I believe we can contribute to education here in Pacoche as well, while simultaneously providing a group of girls with a tutoring job. There is only one teacher for around 40 students across 5 grades, so the Buenaventura family and girls from the community give extra classes to the children to supplement their education. Any extra funding will go to support these classes while providing a source of income to young adults.

Because I am here on an independent mission trip, 100% of the funds will go directly to the community without going through an organization first.