Funds for rural Ecuadorian students
Donation protected
Raising funds for transportation, lodging, and food for 68 people (58 students and 10 adults supervisors) from the rural community of San Juan Bosco, Ecuador, to visit 4 Universities in the city of Cuenca, 4 hours away by bus. The trip requires two buses, an overnight stay in Cuenca, so students can learn about the 4 different Universities in Cuenca, the educational programs they offer, scholarship and financial aid opportunities, and get a first-hand experience talking with students and professors, see classes, and tour the campuses. Two universities will be visited each day, food is provided by local restaurants (Cafe San Sebas and Fabianos Pizzeria), and lodging at the Hotel Valles Del Rio located in the city center. The total amount of funds that are required is $2000: $1200 for transportation, $670 for lodging for 68 people and $128 for 14 pizzas at Fabianos Pizzeria.
Professor Jorge Chamorro says "This is the first time a project like this has been initiated in this area, and I strongly believe it will be a success. Students will see the possibilities that exist in the Universities, learn about which university has the specific degree they are interested in and will gain valuable information in the application process and necessary steps to further their education. Students with interest can then form strategies with their families to be able to enter the Universities. With educated youth, our small town can further its development on social, political, and economic levels. While we don't expect all the students will enter in the universities, maybe a small handful who had no expectations or visions of such possibilities will, and that will make a great impact on their lives, and the future of our town."
Franklin Maldonado, a father of a high school Senior, says "I like the project, it's new, and a great idea that the students begin familiarizing themselves with the universities, that they know the different degrees each offers, and be conscious that this is a feasible option for their future. I would like to thank those who are in front of this project and to all who donate to this project, to give our youth this opportunity, so they can familiarize themselves with the universities and motivate them to continue with their studies, and later to be educated people who can serve their society and community."
High School Valedictorian, Lorena Vargas, "I hope to study Law and become a lawyer. I have cousins that study in Cuenca, so they have given me some information about which University has the program. If I don't go to the university to study, there are not many job opportunities here, which is why a lot of students go to the United States. I want to study, and I hope my fellow classmates will study as well."
In 2006 and 2007, Peace Corps Volunteer David Goucher gave a $1000 scholarship to two valedictorians, Xavier Garzon and Leydi Lopez, a small financial incentive to leave the community and study in Cuenca. Both Xavier and Leydi graduated from Universities, one as an educational psychologist, and the other as a biologist. Both have jobs in the community, with the biologist doing novel studies of biodiversity in the area.
We hope this campaign will inspire the local youth of San Juan Bosco to continue their education in order to contribute to their community and the greater community of Ecuador.
Professor Jorge Chamorro says "This is the first time a project like this has been initiated in this area, and I strongly believe it will be a success. Students will see the possibilities that exist in the Universities, learn about which university has the specific degree they are interested in and will gain valuable information in the application process and necessary steps to further their education. Students with interest can then form strategies with their families to be able to enter the Universities. With educated youth, our small town can further its development on social, political, and economic levels. While we don't expect all the students will enter in the universities, maybe a small handful who had no expectations or visions of such possibilities will, and that will make a great impact on their lives, and the future of our town."
Franklin Maldonado, a father of a high school Senior, says "I like the project, it's new, and a great idea that the students begin familiarizing themselves with the universities, that they know the different degrees each offers, and be conscious that this is a feasible option for their future. I would like to thank those who are in front of this project and to all who donate to this project, to give our youth this opportunity, so they can familiarize themselves with the universities and motivate them to continue with their studies, and later to be educated people who can serve their society and community."
High School Valedictorian, Lorena Vargas, "I hope to study Law and become a lawyer. I have cousins that study in Cuenca, so they have given me some information about which University has the program. If I don't go to the university to study, there are not many job opportunities here, which is why a lot of students go to the United States. I want to study, and I hope my fellow classmates will study as well."
In 2006 and 2007, Peace Corps Volunteer David Goucher gave a $1000 scholarship to two valedictorians, Xavier Garzon and Leydi Lopez, a small financial incentive to leave the community and study in Cuenca. Both Xavier and Leydi graduated from Universities, one as an educational psychologist, and the other as a biologist. Both have jobs in the community, with the biologist doing novel studies of biodiversity in the area.
We hope this campaign will inspire the local youth of San Juan Bosco to continue their education in order to contribute to their community and the greater community of Ecuador.
Organizer
Sanja-Rika Venter
Organizer
