Goal: $10,000

$285 raised so far,   $9,715 to go! Fundraising Deadline: 9/30/2013

Few countries in the world weave together so magnificently their past and present such as Ecuador.  Ecuador's spectacular ancient cultures along with its rich history mirrors the diversity of its landscape. Like much of South America, Ecuadorian culture blends the influences of Spanish colonialism with the resilient traditions of pre-Columbian peoples.

Ecuador's modern history has had its struggles.  A long-standing, internal dispute between the administrative and political capital, Quito,  and the financial center, Guayaquil, has at times boiled over into violence.  In the beginning of the 1900s, leaders on both cities were assassinated, and military dictators ruled the country until the 1970s.  Ecuador returned to democracy in 1979 and free elections have continued since; however, Quito, and the small villages that surround it, have paid a high price for democracy and continue to struggle with high poverty rates, inadequate basic housing and pressing education and health care needs.

Your much needed tax-deductible donation to the Ecuador General Program Fund goes towards projects that the community has identified as essential to their long-term human and economic development.  Projects that address poverty, help provide basic housing and making needed repairs to community buildings, as well as basic educational needs such as textbooks and training materials and health care education.  All are critical and essential to helping this community realize the fullness of its potential.

If you are interested in learning more about how you can take a more active role in raising funds and awareness for Ecuador, please contact Jennifer Scribner via phone at 1-800-487-1074 or email at jscribner@globalvolunteers.org.