The Little Stars of Knowledge Early Learning Center

In the heart of the rural community of San Pedro, Ecuador, a remarkable transformation has been unfolding at the Little Stars of Knowledge (LSK) Early Learning Center. 

At the helm of this journey is the center's dedicated director, Patty, whose mission to improve the facility for the 40 one to three-year-old children it serves has touched the lives of many.

For years, the LSK Center faced numerous challenges that hindered its ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for its young learners. However, Patty's unwavering dedication, combined with the ongoing support and partnership with Spirit of Wellness, has brought about significant positive changes.

One of the most essential improvements has been the upgrade of the center's facilities. Thanks to Patty's vision and Spirit of Wellness's commitment, the children at LSK now enjoy safe and functioning bathrooms. No longer do they have to worry about the basics of hygiene, which is essential for their well-being and development.

Another critical issue that Patty tackled was the persistent problem of leaking roofs. The children and staff no longer have to endure the discomfort and inconvenience of rainy days inside the center. With new, watertight roofs, the learning environment is now cozy and dry, allowing for focused, uninterrupted learning experiences.

Furthermore, Patty and her team have provided the children with stable tables and chairs, enhancing their comfort and making it easier for them to engage in educational activities. These simple yet vital upgrades have created a more conducive learning atmosphere, ensuring that the children can thrive in their early educational journey.

The progress made at LSK is truly heartening, and the joy on the faces of the children says it all.

Don't miss the children's smiles as they jump and run across their newly installed grass.

Patty's passion for improving the Little Stars of Knowledge Early Learning Center has become a beacon of hope for the community of San Pedro. Through her unwavering commitment and the invaluable partnership with Spirit of Wellness, the children of LSK are receiving the care and support they deserve, setting them on a path to a brighter future.

Early childhood learning centers operate in many of the rural coastal communities in Ecuador where the government provides the building and loving teachers, but not much else. This means that the facilities are often woefully inadequate. Many buildings do not have electricity, weather resistant roofs or operating bathroom facilities. Yet, despite these conditions, invariably, what visitors notice are the bright and cheerful wall displays in the immaculate and orderly classrooms filled with happy and engaged children.

It is remarkable what these extrodnary teachers and school administrators accomplish with so little. And with just a little more support, they can accomplish even more. That's where organizations such as Spirit of Wellness can make an impact.

Patty Rodriquez, Director of the center in San Pedro, had hopes of working bathrooms near the classrooms so that the 40 students who attend the center would not have to be carried through rain and slick mud to bathrooms that did not have consistently operating toilets or sinks. 

After sharing her concerns with the Spirit of Wellness team and supplying a well-researched proposal for the construction, the team got to work securing funding for the project and a were rewarded with contributions from donors who recognized the importance of adequate facilities.

                                                         Dreams + Resources = Success

                                           --the rallying cry of the Spirit of Wellness team!

Patty, the teachers, the parents and especially the children now have safe, operational bathrooms that will foster an atmosphere of learning ensuring brighter futures.