1000 Books to Foster a Love of Learning

CEO, Matt Collins, visits Ecuador and thanks all who support Spirit of Wellness.

Early childhood learning centers operate in many of the rural coastal communities in Ecuador. 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.

In Ecuador, medical care, in theory, is available to all of her citizens, free of charge. However, in practice, this is not the case. Costs for anything except the most basic, routine care must be borne by the individual. This means that many go without necessary, often life-saving, medical attention. 

Spirit of Wellness partners with community members to support individuals who need basic medical equipment or medicine that can make a difference to their quality of life and ability to pursue their educational opportunities. 

The Olón Community Foodbank, a program of Spirit of Wellness, serves over 36 beneficiary families during each bi-monthly distribution. 

In addition, everyone who visits on distribution day is provided with staples, funding permitted. And nearly all who visit, help with the distribution process contributing to the feeling of community participation and joy.

The Foodbank is not just a place to receive much needed staples. It also is a place to gather as a community for friendship and support. 

Everyone pitches in on distribution day.

Generous donations provide our deserving beneficiaries with more than just food: household items, clothing and reading glasses.