Ecuador Programs

At MPIE, all of our programs build upon the existing assets, resources and capacities available in the communities where we work, and fall into three asset-based categories.

Empower individuals through programs that develop their capacities to advance economically and educationally, and to become leaders in their communities.

Strengthen institutions by working alongside them to introduce best practices, connect them to national and international resources, and expand their services.

Build networks by creating stronger links among community members, connecting people to local institutions, and promoting inter-institutional collaboration.

Progress Report– 2010 and 2011

• There are currently 307 “socios,” or members of the library.

• Over 1,600 visits were made to the library in the 4th quarter of the 2010-2011 program year, at an average of 17 individuals utilizing the space per day.  This represents a 94% increase over the first quarter of the year.

• Socios checked out almost 500 books during this period.

• Currently the 16 programs host 531 participants.

• The preventative health program continues to host monthly talks about specific health subjects and also offers classes in cooking at our Centro and nutrition classes at a local school.

• 8 small businesses have so far received free financial and accounting advice from the small business development program.

• 5 women’s exercise classes are offered per week with different themes on every day.

• A popular educational summer camp was for children was hosted inconjunction with Añamisi, a local organic agricultural cooperative.

• Agriculture program partners program directors with a local organic farming cooperative, where program directors work in conjunction with local farmers and help deliver produce to markets.

• The teen center, a space exclusively for young people in the library, continues providing a safe environment for teens 5 days a week.  Last year the MPIE team provided 44 hours of constructed activity for the teens, in the form of field trips and movie nights.