Did you know it’s very uncommon for libraries in Ecuador to lend books? In Ecuadorian libraries, you go, look at the book, and then you leave it there. You’re not allowed to take it home. MPI’s library is a really cool thing we’re offering and I’d love to see it expand. There are so many options - perhaps a book bus that takes books into the community...there are so many things we could do with literacy in Sangolqui.
I don’t want to make a generalized statement, but it is very rare to see Ecuadorian kids picking up a book and reading it outside of school - I don’t think it’s because they don’t want to, I just think it’s because they just don’t have access to books. Books are expensive, and the majority are imported. Reading is not a priority for families because they don’t realize the benefit. I’d really like to talk about literacy with the community - literacy and what happens when people are literate. Not just limited to education, but also to self-esteem and awareness. There are so many good things that come from being literate, so I’m really, really excited about the library.
When I was in the Peace Corps and they were so against us teaching English, it was very strange because that is what people were requesting. I’m so happy to see now that English is being offered by volunteer organizations because English is important for business and being able to travel. It opens up the world to people.
Do you see a high demand here for English instruction?
Yes, definitely. English is our most attended, most successful program. It’s what draws people in. The majority aren’t coming because of the library or our cooking class; they’re coming because they want to do English class. Then they get involved in our other programs.
I sometimes get the question, “Why do you teach English? Isn’t that kind of imperialistic?” From the perspective of community, what would you say to people asking that question?
If you look at Europe, for instance, so many people are tri-lingual. I’m in no way saying English is better than Spanish; it’s just the language that is used in business. Maybe eventually we can have Chinese classes, but right now this is the language that is used the most. The people who come to class really want to be here. People want English classes, for sure.
What do you think - for our volunteers - is the biggest take away from their time with Manna?
The intercultural exchange, and really learning about the Ecuadorian culture and understanding the importance of family, of time. I’ve talked to people in the States who have no concept of how people live in Latin America. It’s totally normal to have three generations living in one house. It’s not like in the U.S., how kids leave the house at 17 or 18 and they are ready to go take on the world. That doesn’t happen here. Kids stay at home until they graduate from college or they get married. I was 21 when I was here in the Peace Corps, and it influenced how I am as a parent and an adult, how I try to form relationships with people. I think that that’s the Ecuadorian cultural influence on me. I think the volunteers take a lot from being so young and being able to be part of this culture of connection.
Peace Corps volunteers receive a stipend and people ask us, “Why would I pay to go and have this experience?” What would you say to someone who is considering the Program Director position and finds finances an obstacle?
When I joined the Peace Corps, I had three months of training with my group, but then I was totally on my own. I had support from the main office, but it wasn’t like it is with Manna. From what I’ve seen, Manna is one of the least expensive programs someone can do, and for above average experiences. That’s the benefit of Manna: you get so much more than what you’re actually paying for. Aside from just a healthy, safe place to live, we have stable, reliable programs you can be involved in and constant support and career development. Even though I was paid to be in the Peace Corps, I definitely had to use my own money for extra little things. But I look at it as - you could do an unpaid internship in the States, but you will not get the experience that you get here of cultural immersion, hands-on experience. You will not have the same autonomy and independence and opportunities to do so many different things as you do here. When you look at the cost versus value and relationships, Manna wins!
What was your impression stepping into the Director position mid-year?
I’m excited. I’m glad about the timing, because the Program Directors that are here now are teaching me so much about what we are doing now and what we can do better. What did they like, what didn’t they like? Because I am a new face and they leave in the next six weeks, they have been completely honest about the year and feel there’s no pressure about what they can say. I’m excited because these conversations are going to help the next group in what we’re able to do together.