Education Equals Hope: Ecuador, Final Reflections
A Travelogue by Tracey Beeker – PART 4 ~ Conclusion
Earlier this year, Good Company had the good fortune to begin working with Education Equals Hope, a nonprofit organization whose mission and passion is to promote education for children in desperate and difficult places. Our charter is to help E=H develop a strategic vision that raises awareness and financial support for the organization. Because cause immersion is a very effective way to inspire nonprofit brand strategy one of our associates, Tracey Beeker traveled to Quito, Ecuador to witness first-hand the inspirational work achieved by the organization. The following is the final excerpt of a four-part travelogue series describing her experience, and the work done by Education Equals Hope and its community partners:
May 18, 2011: Shopping at the Otavalo Market
Today is market day. We travel two hours outside of Quito to a place called Otavalo. The scenery on the way is wonderful – rich flowing hills, pasture land, and the volcanoes clear in the distance.Otavalo has an outdoor market on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Artisans from nearby communities sell goods ranging from beautiful Alpaca wools to gauzy cotton shirts and pants. There is an abundance of blankets, sweaters, hats and scarves. In addition, there is much jewelry and hand painted items. One of the goals of Education Equals Hope is to sell products from Ecuador in the U.S. with the proceeds going to child sponsorship. I love this idea. It helps people of Ecuador know their value and worth, while helping children go to school. We benefit from the incredible workmanship of the items sold. Cause commerce at its best!
Tonight we dine at the home of Cameron and Roberto Vivanco. They have an amazing flat with incredible views of Quito. Dinner is simple and delicious and includes chicken and rice, fried plantains, and fresh fruit for dessert. Dana brings the brownies! The gang’s all here including Cameron, Laura, Dana and Sarah from Youth World. Dinner together is a wonderful way to celebrate the fellowship that has been exchanged this week. Again, I’m reminded of my good fortune for having been invited by Chip to go on this incredible journey!
May 19, 2011: Reflections
I’m traveling back to the U.S. Connections are tight in Houston but I’m able to make my flight to Saint Louis. Along the way I cry. Despite poverty, alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, and lack of city services, the people I’ve met this week persevere through difficult circumstances. They are happy. They are resilient. They are hopeful for a better tomorrow. I’m reminded of the good of organizations such as Education Equals Hope and their community partners do to ensure this trend grows and continues. I am humbled. I’m sad to leave such a rich culture behind yet am anxious to see Paul and learn of my family. I have been blessed to be part of this vision team and hope to continue to support the work done by such dedicated and passionate people.
If you would like to learn more about Education Equals Hope, please visit their website at: www.educationequalshope.org. You can also “like” them on Facebook to stay up to date on their success in Ecuador and Haiti. To inquire about my personal journey, feel free to send me a note to: tracey.beeker@goodcomarketing.com.
