If you have visited Mojandita, you know how exceptional this region is. There is great beauty here, in both the natural landscape and in the people who live here. But economically, life in the countryside is hard. Even though people work the land day in and day out, many live on the fringes of poverty. Jobs are scarce, there are few government services and, even though the land is fertile, it is always a struggle to support a family from subsistence farming.
Our rural mountain community of Mojandita-Curuví and neighboring Mojanda Mirador have over a thousand residents, about half indigenous Otavalans and half mestizo. Most community residents speak Spanish and Quichua, but there are some elders who speak only Quichua. The community spans fifteen kilometers along the steep road from Otavalo to the Mojanda Lakes.
The focal point of this disperse community is located just half a mile down the cobblestone road from Casa Mojanda. It consists of the rural school Federico González Suárez, a community meeting house, a Community Clinic, a Guarderia (daycare facility), a school kitchen and dining room, and several organic gardens worked by community members.
Lifelong Learning in the Campo: A Goal of Casa Mojanda
Almost from its inception, Casa Mojanda has worked closely with the Federico González Suárez School, a rural public school which serves many families of Mojandita. As a tiny rural school, it was sorely lacking in basic materials and supplies, particularly books. Supporters have for several years donated Spanish children’s books, math materials, maps, learning games and puzzles, globes, art supplies, typewriters and athletic equipment, as well as built furniture, painted and insulated deteriorated classrooms.
In addition, Casa Mojanda´s volunteers have given classes in music, art, reading and English. We have offered classes in environmental education, stressing the importance of preserving our very unique ecosystem and natural resources. An organic vegetable garden was also started at the school, with the aim of providing fresh produce for the children’s breakfasts and lunches. Many Casa Mojanda guests have brought their skills, talents and love of children to the Mojandita school, and have become part of a dynamic new teaching and learning experience in Mojandita.
The Community Library In Ecuador, the price of books is well out of reach for most rural Ecuadorians. And while most graduates from primary school have learned to read, the sad fact is that the majority of rural folk cannot afford to buy books. For this reason, we are now funding a small library and cultural center for both adults and children in the Mojandita community. Any donation of Spanish books would be most welcome. Please contact Casa Mojanda for further information.
What can you do to help? As always, your ideas and contributions are most welcome. Our work depends financially on voluntary contributions from those who support our goals. Financial contributions of any amount will be gratefully received and will be used to directly fund community projects. Likewise any clothes, or goods suitable for use in the school or health center you can bring yourselves (if visiting Ecuador) would be very welcome. Please contact us for an up-to-date list of local needs. And please pass along this information and website address to friends who may be in a position to help. For your kind support, past, present and future – Muchas Gracias!
