Q & A

Tuesday, July 3, 2007

Is the water safe to drink, or do you have to take precautions? a rising 5th grader from Jonathan Valley Elementary, Haywood Co.

We carry bottled water with us at all times. A few hotels have told us the water is safe, but we still take precautions. We use bottled water to brush our teeth and try not to eat foods that are uncooked and or that have been washed in local water.

What sort of facilities do the schools have for physical education for the students in Ecuador? from Brevard Middle School, Transylvania Co.

The three schools we’ve seen have had minimal equipment. Two had black-top areas, several have had soccer fields and one had a volley ball net. We saw a coach leading a soccer practice in El Cerrito.

Will you have any opportunities to meet indigenous people? a teacher from Buies Creek Elementary School, Harnett Co.

Part of our mission here is to interact with local people in order to understand their culture. We have been overwhelmed with the warmth, kindness and hospitality of all the Ecuadorian people we have met. Some highlights include:

• A wonderful day in Morochos during a fiesta. We danced with the local people and joined the village for a fabulous meal.
• We spent a morning in Paraiso and shared science activities with teachers and students. We also met local education administrators that day and had (another) wonderful lunch that was hosted by the villagers.
• We have visited three wonderful farms in different locations and have sampled some of their delicious products. The farmers have worked with Heifer to create sustainable agricultural projects.

What have you seen during your tours of different farms? a 4th grader from Rolesville Elementary, Wake Co.

We have seen horses, cows, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs, worms (for vermicomposting) and a super colossal size pig. Crops we have seen include sugar cane, coffee, bananas, yucca and chocolate.

<< Previous | 2007 Q & A Home | Next >>