Bibliotecas, Cooperativas, y Fiestas

Although things are starting to slow down a bit in December before the impending holiday break, the past month has been an interesting mixture of the usual busy schedule along with some unique developments. Several weeks ago, I finally completed one of our big micro-finance goals for the first half of my year here. In that time, we've been working with our community partner, the Cooperativa Esperanza y Progreso del Valle (EPV), on their application to the Red Financiera Rural (RFR). The RFR is a network of Ecuadorian micro-finance institutions that helps its member institutions obtain funding for their micro-credit operations. Additionally, the RFR offers a consulting service to its members seeking to improve their operations and institute industry best practices. Because RFR membership would greatly enhance EPV's micro-credit component, I have been actively pushing them to apply for months and helping them acquire all necessary materials. My efforts finally culminated when I accompanied EPV's manager, Fabián Gualotuña, into to Quito to formally submit the complete application. We should hear back soon from the RFR, so hopefully it will be good news!

Our library project has been the other big area to which I've been devoting a large amount of my time lately. Starting in early November, I began background research on logistics and general library operations in developing countries, searched for funds, and completed a formal project proposal to keep us on track and outline our plan to donors and community partners. After the first stage was completed, Mark and I began discussing our ideas with community leaders. The response so far has been promising; the leaders of EPV immediately jumped on board with the project and have been very supportive ever since.

Future Home of the Chillos Valley Public Library

This past Thursday evening, we finally had a meeting with 15 interested citizens who are a part of EPV's Committee on Education. The locals present included EPV's president and manager, lenders and partners of the cooperative, neighborhood presidents and vice-presidents, concerned parents, and other community leaders. Honestly, I was slightly shocked as we walked into the meeting to see over a dozen such community members in attendance. After Fabián introduced us, we discussed our ideas for the project and answered their questions, most of which were thought-provoking and practical. In the end though, they were all behind the project and really seemed to like the idea.

In the next two weeks, we are all going to continue searching for locals willing to take an active role in the project and will hold the first meeting of the Library Committe in mid-December. After our holiday break ends in early January, we will collect books and other materials. Assuming everything stays on schedule, the Chillos Valley's first public lending library will open in March 2009 just in time for the arrival of spring break volunteer groups.

And as if this excitement hasn't been enough to keep us energized, the last few weeks have also been full of many chévere (cool) cultural outings around Quito. From relaxing in high-altitude hot springs, eating my inaugural coconut-encrusted Ecuadorian trout, soaking up the excitement of my first Latin American soccer match, and witnessing bullfights south of the equator for the first time, I've been lucky to be a part of many new cultural events recently. And more is still to come, as the week is the annual Fiestas de Quito, celebrating Quito's independence from Spain, with festivals all over the city. As the local cry says, Viva Quito!

If you would like to consider donating to the library project, please email me at dunc@mannaproject.org for more information.