New GVI Phoenix staff joining Ecuador

There is a new team managing the Phoenix Project in Ecuador to help continue the legacy of GVI Phoenix support in three local indigenous communities, Urcusiqui, Huayrapungo and Larcacunga. Tracey comes here from Guatemala, having worked with GVI for 18 months, first as a volunteer and then as a Project Manager – a role she is continuing in Ecuador, along with overseeing the work in Urcusiqui.

Colleen is interning at the school in Huayrapungo where she volunteered 2 years ago, and our other intern, Morgan, also a returning Ecuador volunteer, is working at the Larcacunga School. Both are qualified teachers so the current volunteers are getting the benefit of some great ideas and guidance.

By the way, did you notice a common theme there? All of them were bitten by the GVI bug when volunteering, and can’t stay away!



There are so many things to love about the work here in Ecuador – being hit first thing in the morning by a child running full velocity to greet you; the smiles and cheery ‘Buenos Días’ you get from people in the communities; travelling up into the stunning Andes mountains to go to work each day; having a little boy fall asleep on you, tired from all the excitement of his first day at school.

Or how about hearing a child talk excitedly about how they want to carry on and learn more at High School, but can’t go because their family doesn’t have the money to spare – and then seeing their delight when they are given the chance to continue their education through donations made by generous volunteers, friends and families to the GVI Charitable Trust.

What a privilege for us all to be a part of the lives of the children and families in these three rural indigenous communities in Ecuador. Keep an eye on the blog for updates and news about how the projects are going – or better yet, come on out and see for yourselves!

New GVI Phoenix staff joining Ecuador