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Construction of the Inta-Cara Advancing Life Center, a vocational school, got underway in July and August 2017 when 50+ volunteers headed to the Intag region of Ecuador with the Advancing Life Foundation and CHOICE Humanitarian.
The Intag region is a remote farming and mining community in the Andes in northern Ecuador.
Its roughly 17,000 inhabitants sparsely populate mountainous agricultural lands. Most college-age youth in the region, as high as 90 percent, are not attending college because the area simply does not have educational institutions. The vocational school will not only provide immediate opportunities for higher learning; it will create greater long-term self-sufficiency as students learn valuable skills.
Graduates are expected to be able to significantly increase their contributions to their communities as well as increase their income, some by as much as two or three times.
Despite the need for the school, local governments were hesitant to put budget money toward the project. The expeditioners’ work, however, was enough to capture attention. Government leaders have now pledged their commitment to the project and are directing budget money to help further the cause. They have even committed to develop the public road to the school.
The ASEA Advancing Life Foundation provides both funding and manpower to support the efforts of charities around the world. In third world situations, we partner with organizations which address issues such as extreme poverty or who partner with local villagers to develop clean water, infrastructure, and ongoing education. In other parts of the world where that is not an issue, we seek out partners that support the needs and relief of children and families in need.
James Eckburg
