Cotopaxi Province, Ecuador—An inspiring story of transformation unfolds in the remote farming village of Estero de Damas, situated in the Andean highlands and surrounded by lush green valleys and dramatic volcanic landscapes. This small community, known for its cassava, bananas, and cocoa beans, has long relied on agriculture to sustain its hardworking families. Yet, despite their dedication, the village’s children have faced significant barriers to accessing quality education. Today, thanks to the efforts of Save the Children of the Developing World (SCDW) and the vision of one of its leaders, Quilindaña Primary School is experiencing a profound and long-awaited change.
Alexander Manzaba, an SCDW’s Programs Committee member, has deep roots in Estero de Damas. His parents were born in the village, and he spent his childhood within its close-knit community. Manzaba fondly remembers attending Quilindaña Primary School, where a single teacher, Hugo Iza, taught all six grades in one modest classroom:
“He was my hero. He made learning exciting and encouraged us to dream beyond the limits of our village.”
Despite those fond memories, the challenges of growing up in a resource-strapped school became clear when Manzaba entered high school in a nearby city. Faced with unfamiliar tools like computers, he often felt unprepared. This experience stayed with him for years and ultimately motivated him to ensure that future generations from his village would not face the same struggles.
When Manzaba joined SCDW, he saw an opportunity to make a difference in his hometown. In collaboration with the organization’s leadership, he contacted one of Quilindaña’s teachers, Priscila Parra, to understand the students’ most pressing needs. Parra identified two key areas: computer literacy and music education. Many students would later struggle in high school due to a lack of basic digital skills, and Parra believed that structured music lessons could nurture their untapped creativity. With this knowledge, Manzaba proposed a project to SCDW, which embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Months of planning culminated in a day of celebration that will be remembered by the entire community.
The delivery of educational materials to Quilindaña Primary School was nothing short of transformative. Parents, teachers, and students gathered eagerly to receive the donations, which included five computers, headphones, zithers for music lessons, globes, storybooks, puzzles, anatomical models, and even a gurney to support health and safety efforts. For many of the children, it was their first time seeing such resources, and their excitement was palpable. They eagerly traced maps on the globes, pieced together puzzles, and examined the intricate details of the human skeleton and organ models. These new tools were more than just supplies—they were symbols of hope and opportunity, offering the students a glimpse of possibilities far beyond their village.
For Quilindaña, the arrival of computers was particularly momentous. Teachers have already begun designing lessons to integrate digital literacy into the curriculum, ensuring students develop essential skills for high school and beyond. The zithers, too, are opening new doors. Music workshops are being organized, and the students are excited to explore melodies and express themselves creatively. Parra, who has long dreamed of enriching her students’ education, sees these additions as a turning point:
“La educación es una herramienta fundamental e imprescindible para vivir una vida sostenible”
Translation: "Education is a fundamental and essential tool for living a sustainable life."
Manzaba’s commitment to the community went beyond simply delivering supplies. He made a point to source the materials from small businesses and workshops in Quito, supporting Ecuador’s local economy while fulfilling the school’s needs. Reflecting on the project, he expressed both pride in his roots and gratitude to SCDW for making it possible:
“Delivering the donations was moving and fulfilling, I saw myself in every child that day. It’s an investment in the future of these children and their community. Seeing their joy and curiosity reminded me of my childhood and the hope I always carried in my heart.”
As the children of Quilindaña explore their new resources and embrace opportunities once unimaginable, the community looks ahead with optimism. SCDW remains committed to supporting projects like this, focusing on sustainability and continued growth. The story of Quilindaña Primary School stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the profound difference that can be made when a community comes together with a shared vision. In Estero de Damas, the future is brighter than ever, and the seeds of progress are taking root.
About Save the Children of the Developing World (SCDW): SCDW is a NJ Nonprofit Corporation based in Bayonne, New Jersey and managed by a group of diverse, young adults who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children living in third-world countries by providing them with the tools to pursue their interests and become the person they dream to be. They have been ranked Platinum on Guidestar—a nonprofit information service—for being transparent on their different projects and how they have worked towards fulfilling their mission.