We are Ecuador

About a week has passed since the earthquake here in Ecuador. While the headlines, news footage, and public consciousness of the earthquake seem to have largely faded from international awareness, the carnage still lives on here. At the moment, there are still countless of people missing, presumably dead and there have been 654 confirmed deaths, which is still likely to rise.

Amid all of the sadness and destruction that I briefly detailed in my last post, there have been pockets of positivity. Throughout the past week, I have witnessed our local community, school community, and international community rally around those in need in different ways. The outpouring of love, support, financial assistance, and time devoted to helping others has been truly inspirational.

In light of this blog focusing on our experiences here, I find it appropriate to detail the different things that have been done that have made an impact on me.

Locally- Over the past week, my interaction with the rest of Quito has been rather limited. I have been spending quite a bit of time at work and as a result I have not seen many of the efforts taking place throughout Quito to support those on the coast in need. However though a variety of conversations I have had, I have learned about dozens of donation drop-off points, blood donation drives, and countless people driving down to the coast to personally deliver necessary goods. While a completely different topic, and experience, and situation; the way the community has galvanized in support of those in need is a little reminiscent of my time in New Jersey immediately following 9/11. The support and willingness to help, along with the growing observable nationalism that took place immediately following 9/11, got quite a few people through those tough times. While the circumstances are certainly different, the same spirit is present here and will be a valuable asset to those throughout Ecuador.

In School-In this short period of time, in the shadow of the aftermath of the earthquake, our school has come together in a really impressive way. The entire school, expats and Ecuadorians alike, have come together to raise funds, prepare shipments, collect donations, and raise awareness for those impacted by the earthquake. Our school courtyard is peppered daily with people wearing their Ecuadorian jerseys, bracelets, and hats.

Many of my own 7th and 8th grade students have begun working on projects that are within their scope of ability to address. While drinking water is scarce and therefore cannot be used for anything else besides drinking, they have been in contact with organizations on the coast and identified washing water as a huge area of need. In response, my students have been collecting used plastic bottles from the community, washing them, labeling them, filling them with faucet water, and hot gluing them to seal them. They are seeing that these little projects and little moments of effort are making a huge difference to those in need.

A group of our school's seniors even set up a GoFundMe page with the intention of collecting $5,000 for supplies at the coast. More on that in a minute. They exceeded their goal within 24 hrs and have since re-calibrated their goals three times to match the support they are receiving. If you want to donate to their cause, you can find their website here. They are already over $11,000 and counting. I find that in addition to their monetary donations and fundraising, this opportunity has really been an incredible learning experience for all of our students. Their thoughts and attempts and efforts have been in the right place and the support they are getting is tremendous. The work they are doing is meaningful and the direct impact they are seeing on their community is powerful for all of them.

In addition to the individual efforts of many, the school held its annual International Festival, but rebranded it We are Ecuador, with all proceeds going to relief efforts on the coast. The annual festival raises money through performances, games of chance, and food from different cultures. Last year, thousands of dollars were raised by the event and spread through a variety of charities. This year, with the collective money being sent to specific areas and locations, I think the funds will go even further.

Nationally- In addition to the local efforts mentioned above, the national government has made some decisions with the intention of supplying aid and assistance to all. They have temporarily closed bars and movie theaters and nightlife in an effort to channel the country's grief and avoid overt celebrations during such a tragic time. In addition to that, the government has implemented a mandatory tax effective immediately. While the details may be a bit fuzzy to me at the moment, the gist of it is, if you make more than $1,000 per month, you are going to be taxed one day's worth of pay over the next three months. $2,000 and above per month will equal 3 days of pay. $3,000 per month or above, is equivalent to 5 days worth of pay to be deducted in the next three months, with all proceeds going to relief efforts. While I am not an economist and do not know for sure, I wonder what will happen to the local economy with such a large amount of funding being taken out of what I presume will be the expendable income for many. How might the money they would have spent, being reallocated impact things in the short and long term? Although I admittedly am not an economist and do not know. Either way, this decision should inevitably raise quite a bit of revenue.

Internationally- So far, many countries have pledged assistance in the form of direct relief supplies, workers, or monetary donations. In addition to that, the citizens of the international community have really impressed me with their generosity. For example, through simple discussion with Shannon's family, they have contributed over $1000 of their own money. In addition to that, Shannon's sister Meagan has lobbied her company (shout out to Stoli for your support) for donations and many of her co-workers have donated money, again another $1300+ or so. These are just people we've been in contact with. The relief pledges have from many avenues have been tremendously generous. On behalf of the country we call our home, thank you to everyone who has donated time, supplies, or money to the cause.

This multi-faceted generosity and compassion is truly inspiring for me. In the wake of a week coming to pass when we don't anticipate much news coverage, I encourage you all to keep Ecuador in your thoughts, prayers, and daily discussions. Thank you to everyone for all that you've done.