Ecuador
Why Plan Works in Ecuador
The high child mortality rate in Ecuador relates largely to infectious intestinal diseases caused by unsanitary conditions. The cost of medical care is too expensive for families in the communities. Because of this medical treatment may be delayed or not sought and as a result lives are put at risk. Much of rural Ecuador relies on farming. The farmers sell some of what they grow and keep the rest for their family. The farming techniques used by many families are indigenous practices handed down through generations and are outdated or inappropriate. As a result the harvests are low and insufficient for their needs.
Plan programs in Ecuador
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Interventions are being focused on the protection of community water sources, attention to the sustainability of the community environment through reforestation, soil conservation and forest/woodland conservation measures and on the improvement of housing so as to remove disease vectors. Plan is establishing healthy surroundings to help prevent common occurrences of diseases. The construction of home latrines is a major asset for families in helping to control disease. The families participating in this program receive educational, technical and financial assistance that enables them to build new or renovate existing latrines in their homes, and learn the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Plan supports initiatives for the provision of surgical and medical care for the families. Plan supports the training of community workers enabling them to strengthen their skills. Working together Plan Ecuador and the Ministry of Health provide workshops for health workers in issues such as sexual and reproductive health, safe births, family planning, adolescent development, first aid and timely referrals. In addition, smaller groups that consist of the best community health workers receive additional training in facilitation techniques, group dynamics and leadership that enables them to become Community Facilitators.
Plan is a recognised leader at both the national and local levels in Ecuador, and is a strategic partner of the Assistance Committee of the Education Ministry of Ecuador. The Ministry has asked Plan to develop school guides for the rural areas, which will be replicated for the entire country. In addition, Plan is designing special curricula in language and mathematics that consist of various phases such as practice workshops, demonstration classes, and directed study groups with appropriate materials for guidance in each phase. In an effort to enable children to express themselves and use their imagination, art materials are being supplied as well as textbooks, desks and chairs. The provision of recreational equipment to schools will give children the opportunity to have fun and play.
Plan supports agricultural and environmental conservation. As part of the training, farmers are provided with basic farm equipment and are further trained in horticulture. In the building of the infrastructures, the participating families work together in selecting the locations, clearing and priming the land, as well as preparing the seedlings. The families attend seminars and gain knowledge of the importance of growing vegetables and their nutritional advantages. Moreover, in efforts to control erosion Plan assists the communities in improving soil fertility. Plan provides families with technical assistance in the ventures they will be undertaking to increase their business knowledge. Business loans are sources that can impact entire communities, because as the groups reinvest in their communities, opportunities and economic vitality
Country Facts
| Country |
Ecuador |
Australia |
| Flag |
 |
 |
| Population |
13 Million |
19.9 Million |
| Language |
Spanish (official), Quechua |
English |
| Capital |
Quito |
Canberra |
GDP per capita (USD/year) |
2,322 |
$29,000 |
| Life expectancy |
74.5 |
80.3 |
Access to safe drinking water |
94% |
100% |
| Literacy |
91% |
100% |
| Source: |
United Nations: Millennium Development Goals Report 2006
|