Ecuador 2015 - International Service Trip

Ten students from Sacred Heart spent ten days volunteering and learning about the indigenous culture of Ecuador with Mr. Jared Griffiths & Mme/Sra Charlotte Riley. These ten girls were working to help build four fully functional bathrooms in an indigenous village named Gulaghuayco. This village lies in the Andes Mountain range in Ecuador and sits at over 10,500 feet above sea level. The girls spent their time digging and laying a foundation and septic system for these bathrooms. The bathrooms will include a shower, toilet and sink. The determination, passion, and effort demonstrated by these ten students was incredible to see. During the day they spent many hours working to create these bathrooms and much of this time would be working alongside members of the indigenous community. During the trip the girls also had time to learn about the communities by taking a water walk, and working with a local girls’ group. The water walk showed how some of the members of the community have to retrieve water by hiking up to the top of the community, filling up 22 litre jugs full of water, and then bringing them back down to their house. The local girls’ group had members from ages 14-20 who work to create an alternative income for their family. The girls worked to create necklaces, bracelets, and indigenous clothing. This marks the third time Sacred Heart has completed an international service trip (Kenya 2011, and Kenya 2013). This outstanding trip was set up through EF (Education First) Travel and ME to WE. The trip created an excellent learning opportunity for the students and teachers involved. 

Thank you to Mme/Sra Charlotte Riley for the great photos!

Students who went on the trip were:  Caroline Surrette, Hannah Bekkers, Amelia Machum, Sylvia Driscoll-Sangster, Alissa Taper, Sandler Gordon, Mia Ferguson, Emma McLean, Alex Baillie and Robin Short.