Peace Corps Ecuador

Health & Well Being Volunteer Bernadette C., together with her counterpart Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana Junta Provincial de Morona Santiago., completed a grant funded Family Gardens project in two communities. In total, 34 family gardens were created, directly benefiting 145 community members, including 64 children.

The project improved food access, increased dietary diversity, and strengthened community engagement in sustainable gardening, all made possible through grant support and strong community partnerships. Families received training in crop diversification, composting, organic pest management, and biweekly nutrition workshops with cooking demos. 🌱⛑️

Health and Well-being Volunteer Eric C. turned a patch of earth into a classroom where kids learned to grow their own food. Together, they planted onions, turnips, bell peppers, watermelon, carrots, and lettuce – and the watermelon grew the best! 🍉

Each child crafted personalized plant signs and took home herb pots they nurtured themselves. Now, every time they pass by the community garden, they see the fruits (and veggies!) of their hard work growing strong.

Welcome, Bienvenid@s, Alli Shamushka to 21 amazing Youth & Family Development and Health & Well-being Trainees as well as 5 Response Volunteers who have just landed safely in beautiful Ecuador!

This week they begin their training, diving into Ecuadorian culture, local languages, and sector specific skills before starting their service. We are thrilled to accompany them on this journey that is just beginning. 🌟