Heart 4 Ecuador is an outreach effort by a group of friends working together to build a mutually beneficial relationship with the people in the underprivileged parts of Ecuador. Our objective is to remove social barriers by bringing people together from varying social classes, and to build a 2-way relationship between the poor and the wealthy. We believe there is much to benefit from the 3rd-world, by learning how to live joyfully in the absence of 1st world amenities and by relying on community instead of material wealth. We also attempt to use our resources to assist the needy by whatever means possible.

Once a year we travel to South America to visit with our friends in some of Ecuador's poorest communities. We also maintain ongoing contact with them throughout the year, to look for ways to try and address any needs that may arise.

Introducing Heart 4 Ecuador's band of misfits! The following team will be travelling to Ecuador in May 2012, to work with and provide for the children in the local school (La Escuela 24 de Mayo) in Las Cabañas de Ayampe. Jon Page will be continuing his PhD studies while in Ecuador, researching ways to improve the quality of 3rd world economies. We will also be looking for opportunities to serve and provide for local orphanages in Guayaquil.

Our flagship project is focused on meeting the needs of the children of a small, rural community called "Las Cabañas de Ayampe", located on Ecuador's southern coast. The education of these children is currently at the mercy of the poor economic standing in Ecuador. All grades currently attend one local school called "La Escuela 24 de Mayo", which consists of a one room dirt floor building, one full-time teacher, desks for only about 70% of the students, and minimal, outdated resources. Anything that the children receive in addition to this, must be provided by volunteers.

We are working with Beatriz Suarez Pincay, the teacher of the school to help address a number of educational needs. A student lavatory was recently constructed, and we are currently accepting donations to fund the construction of a security fence to help protect the children. We are also creating ways to provide additional resources to aid in the children's learning. This includes providing exposure to technology, science, and English, which is neccesary for continued education but currently lacking from the curriculum. Continuing education at the High School or College levels requires scholarship funding, which we are also currently accepting donations for.

Your tax-deductible donations are greatly appreciated. Please click the donate button below to make a one-time donation to Heart 4 Ecuador. Or, mail your check to Common Heart, PO Box 2761, Indian Trail, NC 28079. Put "Heart 4 Ecuador" in the memo line. Thank you for your time and support!