The Flor del Pantano community, which travelers visit during Ultimate Galápagos Exploration & Ecuador’s Amazon Wilds, is home to one promising student whose hard work is paying off.
From the remote Amazon rain forest to the city streets of Quito, Grand Circle Foundation has recently supported young people in Ecuador with scholarship opportunities—all made possible by the support of generous travelers and donors.
Julieth: Rising to the Top of the Class
Julieth proudly holds her diploma upon reaching the head of the class.
In the fall of 2022, a traveler on O.A.T.’s Ultimate Galápagos Exploration & Ecuador’s Amazon Wilds met Julieth Katherine Jordan Jipa, a seventh-grade student at Carlos Fernando Sanmiguel Roman School. This Foundation-supported school is located in the community of Flor del Pantano, which belongs to the Amazon’s Indigenous Kichwa people. In addition to receiving a traditional education, the students of Carlos Fernando Sanmiguel also learn to appreciate and protect their Kichwa culture.
Julieth shared her dream to continue her education at one of the best secondary schools in the region, located about an hour from her home. Our initial $1,200 scholarship, funded by the traveler who was inspired by Julieth’s dedication, provided tuition, uniform, transportation, meals, and classroom supplies.
Julieth’s diploma.
This past July, we received news that Julieth completed her first year of secondary school at the very top of her class. To reward her outstanding achievement, the Foundation will provide her with a bicycle, which will give her a new sense of independence as she furthers her studies. We will also continue our support in the upcoming 2024 school year.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Julieth, and look forward to following her progress.
Sinamune Children’s Orchestra: Building Confidence through Music
The students at Sinamune must overcome mental and visual challenges to develop the motor skills needed to play a musical instrument. In doing so, they gain the confidence to face many other challenges they might encounter during their lives.
A performance at Sinamune, held for O.A.T. travelers on Machu Picchu & the Galápagos.
Since we began our partnership in 2004, Foundation donations totaling more than $305,000 have helped refurbish the beautiful auditorium at Sinamune, supported the purchases of a vehicle, new computers, and musical instruments for the school; contributed funds to many building improvements; and helped to fund scholarships.
Recent projects have included the establishment of an in-house boutique and a small restaurant nearby. These businesses provide the students with new skills while working there and also provides a new source of income for both the students and the school.
We also helped the school create a farm nearby which is now giving the students direct contact with nature as they learn about farming and the raising of small animals. It also allows the families to work in the community garden and provide an additional food source.
Most recently, we funded scholarships for 34 students whose families could only afford part-time enrollment but wished to attend full-time. We thank all the travelers and supporters whose donations helped make it possible for more students to benefit from Sinamune’s inspiring mission.
Visit Sinamune Children’s Orchestra and attend a performance during Machu Picchu & the Galápagos. To learn more about the work of Grand Circle Foundation or make a donation, visit www.grandcirclefoundation.org.
