On Wednesday, we visited a CEDEI school in Cuenca. We got to tour the classrooms and learn about the curriculum. It was a bilingual school in Spanish and English, and French is offered once the students reach 3rd grade. I absolutely loved the school, as it is very inclusive and it has an advanced Special Education program compared to many other schools in Ecuador.
We had an early morning on Thursday as we departed for Cajas National Park. It was an absolutely perfect day. The park was beautiful, and I hiked with the best group of people I could ask for. We ate lunch on top of a hill with a gorgeous view. It was a bit difficult, as it was the highest altitude we had been at this entire trip, but everyone made it through and had a great time.
Analysis
As we wind down our second week here, I cannot begin to explain how much I have learned. One of the things I notice most as I spend time in Cuenca is how family really does impact so much of the culture here in Ecuador. Whether it is education or health care, family plays such an important role. Many of the problems in education arise from the importance of family. Students view their home-life and family culture as more important than school. So if anything they learn in school disagrees with their home life, they are going to choose their home life. As more of a collectivistic society, family plays a huge role in healthcare as well. Families will often help make decisions for an individual.
From spending every weekend with extended families and including all family members in big decisions about education and healthcare, the value on family is definitely the most prominent aspect of their culture that I have noticed while I am here.
