This project will support two schools located in the Napo Province of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Located about an hour outside of the bustling jungle town of Tena, the area where these schools are located remain virtually untouched and undeveloped.  Teachers salaries and a minimal annual stipend is provided by the government but both schools are struggling due to limited resources, and either failing structures or limited space.

The project cost will cover

1. Building a classroom for the Teniete Hugo Ortiz Community School

Number of students: 55
Ages: 3-12
Teachers: 3

For the past two years, teachers and parents have approached the local municipality asking for funding and support to build a new classroom in order to relieve cramped learning conditions. Currently 55 children of all ages are using one classroom and additional space in the communal meeting house of the village. By building an additional classroom, children will be able to learn in a proper learning environment.

2. Replacing a leaking roof at the Felipe Serrano Moscoso Community School

Number of students: 13
Ages: 5-12
Teachers: 1

Over time, the original roof on the school has begun to wear out. Rotting beams need to be replaced along with the tin roof so that water does not continue to leak into the classroom and library.

Community Involvement

Over 20 years ago Gap Adventures began working with a local family in the Ecuadorian Amazon to develop a community-based tourism program where travellers are given the opportunity to experience daily life in the jungle, with Delfin Pauchi, his wife Estela and their six children. 

When the project first started, children had to walk several hours to get to school but with funds generated through the community-based tourism program and the rest donated by community members, the Felipe Serrano Moscoso community school was built. Through continued support from Gap Adventures travellers and the Planeterra Foundation, this school has been supported with donations of school supplies, teaching materials and the construction of a kitchen and eating area. 

It is thanks to Estela Pauchi, wife of Delfin and teacher at the Felipe Serrano Moscoso school that we have been able to identify more schools in the region that are in need of support, including the Teniete Hugo Ortiz Community School.

How can I get involved?

Travellers can visit this project by participating on Gap Adventures’ Inland & Amazon tour, where you will have the opportunity to experience real life in the Amazon with Delfin and his family and visit the school.