READ - Rural Education, Advancement and Development

07/19/2026

On Saturday, the group had breakfast with 3 university students who are studying to be teachers in Ecuador. These students are able to attend university due to the generous support from sponsors in the United States. The group and students then traveled to the Panecillo Statue (Virgin of Quito). If you are interested in sponsoring an Ecuadorean child please contact, Dr. Jason Miller, at [email protected]

07/18/2026

On Thursday, the group and the 3 Ecuadorean READ staff members rode the Teleferiqo Cable Car to the top of the mountain, Rucu Pichincha, for a spectacular view of the city of Quito. Rucu Pichincha is one of many volcanoes that surround Quito. The group then made their own chocolate bars at Yumbo Chocolate Experience.

07/18/2026

On Wednesday, the READ group began their day with a short hike to the Peguche Waterfall near Otavalo. The next stop was the Cóndor Park, where injured birds are rehabilitated. The live flight show was very interesting and included a stunning view of the mountains. The group then returned to Quito to enjoy a few days of sightseeing and touring this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

07/15/2026

On Tuesday, the group visited local artisans in Otavalo and San Antonio. This area is in the northern part of Ecuador and the towns in the region support artisans by category. San Antonio is known for its wood carvers. Agato is where the weavers have their workshops. Otavalo is also home to the largest market in the country. They saw how the local textiles are woven together at a weaver’s shop and visited another local shop that does wood carving and painting. The day ended with a visit to the historic Otavalo Market.

07/14/2026

On Sunday, our group hiked down to the Quilotoa Crater Lake from an elevation of 12,893 ft in Quilotoa to 11,541 ft at the lake. The group enjoyed a boat ride around the lake that was created by a collapsed volcano. The group then hiked back to the top and enjoyed a nice meal together at the hotel.

07/12/2026

07/11/2026

Today (Friday), the READ trip visited the Puembo School to provide professional development for the teachers of the school. They learned how to support their students’ mental health needs and how to teach personal finance to their students. We then visited a local, organic, cooperative chocolate farm and factory. We learned about the entire process to make chocolate, from the plant in the field to the mixing of ingredients to make the chocolate. We ended our visit sharing a wonderful meal with the School Director (Principal) and the School Inspector (AP). We discussed how the similarities and differences between the public schools in the USA 🇺🇸 and Ecuador 🇪🇨.

07/10/2026

On Thursday we visited a local farmer in Seven Rivers (Siete Rios). He showed us how his family has grown sugar, blackberries, and coffee for generations. We had lunch with the Siete Rios community, an area in which READ helped rebuild homes after a devastating flood. We then spent the afternoon at the local high school teaching students and staff about trauma, resilience, and personal finance. READ and the Rotary supports their electrical engineering and automotive repair programs.

07/09/2026

Arrived in Quito and after a good rest, made our way to Pílalo and a wonderful dinner!

07/07/2026

And they are off and away. This year’s group are headed to Ecuador today! Thank you to and those who donated supplies and funds for supplies. Have a grand adventure!!