Reciprocity Research in Ecuador

Host Community Research in Ecuador

Sparked by an interest in learning more about the host community’s experience with our programs and a desire to continue creating meaningful, reciprocal relationships among all our participants, our Program Director Laura Litwiller traveled to Ecuador in 2010 to visit four communities that hosted Global Routes students between 2006-2010.

1. Rio Blanco (2010)
2. Santa Rosa (2007)
3. Maria Auxiliadora de Las Minas (2007)
4. Nueva Aurora (2006)

In order to learn about the host communities’ perspective, Laura disseminated and collected surveys from 39 people and facilitated an open forum with three of the four communities.

Observations

In the process of Laura’s research, she made some general observations about our host communities:

•  The host communities were so excited to share about their experiences! They could sit for hours and recall stories about the group in their community and in their homes. It is truly a highlight in the history of the community.
•  Host families really crave contact from their host sons and daughters. Many asked me to take photos or letters to pass on to the students back in the U.S.
• Very few participants in the research had any suggestions for improvement or change. The only grain of constructive feedback was related to certain elements of the community service project, in particular in the rare case that the project is not fully completed during the group’s stay.
• In order to prepare for the community service project, host the group, and work with the group on the project, the communities come together and collaborate on a whole new level. Many of those surveyed said that the community was more united after the experience.
• There is a wonderful recognition of Global Routes in the area where these communities are located. All you need to do is mention los pollitos, literally translated as “the little chickens,” but used as a very tender way to speak about the Global Routes students.

Results

Laura also gathered a lot of information from the surveys and conversations with host communities. Below is a selection of the translated results:

Question: “If you participated in the decision to receive the students in the community, what was your motivation for wanting to do so?”

Top responses in order of frequency:

1. Having a new experience and learning new things
2. The community service project
3. Cultural exchange
4. Collaboration with the community

“The reason we wanted to host the students was that, thanks to them, we could build a community center for the progress of the community.” –Belgica A. Remache, Rio Blanco

 “Yes, we participated [in the decision to receive students] and we wanted to host them in our homes to have new experiences with students from abroad and to learn new things.” –Jhony Hinojoza, Maria Auxiliadora de las Minas

Question: “If you enjoyed the experience with the students, explain how and why.”

 Top responses in order of frequency:

1. Sharing ideas and customs
2. Language learning
3. Wonderful students
4. Forming a new family

 “It was a very beautiful experience to be able to share ideas and customs with the whole group.” –Guillermo Arteaga, Nueva Aurora

“The experience with the kids was unforgettable and we enjoyed it a lot because we shared meals in our home, listened to each other speak and although sometimes we didn’t understand each other, it made us all laugh. In the few weeks that they were with us, they became part of our family.” –Community member, Santa Rosa

 Question: “Did your community benefit from the experience? How?”

Top responses in order of frequency:

1. Yes (29)
   1. The community service project
   2. Community Leadership and Unity
   3. Interactions with students
   4. No (6)

 “Yes. Because now we have the community center for any meetings or events.” – Laura Albán, Rio Blanco

 “Working on the projects has demonstrated that when there is a good leader and unity among people and ideas, you can complete any work with success.” –Community member, Nueva Aurora

Question: True or False: “The students, my community and I benefitted equally from the experience. Explain.”

1. True (26)
2. False (4)

 “True. They learned from us and we learned from them.” –Gonzalo Sanabria, Santa Rosa

 “False. We all have benefitted differently.” –Meliz Cevallos, Nueva Aurora

 Question: Do you have any suggestions for Global Routes about how to improve future programs?

Top responses in order of frequency:

1. Keep helping others
2. Make sure to finish the community service project
3. Continue to hire good leaders
4. Requests for more help

 “Only that you continue with this work of helping other communities that need it.” –Mariana de Jesus Ruiz, Rio Blanco

 “Bring educational, social or cultural programs to better our community.” –Enrique Veloz, Nueva Aurora