HARMONY AND HEALTH IS LAUNCHING IN A NEW COMMUNITY!

As parents in the United States welcome the return to live school this fall, Ecuadorian students remain trapped behind screens for a second consecutive year. If they are lucky.

An estimated 30% of students here in Bahía de Caráquez are unable to attend remote school programs since low-income families often lack the necessary technology or resources to participate in distance learning.

This is where Harmony and Health, Walking Palms' kids education and enrichment program, comes in. Launched in 2016, this collaborative program between Walking Palms and local community leaders has taken on increased importance during the pandemic. The latest 4-month session offers:


  • Expanded enrollment to double our reach to 50 students

  • Interventional tutoring to help students complete required remote learning coursework

  • Personal attention with a 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio

  • Interdisciplinary curriculum focused on music, art, botanics, physical education, mediation and emotional wellness.

  • COVID safety measures approved by local health and safety administration

Education is these students' best chance to lead their families out of poverty, so please consider donating to give them the education and emotional support they need during this continued disruption to their educational experience.

Walking Palms will make every effort to use funds raised from this campaign for our Community Learning Pods, but donations are subject to redirection at the discretion of the organization.

Harmony and Health -
A Holistic Approach to Childhood Learning

Our Community Learning Pods are an extension of Harmony and Health, an immersive, interdisciplinary kids education program.

Walking Palms launched Harmony and Health in response to the devastating 2016 earthquake which struck Ecuador’s Pacific coast, as the founders realized that many children were suffering emotional trauma from the earthquake and its aftermath. Through music, art and meditation practices, kids came out of their shells and could truly begin the healing process.

This program has been essential during the pandemic, where as many as 30% of local students lack the resources to attend remote learning programs. In addition to getting kids back on track academically and supporting their emotional wellness, Harmony and Health offers a safe place for kids away from rising incidents of domestic violence.

In addition to this invaluable experience for the kids, Harmony and Health provides employment for our instructors who represent the diverse cultural fabric of this region. Your support allows these local musicians, artists, thespians and educators share their passion and talents with our students.

All instructors not only receive competitive pay and reliable work during these challenging economic times, but professional development that includes leadership training, disaster preparedness workshops, emotional first aid, teaching pedagogy and team-building.