kids education and wellness
COMMUNITY LEARNING PODS
BRIDGE THE REMOTE EDUCATION GAP IN ECUADOR
COVID-19 has made it nearly impossible for many children and families here in Bahía de Caráquez to access basic education.
An estimated 25-30% of students are unable to attend remote school programs this year, since low-income families often lack the necessary supplies or Internet access to participate in distance learning. As a result, the education gap is not only widening, but children being stuck at home and families struggling under pandemic-related stress has led to an estimated 20% rise in domestic violence worldwide, with some regions reporting increases as high as 50%.This is where Walking Palms’ new Community Learning Pod program comes in - the only formal in-person educational opportunity currently available in Bahia for low-income families. Walking Palms offer students age 11-16 education and enrichment through:
- 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. Read more about Harmony and Health below.
- COVID safety measures approved by local health and safety administration
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.
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.
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.
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.
