By Douglas McMeekin | Director Yachana Foundation
SECOND EARTHQUAKE RECOVERY TRAINING COURSE AT YACHANA
The Yachana Foundation continues to provide training for people affected by the earthquake on April 16 2016. We are using the philosophy of “teach a man to fish”, providing a lasting training and not just giving “things”. Our second training course was held at the Yachana facilities in the Amazon region of Ecuador from October 9 to 26 2016. There were a total of 17 participants from two areas along the coast; Manta and Coaque. The foundation designed three different projects; the substructure of concrete for a cantilevered deck overlooking the river valley below, construction of concrete steps and the construction of a washing area for the lodge, and the beginnings of a modified walkway to some of the cabins of the lodge.These are all types of projects that will give the needed skills to help rebuild after the distruction this spring. Of the three projects, the deck was by far the most popular and the best learning experience for the students. It involved the preparation of all of the structural rebar to put in the cement.
Manuel from Manta said that “my house in Manta was damaged too much to be able to use on that night of the 16th. My wife and three children are still living in a tent. Working on the deck structure was the most interesting for me because it showed how little additional material it took to build a beam that is anti-seismic. I can now apply this back home in the construction of my new home”!
Jose from Coaque said that “he enjoyed building the concrete steps because when he had tried before, the last step never came out the same distance between the other steps”!
This course, as with the first, built a sense of camaraderie between the men. They enjoyed visiting the Amazon of Ecuador, it was the first time that any of them had seen the Amazon - an added bonus was to learn more about their amazing country. Another point that was very importantis that through this course they were able to work on projects that they could see the completion, apply the skills when they get home and tell family and friends about what they can now accomplish. The Yachana Foundation wants to continue with additional courses but it all depends if we can raise the necessary funds. The participants cannot pay anything toward this training and we need your help to continue to offer other students this opportunity. Future courses will deal with carpentry and electricity.Thank you for all the donations we have already recieved and It is through support from donors like you that have allow us to provide these trainings that will last a lifetime.
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