Note:  Your backpack/luggage stored in the hold of the bus and/or on top of the bus are typically safe.  It is your day pack (with camera, passport, etc.) that should be safeguarded.  Do NOT put this on overhead rack nor on floor of bus (these people are small and can get under seats – opening zipper and/or using knife to get into day pack.)  Best to keep passport and ALL money except money needed for the day in a money belt under your clothing.
If traveling with a larger group, so economy of scale, I would recommend hiring Marcelo Araqui who has a Land Cruiser.  He will drive up to Quito and transport you safely to Malingua Pamba.  Travel time:  5 hrs without stops.  If you wanted to stop at a grocery store (there is a MegaMaxi/SuperMaxi  located not far off the route) and get some “comfort food”, he willing makes whatever stops you would like.
 

Marcelo Araque        Mobile: 098-698-125  (You can dial this from one of the Telephone Cabins in Ecuador.)





​What Volunteers Can Expect (or at least some of it!)



​The Quechua (Kichwa) are very gentle people.  It is my understanding that they don’t try to organize or direct the volunteers – you get to find/make your own way.  Below, I have tried to give you the lay of the land so that you can get up to speed and help you make your own way with the least amount of frustration.  Feel free to give me feedback/constructive criticism to improve this information blog.

Just follow your heart and you will have a marvelous, loving, rewarding time!.​



Climate and such

​Altitude:  10,500 ft/3300 m

Expect pleasant temperature at midday with very cool nights (but not freezing).  There are two rainy seasons and one windy, dry season. 
Pack rain jacket and warm clothing layers.

​

Getting there

Bus company Cooperativo 14 de Octubre from Latacunga Terminal Terrestre to Malingua Pamba:  leaves 1:00 p.m. arrives around 3:30 p.m.  (Malingua Pamba is the second to last stop.  FYI:  Bus driver sleeps at last stop which is El Salado and runs the return route to Latacunga in the morning.)



​The People
Quechua which they spell as Kichwa.  Religion is predominately Catholic.  There is a small church in the community.  Mass is said there when the Padre makes his rounds.  Babies are baptized (quite a ceremony). Nearby, 15 km/9 miles – 2.5-3 hr by foot, is the town of Isinliví where the current padre lives.   Italian missionaries (Don Gabriel & family) have rebuilt the church there; they also run a wood-working school for boys.  A traveling Sunday school for children is held regularly at different communities.

The Quechua in the Andes are mainly farmers.  Main crops are:  potato, lentil, wheat, corn, lupine seeds, quinoa, beans, and garlic; Animals for production and eating:  sheep, goat, pig, chicken, cow, rabbit, and guinea pig.  It is not uncommon for men to “go to town” to do casual labor to earn extra money.  Women know how to knit and crochet, mainly to serve the needs of their own family.

​Malingua Pamba

Population demographics as of 2008:
Population:  220 people of which 50% are 18 yrs old or younger.              
Pre-School:  1 teacher with volunteer moms for 30 kids ages 3-5.                                       

Elementary School:  6 teachers for 55 students from ages 5 – 15.
Colegio/Secondary School:  5 teachers for 70 students ages 11 and up. 

Our students walk from communities up to 2 hours away

Secondary School in Malingua Pamba Also known as: El Colegio La Minga

– name used mainly by the locals. Centro Educativo La Minga - name given by Pam Gilbert, CEO/Founder of non-profit 501(c)3 Foundation
Unidad Educativa a Distancia de Cotopaxi; Extensión:  Malinguapamba  - formal / official Ecuadorian name