Day 10 - Marco Polo - Shops, Public Market and the Spirituality of Poverty

This morning, we met Marco Polo for "Shops". Marco Polo has worked at the center for 37 years and is in charge of the Technical Training programs. He gave us a brief orientation of the shops and what is offered. Prior to this year, children attended school for 6 years, then entered a vocational training program for 3 years and earned a certificate. Now, children are required to go to 10 years of elementary education and only one year of vocational training. The Center is working with the Ministry of Education to try to figure out a way to make this work for the families. Children here work to help their families. They are not exploited, they work to save money to help their families survive and better themselves. Because there is a lack of economic development in the country, this is one of the few ways that families can lift themselves out of poverty.

The Ecuadorian kids have 6 months to decide which "shop" they want to do. They rotate through 4 and choose at the end of the 6 month period. They have automechanics (automotriz), carpentry (carpinteria), beauty salon (belleza) and sewing (costura). Our kids had one minute to choose!

 Nora went to automechanics, the rest decided upon either carpentry or the beauty salon. Leah and Natali had their hair dyed (this is Leah's hair).

 Justin made a "shoe shine box".

 And Reece made a turtle.

Following shops, we had a bit of free time to socialize.

At 3:00 pm, we met Teresa and Piedad to go to the public market. It's like a farmer's market, about 6 blocks from CMT#2 - the volunteer house.

 Here's the market. There are several different vendors selling all sorts of things; fruits, vegetables, live animals and animal parts, spices, herbs and coffee.

  A meat vendor.

 A fish vendor.

 Chilis!

 Herbal medicines, including coca leaves, powder and tea.

 Chickens which you buy live, then they will kill for you.

Bunny rabbits.












A cute kitten which Nora said I should buy (for $2) and name "Dorito" since my Cheeto has moved away with Ana :(. Guinea pigs for food.

At 7:00 pm, we gathered with the group from St. Peter's Prep and Madre Miguel and Padre Juan in the library. They explained the history of the Center as well as the philosophy. Padre came to Ecuador in 1962 and was working in Chimborozo with the Indians. When a new superior came into the position, he convinced Padre to go to Quito to work with "street kids". He came, started the Working Boys' Center in the attic of La Compania and quickly expanded to 200 boys. Later, he realized that it was necessary to minister to the whole family. More space was needed, as was more help.

He wrote to different religious communities in the United States, and the BVM's responded, sending Madre Miguel to help with the mission. The rest is history, as they say. The Working Boys' Center: A Family of Families has been in existence for 52 years!

Padre explained how poverty is a spiritual problem, not one of economics. This is a theme which keeps running through this trip. At Pat McTeague told us in Guayaquil, once you see the problem, you can't ignore it. Padre explained that those who have the means to help, need to help - and not just by giving handouts, but by getting involved, forming relationships with, and mentoring those who need help. The poor have an obligation too, to work hard, take advance of the help that they are given and strive to teach their kids a better way of life. The cycle of poverty can be broken in this way. 

To find out more about how you can learn more about the mission, to stay connected and get in touch, visit: http://www.c4wf.org/homesweetquito/