Creating bonds of friendship in Ecuador

In February 2008, Alix Saleeb of Oakham, Rutland travelled with her friends Gabriella and Ana-Maria to Ecuador. Although it was not her first time in the South American country, it was her first visit to meet her sponsored child, 8-year-old Lyliana. Alix shares her story with us below.

"On the day of our visit, we started at the Plan office. It was busy with activity and there we learnt all about the local school and some of the other good things Plan is doing in the area. We then travelled to Lyliana's village and after two hours on mostly decent roads, we arrived.

We were welcomed by the entire village. The children lined up on either side of our path and greeted us with flowers. There were so many people but I recognized Lyliana right away.

We were then taken into the church hall where Gabriella, Ana-Maria and I sat down, and were treated to large plates and bowls of local produce including mango and banana.

There was lots of music, including a very special performance by a boy who played the guitar and sang. He was completely self taught and had the talent of someone much much older than he was.

Speeches were made and three locals - a medic, a social worker and a teacher - spoke about their roles in the community. Lyliana also did a dance routine with her friends just for us. It was all so lovely!

Here, we were also able to give out the gifts we had brought over from the UK for everyone including pens and pencils for the children. We tried to include everyone in the gift giving so that no one felt excluded or jealous.

Lyliana is a very outgoing child and she was tremendously excited about our visit. As we chatted I found out she is very keen about school and excels at her lessons.

Together, we walked through the village and stopped at the church for a short while. I also learned more about the village - that some homes have electricity but most do not, and that there are no toilets. Almost everyone must go out in the open.

The head woman in the village said they are also in need of furniture, toys and learning tools for children under five years old.

We then had a lovely lunch at Lyliana's home, where she lives with her grandmother. It was just her immediate family at the lunch and I had a chance to speak with each of them.

They showed me how their small patch of land at the back of the house was flooded. This happens every year but this year was the worst in a very long time.

I felt an instant connection with Lyliana's community. I think visits can create a real bond between a sponsor and their sponsored child and community. I absolutely recommend a sponsor visit their child if they are able."