MDP, immersion in Ecuador 2017

The Agents of Transformation Program (PAT) of the BCF implements innovative, groundbreaking projects for university students who lay the foundation for Smart Destinations. Programs range from three weeks to three months, and target marginalized communities in the Amazon, the Sierra, the Costa (coast) and on the Galapagos Islands. These personalized training programs introduce participants to community leaders and equip them in the following areas: 

• Stakeholder mapping and analysis
• Community strength-based assessment
• Train-the-trainer curriculum design (methodology to introduce best practices)
• Application of technology to promote and conserve local destinations. 

Outcomes, based on investing in the Seven capitals (human, sociocultural, physical, natural, culture, politics and economic), promoting smarter and greener businesses; community leaders and high school students as agents of transformation; and ecotourism that generates opportunities for development in each of the seven capitals.

Our agents of transformation program creates opportunities for young people to:

• Develop the skills to develop and implement practical alternatives for development
• Explore the different aspects of development in an emerging market economy context
• Develop Spanish language proficiency through cultural immersion
• Work on Smart Destinations through innovative applications of technology
• Implement workshops to invest in developing and promoting Ecuador as a global destination for ecotourism

Live, learn, give, experience, enjoy, and share with peers in Ecuador. FIND OUT MORE

Considering all above, we welcome SARAH  WHITLOCK and CECILIA GUERRERO, MDP Program from Regis University, CO, USA.

Currently agendas:

Week Itinerary Immersion program 

1. Week 1. Adaptation and Orientation Component (culture, language, altitude and cultural organisation  in Quito

• Local tours (excursions to Quito Colonial, Mitad de Mundo, Otavalo, El teleferico)
• Integration activities with local interns (cooking, climbing, biking, planning) 
• Introduction and workshops with local academia.

Week 2. Community Project Planning Component (Quito)

• Curriculum Design for Smart Community Initiative education directed to local stakeholders (Public, Private, Civil, Media and Academic).
• Identification, negotiation and setting agreements with local communities