Thanks to the Friends of La Hesperia!  Eighteen children aged from 6 months to 5 years regularly attend the
Children´s Nursery “Semillitas de la luz” (Seeds of the Light) in La Hesperia, Ecuador.   Here they are able to
enjoy three healthy (and delicious) meals per day, participate in a variety of educational activities and games,
and most importantly are safe from the hazards of the highway.
The Nursery has developed from just a little idea we had at La Hesperia into an independent project that is
recognized by the government and supported by a local Mothers´ Committee, which regularly meets with the
INNFA (Governmental organization in charge of the public nurseries) to organize activities and logistics.
Given the success of the Children´s Nursery, we decided to embark on another big idea - to establish an
elementary school at the Reserve!  The establishment of a quality, local school will enable the local children to
gain an excellent education and significantly enhance their future opportunities.  Moreover, consistent with the
aim of La Hesperia, an important aim of the school will be to encourage an environmental conscience amongst
the students, so that they become future leaders in forest conservation and natural resources in Ecuador.
We strongly believe that education is a right and not a privilege.  Despite the successes thus far, resources
are still very limited.  The Nursery is always in need of educational materials, playground equipment, and so on
and the new school will require considerable resources – from funding for the building to educational materials,
etc…  Therefore any form of support the Friends of La Hesperia can give to the school and / or the Nursery
would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks to all the people who have been, who currently are and who will be involved in our projects.  A special
thanks to Shelley, Cate and Ceri for your continuous support and effort. Ceri, good luck with you trip!!!!
We hope to see you soon.

Alexandra
LA HESPERIA
Biological Station & Cloudforest Reserve
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The Children´s Nursery and the new school
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