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This Pal-Mac teen makes college wait while making a difference in Ecuador

Josh Ford and one of his first grade English classes in Pifo, Ecuador

It was Easter Sunday, and Josh Ford, a soon to graduate Palmyra-Macedon senior and Salutatorian, read in his church bulletin a plea for people to teach English in Ecuador . Prior plans had the three-sport athlete and International Baccalaureate student, heading off to college at the University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill , with a full ride scholarship.

"I knew I was given a great blessing with the Morehead scholarship at the University, and I wanted to give back," Josh explains, reminded of the phrase, "If not now, when?"

He asked the University for a deferral of the scholarship for one year, and by August, Josh was off to Pifo , Ecuador , with little more than his high school Spanish.

Last week, Josh was back in Wayne County after 3-1/2 months, and speaking to as many groups as he could about his "mission" of educating the poverty stricken children of Ecuador . The Gananda Rotary Club was one of the lucky audiences, to hear Josh speak of schools of 300 children with 2-3 teachers. He told them of public schools that are not free; of poverty that overwhelmed him; and of food and culture he never anticipated.

In this first few weeks of school, Josh taught English to students by using songs in English, which he would sing, then have the children repeat. A lot of hand gestures and giggles became part of the routine. "After about two months, I was speaking the language fluently," Josh reported.

"When I first agreed to go to Ecuador to teach English, the plan was to work at one elementary school, five days a week. Currently, I am teaching at two different elementary schools and one middle school, 60 hours a week." Josh also teaches English to several local families in the evening. Teachers there receive about $200 a month salary, but Josh chose to forgo his pay; instead using it to set up scholarships for children whose family could not afford to send them.

Pifo is a city of about 20,000 residents high in the Andes . Many of the residents live in cider block homes - some with roofs, most without windows or doors to block the wind. Transportation in Ecuador is primarily by bus, which reaches even the rural areas on a regular basis. Only 2% of the residents own cars.

Although he grew very close to the people, the food was not always to his liking. "They serve white rice at every meal, lots of fried pork, fish and oven baked chicken. Nothing is seasoned, but a spicy sauce called "Aji" is served and helps to flavor some of the bland food," Josh said. His least favorite cuisine was the coveted delicacy of the region - guinea pig fried on a stick. Although he tried a bite to be polite, a second bite was not attempted.

The average family earns about $1,000 ( U.S. currency) with 2 parents working. With even public school not free, education is considered a privilege.

"These people look to English as a way out. They believe it is the language of business, and learning it gives them hope of a better life," said Josh.

The young student/teacher did not know he would take on the education of these children as a "mission" until he heard dire reports of educational shortfalls. The average number of years of education in Ecuador is about 7-12 years. Only 29% of children in the entire country complete high school; only 76% complete elementary education. He found that 3 in 10 school have no plumbing, and telephone and internet services are almost non existent. Education requires a fee of about $10 per month for school, PLUS uniforms, books and meals. Many families can simply not afford to come up with these modest costs.

This engaging young man has formed a non profit organization to help provide underprivileged children in Ecuador an education. Josh has discovered a way to introduce a "menu" of ways to donate at the Peniel School in which he teaches. The costs are: $400 for tuition; $15 for Umbrella Health Insurance, $100 for Food (snack and lunch), $25 for uniforms, $70 for books or $610 for a total yearly cost for one child. "I don't deal with finances, but I partnered with Palm Ministries in Florida to make sure donations can find their way to these children," said Josh.

Josh returns to his family of friends in Ecuador this week, to spend another three months teaching. In August, he leaves to begin his higher education at the University of North Carolina , where he will concentrate on international studies, pre-law and Spanish and Mandarin Chinese languages.

Those wishing to help his Ecuadorian project, can donate in any amount, and specify that the money is for "Project H.E.L.P. (Helping Ecuadorians Live Providentially). Individuals may receive tax-deductible receipts for their donations. All donations can be sent to: Palm Ministry, Inc., Attn: Project H.E.L.P., 1315 Compo Sano Avenue, Coral Gables, FL 33146.