Why should I volunteer?

By Luis Aviles

One must have to be pretty insensitive to remain unmoved by developing countries’ woes. Thanks to the Internet and television, tales about these countries’ suffering and misery seem to enter almost daily into our comfortable lives here in the developed world. So what can we do? Perhaps we could lobby our politicians about the debt in Third World countries, knowing that their actions are rarely altruistic. But there is another option: you can cut out the middlemen and work for those troubled countries directly, offering practical services as a volunteer.r.

Three years ago, I became a member of Ecuador Mi Pais, fulfilling a lifelong ambition of volunteering. Ecuador is a beautiful country, for many reasons, but especially for its huge diversity in geography, biology, and socio-culture. The variety of flora and fauna is famous around the globe, especially in the Galapagos Islands. Its ethnic diversity is perhaps one of the highest in the continent. However, in modern times, this small country in South America has been affected by many downturns in the economy, affecting the social programs directly. Therefore, the educational system in Ecuador, although it has been changing in the last few months, still shows inefficiency and low levels of penetration in the population. This was the reason why I wanted to be part of a newly born organization, which helps children access higher quality education.

Last year, I traveled to Ecuador and found that the programs Ecuador Mi Pais was leading were having a direct impact on children’s lives. Firsthand experience of real poverty is shocking. It is difficult to understand what it means to have virtually nothing until you see it for yourself. More than ever I realize how lucky we are in the developed world, yet there is so much about the Ecuadorian way of life that I envy. The generosity of people who have so little is humbling and their concern for each other make our society seem greedy and uncaring. Perhaps poverty is better for the soul than wealth. But surely there has to be a balance, but where that lies is a question I will leave to others. In the meantime, I will cherish my link with Ecuador and the mutual, beneficial exchange it provides, while recommending volunteering as a truly life changing experience.

During that visit to Ecuador I met Carla, one of the grantees of our scholarships and, needless to say, one of the best students at her school. Her parents had passed away recently. She now lives with her grandmother and her other siblings. It was very hard for her grandmother to pay for their education, as she lives off from government aid (nearly $150 a month). Fortunately, she was able to reach Ecuador Mi Pais for help for their children and we were able to grant her granddaughter a scholarship. Seeing this dear little soul’s face was the most rewarding feeling I had ever experienced. And that can make you feel like Bill Gates. I am far from rich, but in that environment, we saw how the sacrifice of small sums to us could make a huge difference to them. And what a privilege that is. I still can’t get over how fortunate I was to meet Carla. For a relatively small sum each year, we are paying for an education for her that will transform her prospects.

Choosing to volunteer is a great choice for numerous reasons. Besides the obvious resume boost, it gives you the opportunity to complete something you might not otherwise have had the time for. For graduate school admissions, volunteer work is highly respected and your time spent doing so may turn into something incredibly valuable for your future. I am currently going through the grad school admission process, and there are no words to describe how immensely volunteering has helped me advance in my career. Volunteer work is one of the first aspects of your resume that schools are looking for on applications. It also aids in the process of procuring a new job or when looking for an interview. Having more than just a gap between jobs shows potential employers that while you decided to end a previous profession you remained dedicated to something productive during your time off.

In essence, volunteering has helped me develop new skills, become part of the community, feel motivated, boost my career options, meet a diverse range of people, and most importantly has shown me a way to dedicate my time to help others.

La ciencia siempre llamó mi atención. Cuando era pequeño quería saber como funcionaban mis juguetes, y muchas veces los desarmaba para luego volverlos a armar. Debo confesar que esta empresa no siempre era exitosa, ya que más de una vez, terminaba con una o dos piezas que siempre parecían sobrar. En una ocasión trate de construir un pequeño telescopio utilizando un tubo de PVC y las lentes de varias lupas que tenía mi papá. Como podrán imaginarse mi “telescopio” no funcionó, pero eso nunca me desanimó para seguir explorando el mundo.  Esta curiosidad me motivó a estudiar química y gracias a eso hoy me encuentro realizando un post-doctorado en uno de los institutos biomédicos más importantes del mundo.

Ciencia, esa palabra que circulaba por mi cabeza cuando era solo un niño, hoy está presente en todas partes en nuestras vidas y nuestro país no es la excepción. Últimamente se ha hablado mucho en Ecuador sobre la importancia de la ciencia y tecnología, pero….. cuál es la contribución real de nuestro país en el ámbito científico? Hace un par de meses leí un interesante reportaje publicado en uno de los principales diarios ecuatorianos, su titulo decía: “Cada cinco años, hay 4 publicaciones”. Encontré el título alarmante y decidí leer el artículo que fue usado para obtener la información suministrada en el reportaje. 

La publicación reporta que en promedio, desde 1965 hasta enero 2009, el país publicó en total 66 artículos en  revistas científicas internacionales por año (artículos revisados por editores e investigadores especializados e independientes),  Cuando realicé una búsqueda rápida en una base de datos (Scopus) sobre el número de publicaciones de universidades y escuelas politécnicas, encontré que aproximadamente el 61 % del total de publicaciones reportadas tienen su origen en la investigación realizada en esas instituciones. Esto significa que cada año, entre todas estas instituciones de educación superior, publican aproximadamente 40 artículos. De acuerdo al Conesup (organismo que regula las universidades), el Ecuador tienen 73 universidades y escuelas politécnicas  registradas. Después de un simple cálculo matemático, se puede concluir que cada una de esas instituciones en Ecuador contribuye al ámbito científico con un promedio de 0.5 publicaciones cada año, es decir MENOS DE UN ARTICULO ANUAL!!!!!!. Entre los investigadores siempre se dice, “investigación que no se publica no existe”. Si analizamos el alarmante déficit de publicaciones científicas reportadas, terminamos preguntándonos, que pasa con toda la investigación que se realiza en el país?  

Desde mi punto de vista, la investigación en el Ecuador aún no se ha desarrollado. En el pasado el país vivió en una burbuja donde la gente no sabía lo que pasaba afuera. La información bibliografía con que se contaba era muy limitada y desactualizada y la cantidad de doctores (PhDs) era muy baja, yo diría que mínima. Esto sumado al casi nulo interés por parte de las autoridades de turno y las universidades por investigar ha hecho que esta actividad no se haya desarrollado en el país. Sin embargo, en la actualidad el país cuenta con profesionales mejor preparados, las universidades cuentan con más doctores (PhDs) en su planta docente, y gracias al Internet, (que ha probado ser una gran herramienta) ahora es más fácil saber lo que sucede alrededor del mundo, es más fácil conseguir información actualizada y hacer contactos con otros investigadores, lo que antes resultaba bastante difícil. Eso ha permitido que el número anual de publicaciones científicas haya aumentado considerablemente en los últimos años. 

Un análisis más detallado de la información muestra que de las 73 universidades y escuelas politécnicas registradas, solo 11 publican sus investigaciones. Desafortunadamente, cabe anotar, que dentro de ellas, son solo unos pocos miembros de su planta docente los que se dedican a realizar investigación como parte de sus tareas académicas. Esto es algo por lo que hay que preocuparse.

Mi búsqueda en Scopus también mostró un incremento sustancial en el número de publicaciones, especialmente en las últimas 3 décadas, desde un promedio de 4 publicaciones anuales en los 80`s, 18 en la década de los 90`s hasta 89 publicaciones entre 2000-2008. Eso es un aumento en un 2225 %, y puede ser considerado un dato muy alentador, pero no es suficiente. Si comparamos con el promedio de artículos publicados, entre 2000 – 2008, en otros países de la región (Brasil = 20041, Argentina = 4293, Chile =2974, Venezuela = 1121, Colombia = 1121, Uruguay = 377, Perú = 220, Bolivia = 43 y Paraguay = 18) se puede ver que solo lo estamos haciendo mejor que Bolivia y Paraguay. 

Todavía hay un largo camino que recorrer, no podemos quedarnos atrás y estar esperanzados en beneficiarnos de lo que otros logren a través de la investigación. Tenemos que producir, tenemos que desarrollar, tenemos que investigar, solo así podremos generar riquezas y estar mejor preparados para los desafíos que un mundo cambiante nos obliga a enfrentar. Muchas cosas tienen que cambiar para poder hacerlo y los ecuatorianos tendremos que poner mucho trabajo en ello, especialmente la gente más preparada. Nosotros compartimos la visión de que la educación es muy importante para el desarrollo de un pueblo.  La educación ayuda a que la gente sea más productiva y por lo tanto aumenta sus oportunidades de una vida mejor. Si lográramos aumentar el nivel educativo de la gente en el país, no solo que en el futuro aumentaría el número de publicaciones científicas, sino también, el estándar de vida. Apoyar la educación es pensar en un futuro mejor para nuestro pueblo.

Jorge Heredia

I was always attracted to science.  When I was a child, I wanted to know how my toys worked, and many times, I would separate them into their components and assemble them later.  I must confess that this enterprise was not always successful, and more than once I ended up with one or two pieces that I could not find a place for. I tried once to build a small telescope using a pipe and several of my dad’s magnifier glasses.  As you may guess it did not work, but that never discouraged me to continue exploring the world. This curiosity motivated me to study Chemistry, and thanks to that, today I am doing a postdoctoral fellowship in one of the most important biomedical institutes in the world.  

Science was a word that went through my head when I was a little child and today it is present everywhere in our lives and our country is not an exception. Lately a lot has been said in Ecuador about the importance of science and technology, but….. What is the real contribution of our country in the scientific field?  A couple of months ago, I read an interesting report published in one of the main Ecuadorian newspapers, its headline read:  ”Every five years, there are 4 publications”. I found the headline itself, alarming and decided to read thoroughly the article that was used to get the information supplied in the report.   

The article reported that in average, from 1965 until January 2009, the country published a total of 66 papers in international scientific journals per year (articles reviewed by publishers and independent investigators specialized in the field).  When I performed a quick search in a database (Scopus) about the number of publications of universities and technical colleges, it showed that approximately 61 % of the total papers came from research made in these institutions.  This means that every year, all of these educational institutions publish approximately 40 papers.   According to Conesup (Organism that regulates universities), Ecuador has 73 registered universities and technical colleges. After a simple mathematical operation, it can be concluded that each of these institutions in Ecuador contributes to the scientific field an average of 0.5 papers every year, that is to say LESS THAN ONE PAPER ANNUALY!!!!!.  Among researchers it is always said, “research that is not published does not exist”.  If we analyze the alarming deficit of scientific papers reported, we end up asking ourselves, what happened with all the investigation that is carried out in the country?  

From my perspective, research in Ecuador has not developed yet. In the past, the country lived inside a bubble where people did not know what was going on outside.  The bibliographic information available was very limited and out of date, and the amount of PhDs was very low, I would say minimum. This added to the almost null interest of the authorities and the universities about doing research caused a lack of development of this activity in the country. However, currently the country has better prepared professionals, the universities have more PhDs working as faculty, and thanks to the Internet, (it has proved to be a great tool) now it is easier to know what is happening around the world, get up to date information and make contacts with other investigators, which was not easy before. This has allowed the annual number of scientific publications to grow considerably in the past years.  

As previously mentioned, Ecuador has 73 universities and technical colleges.  A more detailed analysis of the information shows that only 11 of them publish their research.  Unfortunately, it has to be added that inside these universities only very few members of their faculty are investigators who actually do research. This is something to worry about.

My search in Scopus also showed a substantial increase in the number of publications, especially in the last 3 decades, from an average of 4 annual publications in the 80´s, 18 in the decade of the 90´s to 89 papers between 2000 and 2008.  That is an increase in a 2225 %, and can be considered very encouraging data, but it is not enough.  If we compare with the average of papers published, between 2000 and 2008, in other countries in the region (Brazil = 20041, Argentina = 4293, Chile = 2974, Venezuela = 1121, Colombia = 1121, Uruguay = 377, Peru = 220, Bolivia = 43 and Paraguay = 18) it can be seen that we are only doing better than Bolivia and Paraguay.  

Still there is a long way to go, we can not remain behind and just hope that we can benefit of what others achieve through research.  We must produce, develop and investigate; as this is the only way we will be able to generate wealth and to be better prepared for the challenges that a changing world will force us to face. Many things need to change to be able to do this, and Ecuadorians will certainly need to put a lot of work into it, especially the more qualified people.  We share the vision that education is very important for the development of a nation.  It helps people to be more productive and therefore expands their opportunities.  If we were able to increase the educational level of people in the country, not only that the number of scientific publications will raise in the future but also the standard of living.  Supporting education is to think about a better future for our people. 

Jorge Heredia

As the financial crisis continues to rattle the global economy, there is a good chance some of the effects have trickled down to affect you.  Maybe you have decided to hold off making a big purchase, or you salary or hours have been cut.  No doubt it isn’t a good time, nor an easy time, but it is paramount to remember the opportunities you have had and the important role education has played in your path.  

Going through EMP’s financial records, I am very proud that each year we have increased our donations substantially.  From about $1000 in 2006 to over $6000 in 2008.  Because of this generosity Ecuador Mi Pais has donated over $20,000 over the past three years to support our growing number of “becarios,” which now total over 70.   This is in large part because of your efforts.  We had over 60 different donors last year, many who donate monthly.  What is important is that this trend continues.  While we understand this year will be difficult to raise money, remember that while ten dollars a month may not mean too much to you, it means a lot to an underprivileged child who could use that money to pay for school.  

If you haven’t donated yet, please do.  It can be as much or as little as you want as frequently, or infrequently as you’d like. One way that EMP can meet and exceed our donation total of 2008 is to get more corporate donations.  Even if you can’t donate, please let us know (vpfinanzas@ecuadormipais.org) if your office has a corporate donation program. These types of donations are mutually beneficial as your organization will receive a tax break and goodwill, and more children in Ecuador will be able to attend classes and receive an education that will allow them to take control of their lives.  All you have to do is let us know the name of the organization and with whom we should speak, and we will do the rest.

Ecuador Mi Pais is a growing organization and much of what we do is new.  We are aware there may be different ideas or ways to raise money.  If you have an idea on how EMiP can improve or change our fundraising efforts please let us know.  

Let’s make sure that this financial crisis doesn’t unduly affect those who most need our help.

Jeff Feintech

Estimados miembros:

Nos es grato anunciarles la re-elección de Roberto Andrade como Presidente de EMiP para el período 2008-2010. Al menos los 3 siguientes criterios fueron determinantes para el Directorio al momento de la elección:

1. Las respuestas de los candidatos acerca de sus objetivos para EMiP y el camino que tomarán para llegar a sus objetivos y liderar a la organización;

2. La participación de cada candidato en las actividades de la Organización;

3. El conocimiento de cada candidato sobre los actuales objetivos,proyectos, actividades y metas de la Organización.

Como fue anunciado anteriormente, los nuevos miembros del Directorio iniciaron ya sus funciones el 1º. de Agosto para un período de dos años (2008-2010). Con el esfuerzo conjunto del Directorio y los miembros de EMiP, estamos seguros de poder alcanzar metas más ambiciosas y tener un mayor impacto en la educación de niños y jóvenes en el Ecuador en este nuevo
período. Gracias por su apoyo, pieza clave para el éxito de la Organización.

Directorio

Ecuador Mi Pais

(2008-2010)