Scottish International Solidarity Trust

Scotland´s Pride - the young at work in Ecuador

You might find litter on the streets and think that the bus and railway stations are cold and uninviting but no one can dispute that Glasgow homes are equipped to be as cosy and comfortable as modern materialism can provide.

It was from this setting that a young contingent of Scottish youths left to cross the world and make their contribution to life in one of the poorest shanty towns in Ecaudor. The contrast did not end there. Each morning they would leave their luxury hotel, cross the town, pick up a spade or paint bursh and sweat it out till late evening: painting nursery walls, mixing cement, laying a play ground, or taking meals to the poor and housebound.

I am not allowed to comment on what they did in the evenings but there follows the experience of on member of the group. Helen writes:

“I didn´t really know what to think when I was first given the opportunity to come to Ecuqador. I was excited and scared. But when we arrive dinthe shanty townall that fear went away. To see people from such difficult living conditions smile and be grteful was so humiliating and surprising.  The first thing I noticed was the amout of generosity and patience that the people of Guayaquil had for us.  I thing it is impossible to sum up the past week into a pragraph but what I can say is that it has been incredibly moving and emotinal to see the level of poverty that exists here compared with such a high level of loy, love and respect for one another.I really hope that us Scots can take a leaf out fo the book and take back home with us all the wonderful qualities of theEcuadorian people. I´d liek to thand alison and Fr. Colin for the wonderful experience on behalf of all the group. We have alllearnt so much not only about commun ity spirit and poverty but about ourselves. It has been truly wonderful.”

Final comment: our thanks to Alison Mitchell, the organiser of the trip; to Anne Marie, Margaret, George and Chris who were the adult helpers. May God bless you for giving of your time and energy that others might benefit.                                                             Fr Colin

(Sorry the electrical supply is running low and is insufficient to include pictures. They will come later).