Manitoba to Ecuador
is a cross cultural exchange program initiated by Mark Reimer in 2011; it started off with a dream which quickly became a reality because of Reimer's hard work, dedication and pursuit of cultural sustainability.
Main Issue: In the small community of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, a lot of young kids were suffering from the effects of poverty both socially and economically; the Los Canarios Futbol Club was set up to help give these young boys a chance to fight the effects of poverty through the program while receiving an education and playing soccer. While traveling South America, Mark Reimer found out about this program and was instantly inspired by their mission and immediately took action. He worked collaboratively with the community to start the Manitoba to Ecuador Project; there have been changes that have occurred in the program along the way but one thing remains constant: Reimer's Passion and Commitment.
is a cross cultural exchange program initiated by Mark Reimer in 2011; it started off with a dream which quickly became a reality because of Reimer's hard work, dedication and pursuit of cultural sustainability.
Main Issue: In the small community of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, a lot of young kids were suffering from the effects of poverty both socially and economically; the Los Canarios Futbol Club was set up to help give these young boys a chance to fight the effects of poverty through the program while receiving an education and playing soccer. While traveling South America, Mark Reimer found out about this program and was instantly inspired by their mission and immediately took action. He worked collaboratively with the community to start the Manitoba to Ecuador Project; there have been changes that have occurred in the program along the way but one thing remains constant: Reimer's Passion and Commitment.
Mark Reimer &
the Manitoba to Ecuador Project
A cross cultural exchange program
Connecting Manitoba to the community of Puerto Lopez
Mission: Mark Reimer wanted to do more than just financially support the organization, he wanted it to come to life and make a sustainable difference. He created a cultural exchange program - students from the Steinbach Regional Secondary School would have a chance to go down to Puerto Lopez for a month in the summer to work directly with the project (the soccer team , day care, English lessons and Reading Programs, Earthquake relief) and to experience what taking action feels and looks like so they will continue with the mindset in their future. An experience these students would treasure and become difference makers. In exchange, three Ecuadorian boys from the program would come to Manitoba for a semester of school, living in home-stays supported by the community to learn about Canadian culture, learn English and experience life in Manitoba (the cold and all).
On occasion I have to pinch myself because I´m not sure I´m awake or something. Is it really possible for a group of 13 people to have an experience like this? It just keeps getting better – that was the best meal we´ve had, maybe the best I´ve ever had (lunch today in Adrian´s home); that 12 hour bus ride was only 10 hours! it seemed like an amusement ride with roller coaster speeds and curves, constant food vendors coming by, a little puke (first one right behind Katie and under her feet, second one behind Emilie and onto her camera bag), lots of laughs and high speeds; this is the most beautiful place I´ve ever seen; we are only booked into the best hostal in the world ever … The group is so positive, so enthusiastic about what is going on, and so far, getting along real well too." (Mark Reimer, 2011)
Source of Vigour: There are so many reasons why I chose Mark Reimer as my Source of Vigour. Mulligan addresses what it means to be an "Agent of Change", sharing that these agents have many things in common, including:
1. Focus on an issue that one really cares about
2. Be bold
3. Research other sources
4. Find People to work with; build a strong team
5. Find a role that suits one's talents
6. Have strong communication skills
7. Be creative
8. Do not become demoralized
9. Keep a balance (Mulligan, 172)
Mark exemplifies this list and more: his passion is undeniable, his commitment to the Manitoba to Ecuador Project is inspiring, his perseverance is admirable and his ability to create a community that stretches across the globe is nothing short of amazing.
1. Focus on an issue that one really cares about
2. Be bold
3. Research other sources
4. Find People to work with; build a strong team
5. Find a role that suits one's talents
6. Have strong communication skills
7. Be creative
8. Do not become demoralized
9. Keep a balance (Mulligan, 172)
Mark exemplifies this list and more: his passion is undeniable, his commitment to the Manitoba to Ecuador Project is inspiring, his perseverance is admirable and his ability to create a community that stretches across the globe is nothing short of amazing.
Ronny, Filipe and Yandry send Mark a message below: