In late 2024, Ecuador faced a significant challenge as a severe energy crisis disrupted daily life across its 24 provinces and 17 million residents. From September to December, prolonged power outages — some lasting up to 14 hours — affected businesses, households, and schools, leaving communities to navigate a season of uncertainty and hardship.
Education in Crisis
Education is a cornerstone of Ecuador’s development, equity, and sustainability, but the energy crisis exposed and worsened existing challenges. Schools, especially in rural areas, struggled to function as resources became scarce, and power interruptions halted access to necessities and technological tools. For many students, these conditions completely disrupted their learning.
Students wanted to learn, but the power cuts made it nearly impossible. Some days, holding classes wasn’t an option due to the difficult conditions. This hardship was further compounded by economic instability, widespread unemployment, and poverty, which added strain to families and small businesses.
Commitment to Support
Amid these difficulties, the Edify Team in Ecuador remained steadfast in its mission to empower schools and foster resilience. Santiago Gamboa, Ecuador Country Director, shares, “In the midst of this difficult situation, we continually provided support. For example, we worked closely with schools to reorganize schedules and maximize the use of natural light in classrooms. We also implemented rechargeable batteries, laptops, and projectors to ensure that training and learning could continue despite limited electricity. In addition, we developed printed materials to support continuity in education when electronic devices were unavailable and encouraged collaborative teaching to help schools adapt.”
Schools also found innovative ways to overcome these obstacles. Some used whiteboards in open spaces to continue lessons, even without electricity, while others rotated classrooms to areas with better natural lighting. Many schools also adapted their teaching methodologies, incorporating project-based learning to engage students in activities that made direct use of their environment.
One particularly inspiring example is Esdras Christian School, a small school in a rural community. Faced with the crisis, the school implemented creative solutions to ensure learning could continue. Teresita Urresta, the school’s director, recalls, “During the power outages, Edify supported us with in-person training on reading comprehension and ‘The Seven Strategies to Strengthen Literacy in Children.’ The Edify team came prepared with laptops, rechargeable projectors, and all the equipment needed to deliver their workshop. Their support has been a great blessing for our teachers.”
A Foundation for the Future
By standing alongside these local schools, we have seen the transformative power of Christ-centered education to provide hope and solutions, even in times of challenge. For the students of Ecuador, education remains the key to unlocking potential and shaping a brighter future. And for Edify, every challenge is an opportunity to shine God’s light even brighter in the darkest of times.
