About

Katitawa [kati'tawa] is an independent school located in the indigenous Andean village of Salasaka, Ecuador. It’s a place where the children would learn the basic subjects taught in any school, as well as the local language, Kichwa. Katitawa is independent from the government in that it receives no operational funds from it. Our work is possible thanks to the volunteers and the private donations from all over the world.

Escuela Katitawa runs a number of different projects and activities in the Salasaka community:

•           Afternoon school for children of the community;
•           Private lessons for children and adults;
•           Library with internet access;
•           Plant nursery.

To read more about these projects, see the Projects section.

MISSION

SKY - Sumak Kawsay Yachay is our motto in Kichwa. It translates to Beautiful, Life, Knowledge, and the acronym in English conveys that with education, the sky is the only limit to one's dreams.

HISTORY

1997: The primary school was founded by Rosa Maria Masaquiza, Rufino Masaquiza, Manuel Masaquiza and his brother Rumiñawi. They wanted to step away from the old education system and provide a pleasant learning environment and at the same time promote the children’s cultural identity.

2006: The first volunteer came to Escuela Katitawa. Then, a lot of volunteers came from all over the world to help with the project.

2012: The old meeting room of the Manguiwa-Cochapamba community was demolished and we began the construction of a new community center.

2013: the new community center was finished. It is now located at the ground floor of a new construction, built thanks to a combined effort between the Manguiwa-Cochapamba community and Escuela Katitawa.

2014: the second floor of the building was ready. It became the new dormitory for volunteers of Escuela Katitawa.

2016: The Minister of Education didn’t allow the volunteers to teach in the primary school of Katitawa. The result was that all of the parents registered their children at different schools. Despite this, Escuela Katitawa didn’t close: we open the school to all students who need help with homework in all subject, giving them transportation to and from as well.

EMPLOYEES

Rufino, Kichwa teacher

Angel, Whater Needs Doing.

Segundo, Gardener

Lorenzo, responsible for the Plant nursery

Virginia, School Cook