The Road Less Traveled is proud to announce the completion and inauguration of Escuela de Samantha Gratt. (The Samantha Gratt School). The school is finally complete and students are now taking classes five days a week!!! The photos you see are from the inauguration party held by the community. We had a wonderful time at the event and we are elated to know that Samantha's commitment to education and the betterment of children will live on in this school.

The school has four large classrooms, including a computer center. The classrooms are equipped with desks, chairs and blackboard. For most of the children, the computer center will provide them with their first opportunity to familiarize themselves with computers.

As promised, the government of Ecuador has provided the requisite teachers, and the students are following the public school curriculum. The school provides education from 7th grade through 12th grade. Because the school started later in the year, the current enrollment is about 25 students. However, enrollment for the 2009-2010 is over 100 students and expected to grow as word spreads about the success of the school.

The inauguration event included a large band, attendance by hundreds of residents, the regional government and the television media! We even dressed up in local indigenous clothing while we danced to indigenous ceremonial music.

The Road Less Traveled will continue to monitor the progress of the school. We will continue work on our other programs while keeping an eye out for opportunities that can better serve less fortunate families in Ecuador. We cannot thank our supporters and donors enough, as this school could not have happened without them. We hope you will continue to support our efforts to strengthen the foundation of well being and prosperity for Ecuadorian communities.