Updates

Last week, we had the joy of watching several of Mission Santa Maria’s programs come together in a truly inspiring way. All of the children and missionary caregivers from the Mission Home were invited to spend the day at ESPOL University—an experience filled with discovery, learning, and fun.

ESPOL University, the top public university in Guayaquil, has been a valued partner of Mission Santa Maria since we launched our work-study program in 2022. Through this program, our participants study megaelectronics at ESPOL while gaining hands-on experience through internships at shipping ports in Posorja, Ecuador. Over the past two years, our relationship with ESPOL has grown steadily. Professors have visited the Mission School to speak to high school students about STEM careers and have offered essential guidance to our transition program participants preparing for the university entrance exams.

Last week, ESPOL took that partnership a step further by inviting the entire Mission Home community to their campus in Guayaquil for a full day of activities.

The day began early, with 60 excited children (the toddlers and babies stayed behind) and 10 caregivers boarding buses for the three-hour trip. They were warmly welcomed with snacks in a scenic campus park by the director of our work-study program. The official programming kicked off with an engaging multimedia presentation on electromagnetics and physics. The children were then split into two groups: those under 7 and those over 7.

The younger children spent the morning in the park coloring, playing lawn games, and engaging in creative, science-themed art projects. Meanwhile, the older group explored the university’s science museum, discovering interactive exhibits and learning about the world of physics, including anti-gravity simulations and an earthquake stimulator. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a delicious lunch provided by the university, followed by a visit to the art building, where the children engaged with modern art and hands-on activities. The day ended with a peaceful hike to the on-campus lake, where the children had time to relax, enjoy a snack, and take in the beautiful surroundings.

The trip was a resounding success. One 13-year-old boy—known for being difficult to motivate in school—told his caregiver on the way home that he now dreams of studying at ESPOL. Another young girl excitedly shared that she wants to be a scientist so she can do experiments just like the ones she saw that day.

Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do. Giving our children the chance to step onto a university campus, to explore science and art with their own hands, and to imagine new futures for themselves—it’s more than a field trip. It’s a spark. For many of these children, this was their first time seeing what higher education looks like up close. It was a powerful reminder that their futures can be filled with possibility. With continued support and encouragement, we believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to.