Part 2 – Men of Estero! Where are You?!

One problem we faced was getting the local men to volunteer. Interestingly, this was never a problem in China. I tried to get to the bottom of this.

The Foundations of Agua Muisne and Yanapuma were determined to partner in building a water treatment system in the town of Estero de Plátano. This determination was a mistake. The decision to build should have been conditional on the townspeople’s understanding and commitment to the project. On Day 2 of construction, I noticed these were both lacking in the community. But it was already too late: materials had been purchased and work had begun. Nik and Allie were long term North American volunteers established in the community, and together we hastily created a presentation and held a village-wide meeting to remedy the problem. I cannot say we were successful. We may have called to attention the importance of clean water and garnered a few volunteers, but if we could have halted the project right then, we would have. The money was there, the ball was rolling, and we could only forge ahead and deal with the fallout later, sure to come.

Throughout construction, volunteers were few. Though the women and children who showed up did help, we needed men - strong enough to mix cement, push wheelbarrows full of rocks, and carry out other physically demanding tasks quickly. But they didn’t come. I had gotten to know many of the men personally, young and old, and most said they would help when they could. But one day I became furious at them lazing in the shade while their water system was being built by hired maestros, schoolchildren, and me. “Hombres de Estero! Donde estan?!” I yelled in frustration. There may be a couple reasons for their inactivity. In addition to the mistake of starting too soon, I have a theory:

I noticed in China, it is impossible for a village man to get away with not volunteering his time and energy. One reason is he lives in a hardworking culture, accustomed to squeezing productivity from a harsh environment amongst stiff competition. But the real reason each Chinese man raises his hand to volunteer without hesitation is this: he must save face. Unable to pay for a project that aims to improve his community, avoiding labor would bring unbearable shame. The men of coastal Ecuador do not face this problem, and their culture does not hold this shame. Here, the abundant seas and soil have always guaranteed a man and his family a meal, no matter how poor he is. With minimal skill, a net can be cast at random, and it will come back holding fish. Trees of all kinds grow here, and every kid knows how to acquire their tasty fruits. This region of Ecuador has never stopped giving, so most men have never found reason to work harder than his neighbor. 

Of course, there are exceptions. And the project could not have been completed without the few exceptional men, women, and children who came back repeatedly. It is no coincidence these same villagers are the leaders and best students of the community. They are the ones who find motivation where others do not, and are willing to stand apart from their peers who hide within the known and trusted pattern. The town does talk when it sees one of its own voluntarily working side by side with outsiders. Perhaps then, they sense the importance of the change being fostered. 

As always, comments are welcome - if you have other ideas about this, or in your experience you have seen circumstances that relate, please share!