It is my pleasure to give this small review of the presentation done by Solar Quest in regards to their upcoming projects on April 22. I now know that the upcoming work that will be done here on San Cristobal Island is being well thought out in regards to the impact that it will have here on the Community. Too often I find the priorities on the Galapagos focus on short ranged changes or the giving of expensive resources without the proper education and training. It is certainly a harder and much more time consuming endeavor to involve the community but really it is the only way to accomplish any goal.
They have started with the youth in active projects giving them the training to help the community now and the education to continue it in the future. This will not be completed in short order but I was impressed by the start that is evident in Ignacio Hernandez High school. Easily my favorite part of the day was giving the students a chance to show what they have done to their family and community.
I am currently working as an educator for the Charles Darwin Foundation and will look forward to seeing the project grow and hopefully become not a Solar Quest mandated project but rather a recognized need and desire of San Cristobal.
I understand that many of the benefits that will be brought forth by Solar Quest will need lots of money but I do want to attest that that alone will hurt the community more then help it. There are currently many Solar panels in the community that no longer work and long abandoned weather sampling sites from pervious projects that did not put their focus on the people but rather on bringing in “things”. In that light while I appreciate the fine work being done by Mr. John Jennings to help and beautify this island I always get nervous when ceremonies promise lots of things and money to a community in a formal ceremony. If thousands are made from the paintings still the best work will be what has been done in the education. I applaud Solar Quest for this and only encourage them to highlight and continue with it more.
In the hands of the Ecuadorians I was able to meet who are working on the project I am sure this project will not encounter the many stumbling blocks of the past and I offer them my support in any way I can give it.
Thank You
Earl Millett
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