Built to last: educational partnerships in Ecuador

The 2016 earthquake in Ecuador took the lives of at least 673 people, making it the country’s worst natural disaster. Around half of the fatalities occurred in Manabí, one of the provinces in which VVOB Ecuador works. “One of the most impacting aspects of the tragedy is that, in a way, it could have been prevented”, says Ms Tammy Caamaño (small picture), Commercial Manager for Ideal Alambrec Bekaert (IAB), one of the companies working in public housing in Manabí after the earthquake. “Almost 70 per cent of construction projects in Ecuador are built informally, without regard for construction standards. Most deaths occurred because buildings collapsed on people”.

Shaping future solutions

VVOB approached IAB to collaborate with the Ecuadoran Ministry of Education on the implementation of a one-year post-secondary TVET career option in Construction in selected schools in Manabí, and of a future three-year secondary option. “A very appealing approach”, Ms Caamaño comments. “The project not only supports the immediate reconstruction in disaster zones after the earthquake, it is also part of a longer-term solution in the form of quality technical education in building practices, thus contributing to safer communities. Our expectation is to raise the technical quality of construction processes, as well as to raise public awareness of the disastrous consequences of disregarding legal and technical regulations related to earthquake resistant structures. We also want to help incorporate a new generation of skilled professionals into the economic environment.”

Meaningful alliance

Two pilot industrial technical schools, two teachers, 48 students, of which eight are women: these are the key actors in the project. Ms Caamaño recognises: “This is a very ambitious project, and the first phase has taught us many lessons. Our company has never been part of a similar project before, but VVOB’s expertise in educational issues gives us confidence that results and impact will be achieved.”

When asked about the sustainability prospects for the project, Ms Caamaño mentions the importance of a clear focus and the creation of mid and long-term objectives in addition to the expected results: “For a company such as IAB, delivering resources – whether these are budget, time or knowledge – in a social responsibility framework, is not only a matter of supporting local communities and relevant educational options for young people’s careers. It is also a matter of improving our framework for doing business”.

Lasting structures 

Ms Caamaño has been especially impressed by the enthusiasm and commitment students show: “For me, the most meaningful part of this experience has been listening to these youngsters speak about their perspectives of professional growth in construction-related careers.” She also recognises the importance of constructors that have agreed to act as tutors during students’ pre-professional practices. “These professionals have generously committed themselves to tutor the students. The tutoring sessions have provided the constructors with an additional external evaluation of quality: students go to the sites equipped with a combination of theoretical knowledge and an eager eye. This allows them to identify certain minor details in the building processes that could be improved. Tutoring sessions are thus enhanced by discussions between constructors, workers, teachers and students on how to address and provide technical solutions to these specific issues."

"For a company with a long-breath trajectory like ours, this project has incorporated new perspectives on how we can grow in our business, keeping in mind our commitment to safety. Another added value is the title the students will obtain: the project has been submitted to SETEC (Technical Secretariat for the National Qualification and Training System), which means that the title will be valid everywhere in Ecuador”.