High Cloud Foundation - Because Dreams Come True

Washington, DC -- Jackie Cleary wanted to get involved in High Cloud when she read an article about the foundation in 'Runner's World.'



Two things struck me. First was the drive and dedication of Adriana and Matt to start this wonderful organization in South America, the second was the fact they were both are runners like me with regular jobs and could still commit time to a cause," she said.  "I felt like this was something I wanted to be involved in."
 
But she didn't know until later that the organization could link her own story to the children's cause.  After Jackie decided to go to Ecuador to spend time with family, she discovered that she could do more than simply visit.
 
"I was reading on High Cloud's website about a mission they did in Ecuador," said Jackie.  "I started realizing that it all was making sense for me.  I would raise money, volunteer at the site in Ecuador, and hopefully do my part to make a difference."
 
And make a difference she did.  She volunteered in Mapasingue, Guayaquil at a primary school called Magdalenda Cabeza del Duran for several months.  Jackie helped teachers in the classroom, planned a nutrition class, and taught English among other tasks.  Her mission awakened her to both the virtues and deficiencies of the community.



"The children are sweet, kind, eager to learn and to embrace a stranger in their classroom," said Jackie.  "They opened their minds and hearts to me and welcomed me every morning with 'Good morning Miss.'  They left the class each time saying 'See you later Miss' and giving me a kiss on the cheek.  They also asked me questions such as if I knew the kids from 'High School Musical' and if I could get their autographs for them."
 
But despite their sweet natures, the children lack resources.  
 
"The needs are many unfortunately," she said. "The school does not have funds to purchase books for the kids so they have to copy everything from the blackboard into their notebooks."
 
A Mapasingue teacher described a lack of Spanish-to-English dictionaries as well as teaching guides, and Jackie raised money to fill those needs. 



But Jackie especially felt the lack of books for students.  She now wants to start a library on the Magdalena campus.
 
"The children really don't have access to reading materials," she said.  "There is a library in town, but it is far.  Transportation is an issue, and it's not necessarily seen as important.  It would be much more convenient for them to have books at their disposal on school grounds to borrow and return."
 
Even though Jackie is now home in the U.S., she hopes to establish a campus library in Ecuador.  She's starting slowly, collecting books in both English and Spanish for the children.  
 
"My plans are to start collecting used children's books from family and friends to send to the school in Mapasingue," she said.  "I have not raised any more additional funds, but plan to in the future and hope to return to the school next year."