PROJECTS
Ecumenical Foundation for Integral Development, Training – Education, FEDICE is a non-profit, non-governmental organization. Its headquarters are located in Quito, Ecuador.
FEDICE was founded in 1994 by Victor Vaca (Ecuador) and Violet Groth Vaca (United States). Violeta and Victor's dream was to create an organization that works with families in rural communities through productive projects managed especially by women, who have historically been marginalized and have not had access to education and training.
Currently, FEDICE supports 17 groups of women from communities located in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Imbabura, Carchi and Esmeraldas. With training as a cross-cutting axis, FEDICE works with groups of women whose main objective is to improve the living conditions of their families and their communities.
FEDICE's activities fall into four main areas: agricultural and livestock production projects; microfinance; fair trade; construction and work with missionary groups and volunteers.
Faith without works is dead, says James 2:17, that is why at FEDICE we work with people in the communities putting our FAITH into practice, working with joy and hope with the women, men, boys and girls of the communities.
Sustainable Agriculture
Since 1994, FEDICE has supported nearly 5,000 families in developing stable sources of income through agricultural projects and access to credit for micro-enterprises at fair rates. We teach sustainable agricultural practices - from an economic, environmental and social point of view - and offer relevant training with our specific technical staff to achieve the objectives of each project.
… he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 2 Corinthians 9:6
MICRO-FINANCE
FEDICE provides access to credit for micro-enterprises at fair rates through the establishment of Savings and Credit Associations controlled by local associations, while our partner associations form the branches and manage the funds. Our model, which includes the creation of a community fund and a central office, fosters a culture of savings and informed money management that provides significant benefits at the individual level as well as at the community level.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21
FAIR TRADE
FEDICE promotes the production and consumption of products that satisfy the needs of families in a dignified manner.
Our objectives are:
1) Ensuring that families optimize the use of resources available to them in their communities and
2) Generate economic savings through a process of replacing commercial goods with goods that can be produced by themselves.
God wants all scales and balances to be accurate and business deals to be clean Proverbs 16:11
MISSIONS
FEDICE connects people and communities in North America with people and communities in Ecuador. We are convinced that we are one in the Spirit of God—no matter if we live in Dallas, Texas or Pusir, Ecuador; if we are farmers, teachers, or lawyers; if we speak English, Kichwa, or Spanish. Experience the joy that is found in working “together” as God’s people by bringing a group to Ecuador. Contact Blanca Puma Martinez at blancapuma@hotmail.com for details and open dates in 2024.
….Work for God with great enthusiasm. Romans 12:11
CONSTRUCTION
Fedice teaches communities that the well-being of families depends on working together. This is how Fedice and communities come together to build new homes for low-income families, repair childcare centers, churches and community centers.
We work through a dynamic 50/50 integration. The community is committed to providing labor, food and the execution of the goal, and FEDICE provides economic support and follow-up through valuable donations made by people from the United States who love our country and love people who need to improve their quality of life.
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VOLUNTEERS
FEDICE welcomes short- and long-term volunteers to experience Ecuador's rich heritage and culture, as well as support our work to build social justice, unity and peace through integral development in communities.
Volunteer opportunities are tailored to an interested party's skills, talents, and available time commitment.
Interested in learning more? Contact Blanca Puma Martinez at blancapuma@hotmail.com.
How beautiful it is to see those who bring good news arrive! “Romans 10:15