In El
Pedregal, a small town close to Machachi and the volcano Cotopaxi, the local children have been given
the opportunity to learn a second language through the efforts of volunteer
teachers.

Phil Moore
is a qualified TEFL teacher but this year he has chosen to work voluntarily.

He explains
that the concept of learning another language is quite alien to these children,
as most of them will never leave Ecuador.

"It might
inspire them or help them to get a good job and if just one of them learns some
English that is good, although I probably won't see the result of that," he
states.

According
to Phil, the pupils he teaches are 'lovely kids' and are very reserved. They
are afraid to ask for things unless they are offered, he tells us. Also,
something in the culture prevents them from saying 'I don't know'. "Maybe they
are embarrassed to or maybe it is lost in the language somewhere," he says.

Life as a
teacher in this small Ecuadorian community is very different to working in a
city or in a European school. The day is not strictly structured and the
timetable is not 'regimented'.

Although
the hours are officially 08:30 to 13:00, the class times can vary and, equally,
Phil is able to rearrange his day if he wishes to travel to Quito for the weekend.

"Flexible
is a flexible way of putting it!" he laughs.

The
teachers appreciate his work, he says, but the most rewarding part of the job
is the kids themselves. When one of them says good morning to him, there is a
chorus of good mornings from all the children - an aspect that clearly touches
him.

When asked
what he considers to be the essential elements for somebody hoping to teach at
the school, he cites a certain level of Spanish and 'limitless enthusiasm'.

It is
important for the children to continue learning English so that they remember
what they have already learnt.

"I hope
there is someone to take my place when I leave," Phil says, "as the children
need English every day; otherwise they forget."