Stories about Ecuador from June, 2009
Ecuador: State Contracts With President's Brother Raise Concerns
Contracts between the state petroleum company and several private companies raised some eyebrows when it was discovered that the brother of current president Rafael Correa was a member of some of the private enterprises. Even though Fabricio Correa has been emphatic that the contracts were won legally, it is still causing the government to look bad.
Ecuador: Everything Ready for BarCamp in Guayaquil
Everything is ready for the next BarCamp in Guayaquil, Ecuador [es] that will take place on June 27. So far, there are more than 270 people registered for the event, writes Milton Ramírez.
Ecuador: Galapagos Islands Advance in 7 New Wonders Competition
Ecuador's Galapagos Islands have advanced to the next round in the online competition for the 7 New Wonders of the World. These islands boast some of the most diverse flora and fauna in the world and has attracted many tourists to the area, along with settlers to take part in this industry. As a result, problems such as overpopulation, excess waste, and the introduction of foreign plants and animals can be found. Ecuadorian bloggers are proud that their territory has made it this far, but hopes that this awareness will bring about better care for the land.
Ecuador: Eugenio Espejo, Precursor for the Independence Movement
Eugenio Espejo was a writer, journalist, and philospher in colonial Ecuador during the late 18th century. He is often credited for contributing to the precursor of the independence movement. Belén Proaño of Temas Para Debatir [es] has a profile of the man.
Latin America: The Problem of Child Labor – Part I
Child labor is a sad reality in Latin America, and often many residents throughout the region become so used to seeing working children that they don't even realize it. Awareness campaigns and other steps are being taken to change all of this. In observance of the World Day Against Child Labor 2009, which will be held on June 12, members of the Global Voices Latin American team helped to find related blog posts and links about this issue in their own countries for part one in this two part series
Ecuador: Evaluating Public School Teachers
The reform of the educational system in Ecuador has been a goal of the current government, and now it has its sights on the performance of the public school teachers across the country. The executive branch has signed a new law requiring all teachers to be evaluated. However, the National Teacher's Union is resisting and has openly defied the order saying that it is not clear whether or not such testing is legal. It has opened up discussion about how to make sure that the children are getting the best quality education from the nation's teachers.