Edison
Aquindo is a young leader from the Rio Blanco community invited by Kallari
to travel to the
U.S. to visit crafts
fairs, “green” product festivals, chocolate retailers, colleges and
universities as part of understanding the market for these products. Rio
Blanco is a member community of the Kallari Association.
AlliancExchange travelers to
Ecuador in 2005 have a
special relationship with
Edison because he was the guide and
naturalist who led their three hour trek into the rainforest to Rio Blanco's
ecotourism facility. In addition to explaining the uses of rainforest
plants along the route,
Edison spent the entire three days with the
North American visitors. In addition,
Edison was elected to serve as Treasurer to
the Rio Blanco community in 2006. He will serve in the role for three
years.
Edison
has been pursuing professional courses to support him in his increased
responsibilities. This shows a commitment to his community, the region and
his culture. The trip to the
U.S. with Kallari adds to
his wealth of knowledge about markets and product development and supports
his continued growth as a young leader of the Kichwa culture in the
rainforest communities of
Napo Province,
Ecuador.
