Alicia's IST Assembly Presentation is below

​Alicia in Grade 12 – Going to Quito, Ecuador – Education 

I never take for granted how lucky I am to have such quality education that allows me to pursue any career I am interested in. Nonetheless, I feel it should not be a privilege. The lack of quality education, teachers, resources, and money in a lot of low-income countries means the opportunity for career paths is very limited. Especially those involving English, a language so essential for communication and for life in modern society. 
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In Ecuador, more than half of all children and teens do not meet minimum proficiency standards in reading and mathematics. Additionally, it ranks 90th among 112 countries in the English Proficiency Index. Language lessons are very expensive, and, because of the high level of poverty, children do not have the opportunity to properly learn English. By offering my help for teaching English, I hope to contribute to the works being done to increase access to English.

Donating is good, but physically helping and showing support makes an impact on a personal level. I hope to share the richness of the language and the culture with the students whilst helping them acquire an essential life skill, speaking English.