December 2024 Update
Student Spotlight: Wilmer Lutuala
of Tingo Pucará, Guangaje, Cotopaxi, Ecuador.
Graduation, November 2024 Bachelors of Science, Agronomy, Universidad Tecnicá de Cotopaxi (the largest public university in the province of Cotopaxi).
FFGE Scholarship Recipient: 4 Years
Wilmer: Good afternoon, Dear Dr. David, I hope you are well. I want to express my sincere gratitude to you and the FFGE Foundation for your invaluable financial support, which has allowed me to continue and complete my academic studies.
I feel immensely happy and grateful for having reached this important goal in my life. My family is very proud of me and encourages me to continue with my studies. My community also recognizes this achievement as an inspiration [for my siblings and cousins to follow].
Pictured here is Wilmer (3rd from right) among other scholarship recipients during his first year at UTC.
How will you celebrate? We celebrated with a small family meal, where we reflected on the challenges overcome and the value of effort (Wilmer has a wife and a 2-year-old daughter).
Who among your friends, family, and community has supported you during your studies? Mainly my parents and my wife have been fundamental pillars in my academic path (Wilmer is pictured to the below at his graduation with his mother, wife and daughter, and other family members).
Explain why you studied agronomy. What interests you about this area? I love nature and its connection with life. I am passionate about agronomy because it allows me to work directly with plants, soil, water and animals, contributing to the balance between the environment and agricultural production. I can contribute [to my community] by helping them improve agricultural productivity and sustainability through the implementation of modern techniques, education, access to markets and the conservation of natural resources, which are key to the economy of my community.
What are your immediate plans? My immediate goal is to work and form my own business related to the agricultural sector. I am interested in working in agricultural production or in research centers where I can continue to develop professionally. My plan is to stay in Cotopaxi, but if a good opportunity arises somewhere else, such as Quito or Cuenca, I would be willing to move to gain new experiences.
What is your dream job? My dream is to be a university professor, to share knowledge and educate future generations.
How did the support from Para El Futuro de Guangaje and the mentorship by Mr. Rodrigo Ilaquiche, FFGE Ecuador Director, help you achieve this goal? The financial support was fundamental to completing my studies, as it allowed me to focus completely on my academic training without worrying so much about financial difficulties. I would like to express my most sincere gratitude to Sr. Rodrigo Ilaquiche, for all of his support…his constant dedication, giving us motivational talks month after month, which has driven us to continue forward to achieve our goals.
Wilmer is second from right, among 8 graduates in the concentration of Agronomy.
Do you have any comments or advice for young indigenous people who want to continue their studies at university? If you dream of studying and becoming a professional, ask God for guidance and wisdom. Never limit yourself, keep a positive mindset and work consistently. Important achievements require effort and sacrifice, but with perseverance everything is possible. Trust in your abilities and keep going. Once again, I thank you very much for everything. May God bless you greatly in health, family and work. A big hug from afar,
Wilmer Lutuala, BS Agronomy.
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