James Dean Byrd Foundation

Escuela Los Algarrobos is an elementary school located in the coastal town of Canoa, Ecuador, serving children in Grades 1 through 7. Founded in 2008 by James Dean Byrd, a retired U.S. veteran with a deep passion for education and community service, the school was created to provide accessible, high-quality learning opportunities to children in this rural area. The school has since become a vital part of the community, offering a transformative, educational environment to 90+ students each year. Our mission is to empower children through bilingual education, foster global citizenship, and inspire a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.

However, in 2016, a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Manabí province, causing widespread destruction in Canoa. Since then, Los Algarrobos has faced ongoing challenges -including limited funding, structural repairs, and resource constraints-but has continued operating through resilience, determination, and community support.

Volunteers are the heart of Escuela Los Algarrobos. Volunteering at Los Algarrobos is not just an opportunity to see another part of the world or give back; it's a chance to become something bigger.