FUNDESS
The Foundation for Sustainable Social Development (acronym FUNDESS) is a non-governmental organization in Cayambe, Pichincha, Ecuador. FUNDESS is a non-profit organization, founded in 2000 by Cesar Estacio, a former flower worker who was blacklisted Cayambe plantations after being leader of a union in an enterprise.

MISSION
Our mission is to promote the skills and abilities of our people to build their self-esteem through collective effort and solidarity, and to promote, guide, motivate and coordinate development processes in harmony with nature.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT 2009 (.. MB)

OBJECTIVES OF FUNDESS

·         Ensure that work in the flower sector is decent, fair, safe, and that the right to freedom of association is respected. 

·         Promote the capacity and skills of workers in the flower sector to increase their quality of life, especially of women and youth.

·         Training of workers in leadership, labor rights, women's rights, and self-esteem.

·         Promote citizen participation.

·         Contribute to the protection and conservation of the Cayambe-Coca nature reserve.

·         Promote and assist with the development of ecotourism in the Pichincha province.

PERSONNEL AND ORGANIZATION

At the start of 2010, FUNDESS has 5 paid employees: a manager, a project coordinator, a secretary, and 2 activists. Most employees work part time. 3 volunteers assist in legal advice and ICT projects. In addition, there are often international volunteers, to facilitate the exchange of experiences between countries.
FUNDESS has two small offices. The main office is the legal support center in Tehran S2-06 y 10 de Agosto, Cayambe. The other is in the Centro Comercial Popular in Cayambe.