Radio helps to alphabetize indigenous people.

Popular radio phonics schools radio station (ERPE), established in Riobamba, alphabetize indigenous people in the rural zone of Chimborazo, through a quinua planting program that helped to finance the project.

The signal reaches the communities in Chimborazo, Bolivar and Tungurahua. The radio station was funded more than four decades ago by priest Leonidas Proaño. It emits programs in both languages, Quichua and Spanish, creating a long distance educational system to alphabetize indigenous people.

The organization has impelled for more than 10 years the planting of organic quinua. This job has been recognized for national and international institutions because it offers an alternative income to poor indigenous communities. Quinua is exported to the USA. Besides, through radial programs, the station teaches the preparation of soup, cookies, cakes, salads and chicha based on quinua.

According to their representatives, more than 30.000 voices have passed through the microphones of the station in AM and FM frequencies. ERPE has worked in a new project to take advantage of internet facilities, specifically communitarians centers, for 5 years. In 2008, 50 fully equipped centers began to work in Guamote, Alausi, Colta, Riobamba and Guano.