Our Story
Built With Cotacachi
Founded in 2014 by Pierre Etienne Banville and Candace Cho Banville after a microfinance internship in Cotacachi, Fundación Uno a Uno grew from a belief that education can open practical pathways for every learner.
Today, we serve lower-income families from Cotacachi, surrounding rural communities, Ibarra, Otavalo, and Atuntaqui with innovative, interdisciplinary education that strengthens confidence, opportunity, and economic well-being.
Our Mission
Learning That Lasts
We help learners of all ages build the English, academic, life, and career skills they need to shape their futures.
English education
Academic support
Life skills
Business learning
Our Values
Opportunity Starts Here
Our Team
Candace Cho Banville, Co-Founder
Candace co-founded Uno a Uno with her husband Pierre Etienne in 2015, after spending a year in Ecuador volunteering in a microfinance organization and building business program curricula for microloan recipients. After visiting many clients in their homes and living in Ecuador, Candace fell in love with the country and its people, and developed a passion for helping them through education.
As co-founder of Onyx Law Group, Candace brings a commitment to integrity, excellence, and practical support for everyday people to her work with Uno a Uno.
Pierre Etienne Banville, Co-Founder
Pierre Etienne co-founded Uno a Uno with his wife Candace in 2015, after spending a year in Ecuador volunteering in a microfinance organization. His work in risk management and impact study reinforced his belief that education is a powerful tool for lifting people out of poverty.
A humanitarian committed to supporting the people of Ecuador, Pierre Etienne helps guide Uno a Uno’s education initiatives so students can break the cycle of poverty and realize their potential.
Valeria Morales, General Manager, Fundación Uno a Uno Ecuador
Valeria is responsible for the administration and management of Fundación Uno a Uno in Ecuador. She comes from over 20 years of teaching and administration experience, having taught English and served as principal of a prestigious private school in Atuntaqui.
Valeria also has experience designing an International Baccalaureate program for the Ecuador school system. Previously an English teacher at Uno a Uno, she has been an integral part of the organization since 2016.
Suzy Prenger, English Program Consultant, Fundación Uno a Uno Ecuador
Suzy has been the curriculum consultant and teacher trainer for Uno a Uno’s English Program since 2016. She has a long history in faculty development, multicultural education, and teaching English to students around the world.
Her international teaching and humanitarian experience, combined with her commitment to empowering people through education, make Suzy a valued leader in Uno a Uno’s English educational initiatives in Ecuador.
Join Us
Help Learning Grow
Your support helps Foundation Uno a Uno continue creating meaningful educational opportunities in Cotacachi.