Reducing work hours for Ecuadorian street children is a passion of UBECI that we hope will some day be completely achieved. Currently UBECI is focusing on hygiene, education, and building a foundation of values for the children. UBECI plans to enroll the children in school, provide supplies, emotional support, a temporary educational space, and build a system of consistency for the children who work in markets instead of attending school.
Currently UBECI is focusing on hygiene, education, and building a foundation of values for the children. UBECI plans to enroll the children in school, provide supplies, emotional support, a temporary educational space, and build a system of consistency for the children who work in markets instead of attending school.
UBECI outsources volunteers to markets in Quito. By doing this, the children have time to participate in a form of structured play and education. UBECI provides educational tools, tents, toys that promote proper development and motor skills, and emotional support for the children. By UBECI sending these volunteers to work with the children, the kids are permitted a time away from work and allowed to instead participate in play and learning.
Each year, UBECI works with over 600 children, and two thirds will attend school, many for the first time, as a result of strategies developed by UBECI. By having our staff and volunteers in the markets, children can get help before and after school, thus assuring a lower dropout rate. Education, self-confidence and new opportunities for these children will break the chain of poverty;thus increasing productivity and opportunities for the Ecuadorian youth.
