Educate and empower 200 kids at-risk in Ecuador

During these months, we supported nearly 200 children and their parents as they reached an important milestone: the end of a year filled with learning and changes that also found their way home.

A.B., the mother of a 3-year-old girl, helps us understand what this means. When her daughter was younger, A.B. worried because she spoke very little and struggled to interact with other children. As a first-time mother, she was not always sure how to handle her daughter’s tantrums, and she also found it difficult to communicate with her husband.

Today, she sees changes in all three of them. Her daughter talks more, plays, and connects with other children. A.B. participates with greater confidence and has learned to guide her daughter with patience and clear boundaries. The workshops also gave her tools to communicate with her husband and find solutions together.

“The Foundation gives us the push to get started, and we keep it going at home,” she told us.

Her story reflects the progress we have seen in other children and families. By the end of the cycle, children showed improvements especially in communication, interpersonal relationships, and self-awareness. With parents, we worked on Conflict Resolution, Financial Education, and Parenting Skills, complemented by home visits and opportunities to connect with others.

We also strengthened our work to prevent malnutrition. Through Kushiwawa, mothers recorded medical information for 122 children. Initial data show that 51% have a normal weight, while 9% have acute or severe malnutrition. This information helps us identify needs, guide families, and refer children who require care to the local health center. During our “Interactive Cooking” workshop, mothers also learned simple, nutritious recipes they can prepare at home.

We ended the cycle with a special experience for 40 children ages 3 to 5: our summer program. For two weeks, they played, sang, danced, cooked, and explored water, paint, and natural materials. We watched them expand their vocabulary, express emotions, take turns, become more independent, and learn to work together.

At our closing celebration, an open house and artistic performance gave families the chance to see what their children had learned. The children danced confidently and joyfully in front of their parents, proud to show what they could do.

During difficult moments, we also provided emergency assistance to families who needed our support.

Your contribution helps every lesson reach beyond the classroom and strengthen the whole family. Thank you for being part of this journey!