Helping Families Break Cycles of Violence

This fall, JUCONI hosted a two day sleep away camp for 100 adolescents and children. All of the attendees were from families that receive in home therapeutic visits from our team once per week. At the camping retreat everyone had the opportunity to sleep in tents! One of the many goals of these activities is to provide marginalized children in Ecuador with the opportunity to learn and play in a way they may not normally have access to.

The camp kicked off with ice breakers and activities to get the children energized! Then, in smaller groups we continued with activities tailored to each age group focused on concepts like team building, leadership, working together and other important related life skills. The children had the opportunity to spend time in nature, eat nutritious homemade food prepared by the JUCONI team and go swimming. There was even a mini soccer championship in which teams competed against one another!

In addition to the rest, relaxation, and games that were offered, the children also had the opportunity to show how much they’ve learned about their rights as human beings. In some of the weekly groups that JUCONI facilitates, the children are provided with an understanding of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. In order to keep these somewhat evaluative activities fun, the participants demonstrated their knowledge of concepts through a variety of mechanisms, for example evening skits. In the group I was a part of the children put on short theatrical performances about peer pressure, as well as drug and alcohol prevention. After we wrapped up skits it was time for dinner and bedtime prep. This was followed by a musical gathering where the JUCONI children danced a variety of their favorite Ecuadorian styles from salsa choke, to marimba, and more!

Throughout some of Latin America there is a saying, “barriga llena y corazón contento,” which translates to “a full belly and a happy heart.” The children truly embodied this as they blissfully dozed off after the dance party with bellies full of protein, rice, delicious plantains and fresh local vegetables. Providing safe spaces like this for children living in situations of vulnerability is essential to their development. With donors like you, we are able to sustain programs like the annual camp and also include older mentors in the process too.

In addition to the children and JUCONI staff, the camp also included 10 older youth who currently serve as weekly mentors to the younger children in the community groups. These mentors are all from the vulnerable areas that JUCONI works in and serve as a bridge to the communities. Everyone one of them has “graduated” from the same groups that the younger children now attend. These older youth range from 14 to 23 years old and serve as role models, guides and support systems for the younger children in the weekly youth groups. The mentors are also active members in collaborating with the JUCONI team to facilitate activities in their communities.

Hoping you head to sleep with a full belly and a happy heart!

Sincerely,
Tatyana Ray

Links:

• http://www.juconi.org.ec/