Helping Families Break Cycles of Violence

Club de Arte

 School hours might be a little different here in Guayaquil, Ecuador than they are elsewhere. Why? Half of the youth population that is enrolled in school attends classes in the morning while the other half attends classes in the evening. This can vary every school year. With this kind of schedule there is plenty of free time for the youth in either part of the day to do with as their parents choose or as they, themselves, choose. In this community there are not many safe options for the youth to participate in that do not involve gang activity, drug use, or walking the streets. Therefore, JUCONI identified a need in the community: what activities can we offer to keep the youth not only active but educated as well?

Art Club!

Art club was designed to open up a space for kids to come and spend time each day while not in school. In Art Club kids learn about their rights as children (child labor laws, rights to identity and safety, etc.), teamwork, and artistic expression. We have a group that runs in the morning for those that attend school in the afternoon and then we host an afternoon group. We have a great turnout!

JUCONI recognizes that if certain needs are not met in children then their ability to grow and thrive is inhibited. That is why we offer food and refreshments to Art Club attendees in order to meet their basic needs first. With this approach we hope that the children, with full bellies, will be able to focus on their other needs like esteem, love and belongingness. We all know that it can be difficult to concentrate on an empty stomach. That is why we appreciate all that our donors contribute! We hope to continue these daily Art Club gatherings and appreciate your support, thank you!

Sincerely,

Ashay