After a 7.8 earthquake hit Ecuador last year, everyone in Don Juan, a tiny fishing village in northern Manabi province, was left homeless. Since then, in a temporary and precarious Center we have been offering homework assistance and remedial reading programs. As a result of the generous support from our benefactors, we are thrilled to announce that FAMM will soon move to our new building where we will expand our programs to performing arts, music, computer science, sports and arts and crafts
More than 18 months after the earthquake, many families remain homeless. Children and teenagers (approximately 300) have no space or motivation to engage in meaningful activities during their spare time. Domestic violence and alcohol or drug abuse stand in the way of self-fulfillment and development. The social fabric of this community is very weak and traditional mores make women and children subservient to patriarchal customs, resulting in abusive relationships and very few alternatives.
Children come to do their homework, play and learn. Our educational programs give children a sense of belonging and self-worth. This improves their chances to become responsible adults. FAMM uses readily available resources. Through our intercultural program, kids in Don Juan become instructors of their own ancestral skills and knowledge. External volunteers teach, but also learn from them local cuisine and fishing, thus helping to initiate development and create positive social change.
Study skills and widened horizons provide a cost-effective solution to the lack of opportunities for young people. Our teacher training and remedial support programs will reduce school desertion, alcohol/drug abuse, and teenage pregnancy. They will enable children to use their talents and knowledge in constructive ways that will better their lives and enhance both family and community development. We believe our programs will also help reduce current levels of domestic and gender based violence.
This project has provided additional documentation in a XLSX file (projdoc.xlsx).
