Lifeskills and employability for youth in Ecuador

We are beginning this new year with optimism and with all our services fully active to support 230 young people from our communities.

Our Academic Support program has extended its hours to better serve students who travel long distances between their schools and the neighborhood. We have also strengthened our integration activities: every two weeks we hold a recreational day at the Youth Center and organize an excursion outside the neighborhood, creating more opportunities for connection and learning.

To enhance our vocational guidance program, we welcomed a new educator specialized in youth employability. This has allowed us to organize group sessions tailored by grade level, as well as individual counseling for 2nd and 3rd year high school students and graduates, ensuring more personalized support.

Our youth have also taken on leading roles in cultural events such as Encuentro Quito, serving as volunteers in hospitality and logistics, and presenting their own artistic exhibitions. Their photography exhibit has been showcased in local schools and featured in national and international media familiar with Sembrar’s work.

This period was also marked by meaningful celebrations. In November, our youth participated in the neighborhood festivities, joining the local soccer tournament and community celebration. In December, we celebrated Quito’s festivities with more than 150 families and presented our traditional live nativity scene. Thanks to our partners, more than 150 young people also received food baskets for their Christmas dinners.

We are pleased to share important updates about our 28 graduates:

17 are continuing their studies (7 in public institutions and 10 in private ones; 9 receive partial or full scholarships).
5 are seeking employment or entering higher education.
4 are applying to our vocational training schools.
1 is participating in a sports training program.

Of the 17 who are studying, 7 are balancing both work and education.

Additionally, employment and educational continuity continue to grow: 52% of our vocational training graduates are currently working, and 35% are pursuing further technical or higher education. Four graduates from previous cohorts are close to completing their degrees as Electromechanical Technologists.

Our optimism is not an illusion—it is grounded in tangible results and in young people who are studying, working, and building a future with greater opportunities. Thank you for making this possible.

With your support, we have completed a third academic year accompanying more than 250 young people. Through the vocational and professional guidance program, we strengthened their permanence in the education system and their confidence in making decisions about their future. Ninety-nine percent of our young people continued their studies, and a large majority acquired useful tools for making informed and responsible decisions, better understanding their skills and interests, and reflecting on their personal and professional goals: “It changed the way I view professions. The most useful thing was learning to rule out options based on my abilities.” 

Thanks to the opportunities created for young people in their final year and graduates, 8% entered university, 8% started working to pay for their studies, 75% of young people in their final year began the university application process, and 5% entered vocational training. This year, for the first time, we celebrated their high school graduation with them (many young people do not have this opportunity), and it was an occasion not only to celebrate with their friends and family but also to close a cycle with enthusiasm and joy, expressing their wishes and aspirations.

At our vocational training schools, 13 young people graduated as Kitchen Assistants and 10 obtained a Diploma in Basic Mechanics and Workshop Management. Of these, 50% are already working and 21% are continuing their studies. In addition, four graduates from previous years who continued their studies are about to graduate as Electromechanical Technicians.

Katherine, 18, is the only woman in the Mechanics course. Her interest was sparked by watching her father work, with whom she now works. She wants to continue her studies and dreams of having her own workshop to employ others. “Before, I was very limited because I was a woman. I was afraid to study this, but it really opened my mind. Sembrar has helped me discover my value.” Her message to other young people: “There are many opportunities. Many don't have the resources to study, but the best option is to go out and look. Don't get stuck in the idea that you can't get ahead.”

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