Against the backdrop of Ecuador's internal armed conflict, JUCONI Foundation will support 100 children and adolescents facing domestic violence and the risk of dropping out of school-factors that increase their exposure to recruitment by criminal groups. Through psychotherapeutic interventions with children and families, alongside work with schools and communities, JUCONI will address trauma, strengthen secure bonds and self-regulation skills, and help children stay in school.
Ecuador recorded more than 9,200 violent deaths in 2025. Gangs recruit children from age 12; by 15, some are already used as hitmen. Domestic violence, poverty, trauma, school disengagement and the absence of protective adults increase their exposure to recruitment. These experiences affect self-regulation, learning and trust, while gangs exploit these vulnerabilities by offering money, protection or a sense of belonging-or by using threats.
Violence affects self-regulation, learning and trust. JUCONI will provide psychotherapeutic support to 100 children and their families, helping them understand and manage the emotional effects of violence and build safe relationships with caregivers. Together with schools and communities, it will strengthen protection and help children stay in school. By helping children find protection and belonging at home and school, the project will reduce the vulnerabilities gangs exploit to recruit them.
In the long term, 500 children and adolescents will recognize real alternatives when faced with offers or pressure from gangs and understand the risks: violence, imprisonment and even death. With tools to make decisions, seek help and develop goals and plans for their lives, backed by protective families and schools, they will be able to sustain safer paths. These capacities will reduce their exposure to recruitment, interrupt intergenerational violence and strengthen community protection.
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