Therapy for ecuadorian children to break the cycle

In the past months, Fundación JUCONI has continued its mission to create a positive impact in the lives of children, families, and communities. Through a series of initiatives and events, we have fostered a culture of peace, raised awareness about critical issues, and provided spaces of positive experiences that boost the healthy development of children.

In commemoration of the International Day of Peace, JUCONI organized a significant community event in Socio Vivienda II aimed at fostering dialogue, cooperation, and unity among residents. The gathering included interactive exhibitions, artistic performances, and participatory activities, all designed to strengthen interpersonal relationships and nurture a sense of belonging. The event highlighted personal stories and reflections on peace, both locally and globally, encouraging participants to envision and contribute to a more harmonious community. By addressing challenges and celebrating diversity, this initiative inspired residents to actively engage in building a peaceful environment.

For the International Day of Mental Health, JUCONI hosted an open house event that focused on promoting mental well-being. The event featured interactive activities, educational talks, and access to resources covering various aspects of mental health. Participants engaged in workshops that emphasized stress management, emotional intelligence, and mindfulness. By fostering an atmosphere of support and understanding, the event empowered attendees to prioritize their mental health and to seek help when needed.

To mark the Day for the Prevention of Violence Against Children, JUCONI organized an awareness campaign within the educational community. The initiative encouraged dialogue between families, educators, and community leaders about the importance of preventing child abuse and promoting the protection and well-being of children and adolescents. Workshops and safe spaces were created for participants to share their experiences and strategies for identifying and addressing violence.

On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, JUCONI held a series of workshops, testimonials, and educational activities that brought attention to the prevalence of gender-based violence. The initiative provided tools to empower women, foster respect, and promote equality within the community. As part of the day’s events, a symbolic activity titled “Siluetas” addressed the issue of femicide. Six girls participated, creating three silhouettes of women adorned with flowers. A short poem on female empowerment was recited, followed by a symbolic act where one participant dressed in white with candles represented the remembrance of those who lost their lives. Two individuals removed the tape holding the silhouettes and flowers, which were then distributed among participants as a gesture of hope and resilience, accompanied by the message: “Every woman deserves a full life.”

Additionally, a “Mural of Hope” was unveiled, where participants wrote encouraging messages to themselves or others facing violence. These messages were placed on a poster depicting a battered woman; with each note, the bruises disappeared, symbolizing healing and the power of support.

In December, JUCONI brought the magic of Christmas to the children and families we serve. A festive celebration was organized, filled with games, contests, and gifts that brought immense joy to the children. The event featured a puppet show that shared the message of love, generosity, and the true spirit of Christmas. The children participated in creative workshops and team-based activities that enhanced their sense of camaraderie and happiness.

 JUCONI’s ongoing efforts to support children and families continue to yield positive outcomes. From raising awareness on critical issues to creating moments of joy and reflection, these initiatives reaffirm our commitment to building a brighter, safer, and more inclusive future for all. Together, we strive to break cycles of violence and create lasting change in the lives of those we serve.

GLOBAL GIVING 

SEPTEMBER REPORT 

Therapy for ecuadorian children to break the cycle

Despite the ongoing social challenges in Ecuador, Fundación JUCONI remains steadfast in its mission to support children, adolescents, and families affected by domestic violence. Over the past few months, we have seen promising outcomes in many of the families participating in our psychosocial therapies. Notably, there has been a significant reduction in violence across all households. We have also , in some families, transitioned from separate therapies for children and parents to intensifying family sessions, as we believe that both parents and children are now ready to engage in these collaborative dynamics. 

Our therapeutic approach continues to foster healing and resilience within families, as evidenced by the positive behavioral changes we've observed. These changes include improved family dynamics, a reduction in verbal and physical violence from parents towards children, enhanced academic performance among the kids, and improvements in behavior. Additionally, we have seen advancements in personal hygiene and a richer vocabulary among the children. Our therapeutic approach remains individualized, tailored specifically to each case to ensure the best possible outcome seen. 

In addition to the counseling and support services, we have organized various community activities that provide children with opportunities for personal expression and growth. Art and sports workshops have offered new creative outlets, enabling children to explore different disciplines and express themselves in healthy, constructive ways. For instance, workshops such as self-portrait sessions have not only helped children gain a better understanding of themselves but also improved their self-esteem. In sports, we have focused on team activities, where we have observed enhancements in teamwork and leadership skills among the children

On World Environment Day, we took a group of children to the Botanical Garden of Guayaquil, where they learned about the importance of caring for nature and the valuable role it plays in our lives. This trip instilled a deeper appreciation for the environment and its impact on our well-being, further reinforcing the holistic development of the children we serve.

In recognition of World Health Day, JUCONI organized medical brigades to provide healthcare services to children in the community. These brigades conducted routine health checks, measuring weight, height, and administering age-appropriate vaccinations, along with general medical care. These interventions ensured that the children are healthy and well-cared for, an essential factor in supporting their overall development.

We can confidently say that these past few months have brought significant progress for the families in our program. Not only has violence decreased, but the children have remained actively engaged in the education system, showing excellent academic performance and a strong desire to learn. This momentum highlights the success of our efforts and the transformative impact JUCONI continues to have in fostering safe, nurturing environments for children and their families.