Reduce Work Hours for Ecuador's Street Children

Thanks for all support from our donors, children in the markets are gaining spaces where they can learn, create, and feel safe.
2026 Report (January - May)

This quarter, UBECI’s main focus has been finding dedicated classroom spaces within each of the markets we work in because lessons currently take place on pavements or in temporary spaces such as unused offices within the markets.

At the heart of UBECI’s mission is empowering children by helping them build confidence, independence, and important social skills. Like many children working and growing up in the markets, safe and welcoming environments are not always part of daily life. This is why creating stable classroom spaces has become such an important goal for our work this quarter.

We can already see the impact this support is having in the markets, and we would like to share the story of Nicole, a student whose journey reflects why safe and dedicated learning spaces matter so deeply.

Nicole quickly showed promise and aptitude during lessons, so much so that a former volunteer chose to support her education through a scholarship. At the time, many of Nicole’s lessons were still taking place on the pavement. Seeing her potential reminded us of how much more children like Nicole could achieve with consistent access to safe and dedicated classroom spaces. Not only for this generation of children, but for many more to come.

Nicole’s teacher at her scholarship school, told us that, when Nicole first arrived, she was shy and hesitant to participate in group activities, but her confidence had grown exponentially over time.

Nicole’s story reflects the importance of the classroom project and the long-term impact that safe, supportive learning environments can have on children growing up in difficult circumstances.

Over the past several months, Nicole has slowly become more confident, smiling more, joining activities, and helping younger children during workshops. While this transformation may seem small, it reflects the importance of something many children take for granted: having a space where they feel safe, supported, and encouraged.

This is why we have made it our mission this quarter to continue securing dedicated classroom spaces across the markets where we work.

Thanks to your support, UBECI has continued improving and expanding classroom spaces within market communities. Volunteers and community members worked together to paint walls, create murals, and transform classrooms into brighter and more welcoming places for children and families.

Some former UBECI volunteers also generously returned this quarter to donate their time and creativity in helping transform a newly provided classroom space in the Guamani market. Together, volunteers worked to paint walls, create murals, and make the space feel brighter, safer, and more welcoming for the children attending workshops there.

Their continued support not only helped improve the physical classroom but also showed the children the lasting sense of community and care that exists within UBECI’s programs.

One of the most meaningful parts of this quarter was watching children become involved in the transformation of their own spaces. Together with volunteers, children helped paint colorful walls, creative designs, and inspirational messages reminding them that they are intelligent, capable, and important.

A butterfly mural, symbolizing growth, resilience, and transformation, becoming a special part of the project and quickly captured the attention of many children attending the workshops.

For many children, these classrooms are becoming more than just learning spaces. They are places where children can express themselves creatively, build friendships, and feel emotionally supported.

In addition to improving classroom spaces, volunteers also supported community painting projects in surrounding public areas and schools, helping strengthen relationships with local families while creating more positive and encouraging environments for everyone.

These projects are only possible because of the generosity of donors like you. Your support is helping UBECI continue creating spaces where children can feel safe, valued, and hopeful about their futures.

In the coming months, UBECI hopes to continue expanding safe classroom spaces into additional market communities while strengthening the educational and emotional support available to children and families.