Educate and empower 200 kids at-risk in Ecuador

During this period, we supported more than 200 children and their families through our early childhood program in the neighborhoods of Pisulí and La Roldós, in northern Quito.

The national context shows why this work is so important. Although Ecuador has reduced chronic child malnutrition in recent years, the rate in cities like Quito remains above the national average. At the same time, recent studies warn about another growing challenge: many children are receiving fewer opportunities for language stimulation and learning at home, which can affect their early development. In addition, the declining mental health of caregivershas become a critical factor, as it directly influences their ability to build healthy relationships with their children and support their growth.

For this reason, our work focuses not only on health and nutrition, but also on supporting families, strengthening bonds, encouraging play, and promoting children’s overall development.

During these months, we celebrated the Pisulí neighborhood festival, Quito’s local festivities, and Christmas, moments that help strengthen community life. Thanks to generous donations, we distributed 221 food baskets for Christmas dinner, providing meaningful support to families facing economic difficulties.

In February, with the support of the local health center, we conducted 188 anthropometric check-ups, updated the vaccination schedule for 43 children, and arranged medical consultations for four children who required immediate care. In addition, we began a collaboration with Eptagon, enabling mothers to use the Kushiwawa app, a tool that will help improve nutritional monitoring and family support.

We also completed the Conflict Resolution training module with parents. Several mothers are already applying strategies based on dialogue and emotional support before resorting to punishment, gradually strengthening their parenting skills. We also carried out an initial developmental assessment with the children, establishing a baseline that will guide future work to strengthen key life skills.

During this period, two cases of domestic violence were identified, and both mothers are currently receiving support.

We firmly believe that prevention begins in early childhood: when children have adequate nutrition, early education, and adults who support them with care and affection.

Every contribution helps us continue building safer and more hopeful environments for children and their families.

Thank you for making this possible.