Less work and more education for children in Quito

As we enter a new year, we leave behind a successful 2025 in which UBECI delivered impactful programmes through its playgroups across the markets of southern Quito, Chilogallo, Huamaní and Sangolquí, La Michelena, and La Jota. Through these initiatives, more than 400 children were reached, helping to reduce child labour in the markets.

Education, emotional wellbeing, and personal development remained central to UBECI’s work. Throughout the year, programmes strengthened children’s resilience and soft skills, including communication, emotional management, teamwork, and respect for gender equality and human dignity. In small playgroups, children took part in creative activities such as drawing, singing, role play, and games, learning to cooperate and manage emotions such as stress and anger, often linked to the violence they experience at home.

Interaction with foreign volunteers working with UBECI in the markets broadened children’s awareness of other cultures while reinforcing pride in their own identity, including learning Kichwa. Emma, a five-year-old participant, shared her joy in attending the playgroups, preferring them to working with her parents and enjoying learning with kind teachers from different backgrounds.

Alongside this, UBECI continued its vital work with mothers, offering emotional support and workshops to strengthen self-esteem, parenting skills, and responses to domestic violence. This complementary approach aims to improve family relationships and create healthier environments for children.

Tania and Nicky, trustees of ViaNiños UK, were able to witness progress firsthand during their visit to Quito in early July, the first time since the pandemic. They spent time in the indigenous markets alongside UBECI social workers and volunteers, joining children’s playgroups where activities included arts and crafts, storytelling, learning English with an American volunteer, and ending each session with a traditional Andean dance.

Each morning, the team was warmly welcomed by children eager to attend the playgroups for their three-hour opportunity to play, paint, and sing in a safe space. Mothers expressed gratitude for UBECI’s support in developing their children’s motor, behavioural, and academic skills, especially as many parents are illiterate and unable to help with homework. We heard inspiring stories of young people thriving through educational support, from learning trades to completing university degrees despite extremely challenging home lives.

Since COVID, the presence of drug gangs in Ecuador has increased, placing vulnerable children at risk of recruitment. UBECI’s support in education and school retention offers these children their best chance to avoid being drawn into gangs, to stop working at market stalls, and to escape the continuing cycle of poverty and violence.

Speaking with UBECI staff reinforced how crucial the work of social workers and psychologists is in transforming the lives of children living in poverty. As 2025 comes to a close and we move into 2026, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your generosity. Witnessing the joy of the children you support during our visit to Ecuador was deeply moving, particularly amid the country’s ongoing economic and social challenges.