By Bridget Higginson | Trustee
CENIT recently celebrated their 30th anniversary – that is, 30 years of working for the eradication of child labour and helping working children in the poorest sectors of Quito. CENIT’s Director, Ruth, extended her thanks to everyone who has played a part in this journey and that includes you as supporters of this project.
Over the last 30 years, CENIT have worked day in, day out to support working children, young people and their families to overcome difficulties, access education, realise their rights and live a life of dignity, becoming agents of change within their own families and communities.
How it all started… Sister Arellano wanted to help the many working girls in the Chiriyacu – Camal market and the surrounding areas in Southern Quito. In 1986, Centro de la Niña Trabajadora – CENIT was started as a project by Sister Arellano and the Congregation of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd with the purpose of providing refuge, care, and education, both social and spiritual, to working children, adolescents, and their families. Their motivation and slogan was, “You can’t sleep peacefully while there is a girl in the street.” From 1983 – 1991, the Sisters made frequent visits and organized meetings for children and their families who worked within the Chiriyacu – Camal market. On April 20, 1991, CENIT opened its doors on the streets of Huacho and Jose Peralta, where the organization is currently located. CENIT has expanded its services over the past 30 years and, most importantly, provided love and care to each and every person who forms part of the CENIT community.
I was lucky to be part of the CENIT team for a while when I spent a year volunteering at CENIT back in 2007-8. It was an unforgettable experience and I am grateful now to be part of ViaNinos and have the opportunity to continue supporting their work all these years later. It has been an extremely difficult year for the CENIT community as Ecuador has been hit hard by the pandemic, so they need our support more than ever. Please help if you can.
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