Help working children into school

CENIT continues to face many challenges and the need for the centre’s services has never been greater. It is a tragedy that there are increasing numbers of working children on Quito’s streets. They are not safe and working also interrupts the children’s education making it increasingly difficult to secure a brighter future.

The crime rate has risen in Ecuador due to the pandemic and economic crisis, which has left the country in dire circumstances. The streets are not safe for children and yet many children are out working, collecting bottles to earn a few cents, for example. Some children chose to stay out on the streets because family life has broken down, with more people turning to alcohol and drugs to escape the bitter realities of daily life.

ViaNinos UK supports the tutoring programme at CENIT by financing the salary of a local teacher. Through this programme, volunteers and teachers support children who are struggling at school to help improve academic performance, build confidence, and prevent school desertion. The programme also offers recreational activities, a safe social space, and a hot lunch and/or healthy snack. At CENIT, they ask for a contribution of 25 cents for lunch, but many families can’t manage to pay this. Of course, nobody is turned away.

The tutoring programme offers a safe space for children, where they can get help with their homework. Through the programme, staff can also identify learning difficulties, behavioural issues, health, social or family problems and access support for the children.

In the academic year 2022-2023, CENIT provided services to 375 children, of these 49 children were supported through the tutoring programme. Thank you for your donations which make this possible.