Our programme gives children a real chance to affect decisions that can give them a better education, protect them from harm and protect their rights.
We provide practical services and work with the government to bring about lasting change for children.
- We work in the poorest cantons of Guayas, El Oro and Esmeraldas provinces, where up to 65% of the population lives in poverty.
- A vibrant children’s movement is having a real voice in shaping decisions; we support 65 children’s groups.
- Our priority in Ecuador is making sure that the poorest 10% of children get a better education and are protected from abuse.
What's holding children back?
Poverty, a history of discrimination against indigenous and afro-Ecuadorian people, illiteracy and growing violence, especially in the coastal provinces where we work, hold children like Cilennia back.
Ecuador is now also a major transit point for the drugs trade and people trafficking, and these are growing threats for young people. Ecuador’s oil wealth is not a guarantee of benefits for the poor.
Despite that, there's a vibrant children’s movement here that brings the idea of children’s rights alive. Through supporting children’s organisations, and working with municipal, provincial and national government, we're changing children’s role in society.
