Street and Working Children Program

In Ecuador, most women in poverty start their working day in the markets at 3am. Children as young as two accompany their mothers to the markets to assist in bagging produce and tending stalls. These mothers have no choice but to bring their children to work with them, in order to protect them from the streets, where they would be vulnerable to crime and substance abuse.

UBECI provides educational services, recreational activities, and social support to over 600 at-risk children, so that they have a break from their work in the markets, and more importantly, an opportunity to obtain a brighter future.

The program is based on six approaches implemented through interactive workshops designed to engage children in meaningful and enjoyable ways, fostering growth and awareness in each area:

1. Leadership
2. Socio-Emotional Development
3. Play-Based Learning
4. Gender Education
5. Multicultural Education
6. Prevention