ECUADOR: Youth and parents benefit from skills training
María Auxiliadora Reference Center serves 120 youth with basic needs, education
ECUADOR
(MissionNewswire) The María Auxiliadora Reference Center in Mount Sinai, one of the most vulnerable areas of Guayaquil, Ecuador, helps more than 120 youth with their basic needs and ensuring they gain an education. The Guayaquil Salesian Project Foundation, which runs the center, receives funding from the German Salesian Jugendhilfe Weltweit Juwe organization.
A Salesian explained, “Youth receive comprehensive assistance that allows them to develop all their skills. In two daily sessions, morning and afternoon, youth are given school support, balanced nutrition and a wide range of workshops that promote their skills and talents. From guitar, soccer, chess, dance and arts classes, youth find a safe space to learn, have fun and grow.”
In addition, the foundation offers technical courses for parents, such as baking, which allow them to generate their own income and improve the quality of life in their homes. This offers better outcomes for the entire family.
Salesians provide social development and educational programs across Ecuador to help youth experiencing poverty gain an education and the skills for later employment. The skills they learn ensure they are able to care for themselves and their families while being contributing members of their communities.
Ecuador is one of the most inequitable societies in the world, according to UNICEF. The richest 20% of the population receives almost 50% of the national income, while the poorest 20% receives only 5%. According to the World Food Program, almost 26% of all children under age 5 have stunted growth, increasing to 31% in rural areas and 47% within Indigenous communities.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
Salesian Missions – Ecuador
UNICEF – Ecuador
