By Rut Roman | Public Affairs Volunteer
As two young men from Don Juan reach adulthood, we celebrate how far they’ve come—from curious boys in our community library to top high school achievers preparing for college, and now mentors to younger children. Thanks to your support, the New Masculinity Shine project continues to nurture a generation of men who embody both strength and tenderness.
In our community library in Don Juan, we are witnessing a remarkable transformation embodied by these two young men—let’s call them Marcos and Juan. They are both about to turn eighteen, the legal age of adulthood in Ecuador: the age to vote, drive, travel, work, and choose their own paths. We are deeply proud—and honestly, a bit in awe—of the grounded, brave, and gentle men they have become.
Marcos and Juan began visiting the library when they were only nine or ten, curious and eager to learn. Over the years, they befriended many international volunteers who modeled a different kind of masculinity—men who could repair a roof, tend a garden, help children with their homework, or facilitate a workshop with local women. Through these encounters, the boys discovered and embraced another way of being men: strong yet caring, confident yet kind.
In the past two years, both received scholarships from a local foundation that recognized their maturity and commitment. In exchange, they led a community campaign for beach cleanup and recycling, keeping Don Juan’s coastline clean while inspiring their peers to take pride in their environment.
Just last week, we attended their high school’s annual awards ceremony. For the first time in the history of Jama, two sons of artisanal fishermen and domestic workers received the awards for Top Academic Achievement. Traditionally, these honors went to the children of families with access to tutors, travel, and private schools. This year, the recognition went to our boys from the library.
Now, as they prepare to celebrate their eighteenth birthdays, Marcos and Juan have become mentors themselves—supporting our remedial reading program, tutoring in math and music, and helping lead sports activities while they study for their college entrance exams. Their growth embodies the vision of New Masculinity Shine: young men and women who understand that there are many ways to be strong, and many ways to lead.
To our friends and donors at GlobalGiving: thank you for standing beside us. Your support helps us keep shaping a new generation grounded in equality, respect, and kindness. Join us in celebrating these young lives that shine so brightly.
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