GRACE facilitates in the evolution of some of the poorest and most disenfranchised families in Ecuador, from refugee to neighbor within the Venezuelan and Columbian refugee communities here in Cuenca, Ecuador. The majority of health issues treated at our free medical clinic are traceable to child malnutrition, leading to an increased risk of infectious diseases like Covid-19. The Arepa Project is focused on distributing fortified, culturally-sensitive, and free lunches to the most vulnerable.
The Venezuelan refugee crisis is the greatest exodus in the history of the Americas, with 230,000 living in Ecuador alone. Columbian refugees, a people who have suffered over 50 years of war, number more than 130,000. Migrants, asylum-seekers, refugees; call them what you will, but all suffer from a range of abuse, neglect, and discrimination because of their non-state status. Fighting malnutrition and hunger plays a pivotal role in not only helping these people simply survive but to thrive!
Ecuador has South America's most progressive refugee laws, and hosts more refugees than any other nation in South America, meaning Ecuador gets a good deal of refugees. Thankfully, The Arepa Project has a complete health protocol at its core, addressing both hunger, malnutrition, and childhood stunting. Even better, we have an even greater vision at heart. Once our clients receive their lunch, they are introduced to an array of other free resources and services offered to help in the transition.
Long-term, direct effects of The Arepa Project will include an overall improved sense of well-being and enhanced mental cognitive functions. Furthermore, bringing refugees into the Grace system means a more holistic solution. Benefits include services for dental health, employment training, general health and pediatrics, networking, and entrepreneurship assistance; all free. Lastly, they are introduced to many refugees with new lives, and who have made this difficult transition with success.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
