UBECI supports children working in Quito's markets through creative learning and family support programmes. For more than 25 years, lessons have taken place in temporary spaces beside market stalls and roads. This year, that changed. With support from donors and volunteers, UBECI opened its first dedicated classroom inside Guamani market, giving children a safe, permanent place to learn, play, and grow. Your donation will help us open more.
Children in Quito's markets work alongside their families from an early age, spending long days in the market instead of the classroom. Families depend on market income to survive, and children can fall behind in literacy, confidence, and social development without consistent support. For years, UBECI has delivered lessons directly in the markets using whatever space was available. Beside parked cars, at the edge of stalls, on the pavement. Children deserve better than that.
This project will equip the new classroom in Guamani with educational materials and creative activities, turning it into a vibrant space children want to come back to. From there, we hope to expand the model into other markets. A dedicated space changes what is possible. Children concentrate more, stay longer, and leave more confident in themselves. As Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world."
Over time, this initiative will give children working in Quito's markets a reliable space to build confidence, resilience, and the belief that their future is theirs to shape. Each child who grows here creates a ripple effect, strengthening families and communities. The classroom in Guamani is the first step towards permanent learning spaces across Quito's markets. Some, like Nicole, may one day return to teach the next generation. That is the lasting impact of this project.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
