Latin America
Ecuador
In Ecuador, UNESCO supports the “Menschen in Not” (People in Need) Association in Catacocha.
A large proportion of Ecuador’s population lives below the poverty line. As always, it is children who are the worst hit by this situation. Symptoms of malnutrition are widespread in Ecuador and their impact on learning in schools is alarming. To be able to imagine a better future for Ecuadorian children, a combined approach to improve both the quality of learning and nutrition is necessary.
Initial grants received by the NGO Menschen in Not, after its creation in April 2000, were used to modernise and equip primary schools in Catacocha – the capital of the Paltas district, in southern Ecuador – with various teaching materials. Up-to-date maps, sewing machines, musical instruments, sports and games equipments, gym mats, trampolines and swings were delivered to schools, while the kitchens and latrines of many schools were modernised. Televisions, DVD players, loudspeakers and microphones were bought for classrooms as teaching aids, bringing about a radical change in behaviour and attention levels in many children. They quickly became alert, active and much more enthusiastic about work and study. A balanced meal is now given to 150 children on a daily basis. Thanks to the support of a pharmaceutical laboratory, thousands of children and adults have received medical treatment for parasites and, as oral hygiene and dental care are also vital, many children have received toothbrushes and toothpaste thanks to the assistance of volunteer dentists. Currently, 28 schools in Catacocha are benefiting from UNESCO funding through Menschen in Not.
Mexico
In Mexico, UNESCO supports the Renacimiento Foundation’s projects. Since 1997, the Renacimiento Foundation has been working in the neighbourhood of Tepito to offer a decent life to the children and young adolescents who have lived or who are still living on the streets of Mexico City, to reintegrate them into society. To achieve this ambitious goal and create sustainable perspectives for them, Renacimiento is operating a vocational training programme with integrated workshops which cover areas such as bakery, computers, blacksmithing, screen printing, carpentry, print and ceramics. Renacimiento also offers a comprehensive educational programme which includes basic subjects such as accommodation, health, clothing, food and hygiene. In addition to these subjects that cover the children’s basic needs, the Foundation provides psychological care, recreation, sports, cultural activities, as well as acupuncture treatment for drug addictions.
Thanks to the commitment of the Ravenscourt School in London, UK, and its pupils who have collected funds for Renacimiento, the renovation of the centre has started: new beds, mattresses, cupboards, pyjamas, sleep suits and sheets have been bought and delivered for the 70 children living in the centre.
