Project DIGNIDAD

Proyecto D aims at creating an opportunity for a life with more dignity amongst the poorest people in Ecuadorian society. Our main way of doing this is through educating the poorest and most marginalized street children in the barrios (suburb) of Quito, children who otherwise would not receive an education.

In Carcelen Bajo one of Quito's poorest suburbs;we are running a school for children who for different reasons have dropped out of the public school.The mission of our teachers and volunteers is to help the children achieve a level of learning and knowledge that will enable them to enter regular school.The teachers we employ generally come from the same neighborhood as the students; which is very important for the understanding of these children’s realities. To be able to cope with the sometimes very lively children, our teachers are supported by international volunteers. Beyond academic abilities we also address issues of classroom behaviour and time management.

We take a holistic approach in caring for the needs of our children. We provide them with vital academic skills while also caring for their physical, psychological and social needs. Our influence and support does not end when the children leave our schools. We continue the provision of essential services to give them every chance of success in their education.

The social worker we employ strives to protect the physical and emotional well-being of the children by establishing community support networks and reporting abuse when necessary. We also continue to monitor the progress of past students, providing any added support we can to ensure that they thrive and succeed.

The idea about creating dignity comes from our belief that education can change the rules of poverty and that the knowledge of reading, writing and counting can give the poor more possibilities. There is a difference between begging on the street and being able to support yourself with a low salary job. The job may still mean poverty but maybe a poverty without being at someone else’s mercy.

We see education as the most promising way to make a change that supports and ensures the independence of the people we want to help. Through education we help people help themselves.

Any money donated to DCR goes directly towards the management of our schools and salaries of our Ecuadorian teachers and social worker.