In the busy streets surrounding San Roque Market in Quito, daily life can be challenging for families trying to make ends meet. For Leticia, the challenges extended beyond financial hardship.
Life near San Roque Market
Leticia helps support her family in a small sewing workshop alongside her husband, who has a disability. With limited income and two young children, balancing work and family responsibilities was already difficult. Their children often had to spend afternoons at the market while Leticia worked, surrounded by increasing safety concerns in the area. At the same time, both children were experiencing difficulties with speech and communication, leaving Leticia worried about their future.
As a parent who did not complete her own education, Leticia often found it difficult to understand information shared by schools and support services. Employment opportunities were limited because she did not have formal qualifications, adding further pressure to an already challenging situation.
How CENIT stepped in
Everything began to change when the family connected with CENIT.
Through CENIT’s after-school support programme, Leticia’s children received help with homework, educational activities, stories, creative workshops and recreational opportunities. The programme also provided practical support, including meals and safe spaces where children could learn and play.
But the impact extended far beyond educational assistance.
Support beyond the classroom
CENIT staff worked alongside Leticia and her children’s school to ensure the children received appropriate support. With guidance from the team, hearing assessments were arranged to better understand the children’s needs. The results confirmed their hearing was normal, helping the family take the next steps towards accessing the right support. CENIT also helped the family continue seeking language therapy services for the children.
Where the family is today
Today, Leticia sees positive changes in her children’s school experience. They are receiving more support, building relationships with classmates and continuing their developmental journey with the encouragement of teachers and specialists.
For Leticia, the greatest difference has been knowing that someone cares.
“They have guided us and helped us whenever they could. I can see they are interested in my children and the children in the foundation.”
Stories like Leticia’s show that meaningful change often starts with simple acts of support: a safe place after school, a caring mentor, help navigating services, and a community that believes every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.
At CENIT, this is what impact looks like.
Help families like Leticia’s
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