Andrés is 11 years old, and studies at the Otto Arosemena Gómez School in the southern part of Quito, Ecuador. He is in the 8th grade, meaning next year he’ll start high school. His mother is currently unemployed, and stays at home cooking and cleaning. His dad sells CDs and music on the street, and sometimes paints houses or works as a DJ when there is work.

Andrés’ older brothers are married and live outside of the home, so it’s important that Andrés has good communication with his parents since it’s just the three of them at home.

He’d like to go to the Juan Pío Montufar High School (high schools in Ecuador are private, and students must apply), which is one of the best high schools in town. Since Andrés is a good student, he has a shot at getting in. Still, attending homework help sessions are very important, and have allowed Andrés to be a successful student. Thanks to Laurent’s generosity, Andrés will be able to keep attending these important sessions at CENIT. Thank you for your support of his future education!

Monica is 9 years old, and is in the fifth grade at the Otto Arosemena Gomez school in the south of Quito. Her favorite subject is natural sciences, and when she grows up she thinks she’d like to be a doctor to help low income people like her who grew up without access to medical care.

Monica’s dad is a taxi driver, and works mainly in the vicinity of the Mayorista Market, where fruits, meats, and vegetables are sold. Her mother has a small stand in the nearby Camal market, where she sells vegetables. Her parents get along well, don’t fight much, and support their children with love and care.

Monica has been attending homework help sessions at CENIT for the past seven years, and really likes to have the support and resources to complete her homework. She also likes reading the books that are available in the CENIT library. Monica’s teachers have commented that her grades are improving, and commend her progress. Thanks to UBS, Monica will continue receiving the important homework help she’s come to count on at CENIT. Thank you so much!

Steven is 7 years old, and is in third grade at the Fifth of June School in the south of Quito. His favorite subject is math, and he says he’d like to be a policeman when he grows up.

His mom works in a small city called Machcahi, about 30 minutes south of Quito. She works on a farm cutting flowers and sowing grains: and she earns $30 per week, or $120 a month. Steven’s mom works as a construction worker on a contract basis, but many days there isn’t any work.

Steven has been studying at CENIT for about a year. When he first came to the homework help sessions, he was diagnosed with malnutrition: due to his family’s lack of income they were unable to provide regular nutritious meals. By eating lunch and an afternoon snack at CENIT, Steven’s nutrition has improved, increasing his ability to concentrate on his school work.

Thanks to Matthew’s support, Steven will be able to keep attending homework help sessions at CENIT, where he receives important academic, nutritional, and social support. Thank you for providing him this opportunity, Matthew!

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Miguel Ángel is a friendly third grader at Manuel de Jesús Calle school in Quito. He’s recognized by his teachers as being very participative in class: whenever he’s not in class (and once in a while during class), he’s busy playing with his friends. He’d like to be a Doctor one day, and help low income patients.

His mom sells used clothing in Camal market in the south of Quito, and his dad works to carry customers’ purchases out of the same market. Both of their earnings go towards maintaining their ten member household, and money is often tight.

Miguel Ángel has been attending homework help sessions at CENIT for two years, and the improvement has been visible. He is now better at concentrating, and has also improved his grades.

Laurent’s generosity will keep Miguel Ángel on the road to success, and in CENIT´s homework help sessions. Thank you so much, Laurent!

Fabian teaches physical education at CENIT; both in the high school and primary school. He is a well respected teacher who has created a a great relationship with his students.  He has been at CENIT for 8 years, and is constantly working hard to improve his classes.

Physical education is an important class at CENIT because it gives the students the chance to play and exercise–luxuries they normally wouldn’t have between school, work, and helping out around the house. The chance to simply be kids for a while: to run and jump and even to work on their motor skills, is really important.

The students also appreciate having a positive male role model who they can relate to like they can with Fabian.

Thanks to your generosity, CENIT will have enough funds to pay Fabian’s salary for another month, and keep CENIT students in gym class! A special thank you to Charlie, Katherine, Patrice, George H., Elena and Shanen, and George A. for each providing multiple donations! Thank you to all of you!