My teachers always tell me that I draw and paint very beautifully.

Alexa loves to draw. 

Give her a sheet of paper, some crayons, and a little time, and she will fill the page with colours and patterns. People from her school often tell her how beautiful her drawings are. One day, a teacher liked one of them so much that she asked if she could take it home.

But not long ago, opportunities to draw, play, and spend time with friends were difficult to find. After arriving in Ecuador from Venezuela with her parents and younger sister, Alexa spent much of her time on the street. She remembers asking people for money, standing outside under the hot sun or in the rain. She remembers wanting to eat good food and wishing she had more friends to play with. But most of the time, her companions were her little sister and her father. 

Like every child, Alexa had the right to learn, play, develop her talents, and grow up in an environment where she felt safe and valued. Yet the challenges her family faced made those opportunities difficult to access. 

Everything began to change when she first met educators from CENIT (Centro Integral de la Ninez y Adolescencia), our local partner.

I was happy and scared at the same time because when I arrived at CENIT, I did not know anyone, Alexa recalls.

The feeling did not last long. She quickly found a welcoming environment where she could play with other children, participate in activities, and simply enjoy being a child. One of her strongest memories from those first days is seeing a teacher comfort her little sister crying and carry her to the playground, a moment that made her smile: she knew they were surrounded by people who truly care.

Today, Alexa’s routine reflects the things she enjoys most. In the mornings, she attends school, where reading and mathematics are her favourite subjects. After having lunch with her parents at their sales stand, she goes to CENIT. There, she paints, talks with friends, participates in activities, receives midday snacks, and enjoys outings. 

She has finally found a space where her creativity is encouraged. 

The drawings that once stayed in her imagination are now displayed on the walls for others to admire. Her story is a reminder that when children are given opportunities to learn, play, and express themselves, their talents can emerge in unexpected ways. Sometimes, all it takes is a safe space, a welcoming community, and someone willing to hand a child a blank sheet of paper.

At CENIT I always feel very good because everyone treats me well. They know that I like drawing, painting, and decorating, and they give me sheets of paper where I make very beautiful things.