“I used to stand on the street and watch other kids go to school, wishing I could be one of them. Now, I have my own backpack, my own books, and I finally feel like I have a chance”
When we first met Britany, she was 13 years old, standing on a street corner in the Camal market sector in Quito, Ecuador, with her younger sisters, Consuelo (10) and Micaela (5). Her eyes held a quiet resilience, shaped by years of struggle. Unlike most children her age, she wasn’t thinking about school, friends, or dreams for the future—her world revolved around survival.
Britany’s family, made up of her mother, stepfather, five sisters, and a grandchild, lived in La Forestal, a neighborhood of the capital Quito where poverty weighed heavily. With no stable jobs, her parents turned to street vending and recycling, barely scraping together enough to meet the family’s basic needs. School was a luxury they couldn’t afford. Britany had been out of school for three years.
For a long time, Britany believed that her life would never change. She watched other children go to school, their backpacks slung over their shoulders, their laughter echoing through the streets. She wanted to be one of them, but the burden of poverty kept her away.
Realizing the urgency of Britany’s situation, CENIT Centro Integral de la Niñez y Adolescencia (Educational Center) team immediately took action. She and her sisters were welcomed into the Camal-Chiriyacu space, a safe and nurturing environment where they could play, engage in activities, and, most importantly, feel like children again.
But Britany needed more than just a space to play—she needed an education. She and Consuelo were re-enrolled in school at the Eufrasia Pelletier Basic Education School. It was an emotional moment. After years of watching from the sidelines, Britany finally stepped into a classroom, sat at a desk, and picked up a pencil—it was not a dream, but her new reality.
Education was just the beginning. Britany now has access to daily meals, helping her focus and grow stronger. She also receives psychological support, guiding her through the challenges of reintegration into school life. Beyond academics, Britany is discovering new passions. She has developed a love for music and soccer, finding confidence and joy in every lesson. With access to technology and structured learning programs, she is catching up on lost years, strengthening her cognitive, motor, and socioemotional skills, and rebuilding her future—one step at a time.
Britany’s journey is far from over, but she is no longer just surviving—she is thriving. With each passing day, she moves closer to a future she once thought was impossible. She now dares to dream, to envision a life beyond the streets of La Forestal, one where she can continue her education, build a career, and, perhaps, one day, help other girls like her find their way back to school.
