10-year-old Carmen lives with her parents and her 4 sisters in La Forestal, a neighborhood of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. With her parents struggling to make ends meet, Carmen had to turn her back on education and start selling goods at the markets of Chiriyacu, San Roque, and Sangolquí – noisy, crowded places, where many children spend long hours under the scorching heat, trying to earn just enough to support their families.
Back then, Carmen was shy and withdrawn, reluctant to speak or play with other children her age. Some days, she experienced the pangs of hunger, skipping meals because there wasn’t enough money for food. She still remembers that painful time when she was forced to go through garbage cans in the hope of finding something to eat.
One day, while working at the market of San Roque, Carmen crossed paths with a street educator from CENIT (Centro Integral de la Ninez y Adolescencia). She did not know it then, but this encounter would change her life. The Good Shepherd sisters and the educational team were raising awareness about child labour and its harmful eff ects in the neighborhood markets, while inviting children to participate in their educational activities. Curious and hopeful, Carmen decided to follow her heart and go. At CENIT, she was received with care and kindness and joined her very first summer camp – a joyful escape from her work on the streets and everyday worries. Her eyes lit up with excitement every time she discovered a new activity: swimming, craft s, camping. In this caring environment, she finally felt safe to be herself and created close friendships, filled with love, laughter and shared unforgettable memories.
Little by little, Carmen’s life began to change. With CENIT’s support, she stopped working on the streets and re-entered the education system. The transition back to school was smooth: catch-up classes, educational games and activities helped fill the gaps in her knowledge and midday meals kept her healthy and engaged in learning. Today, radiant, inquisitive and full of energy, Carmen loves learning new things about life… and about herself. Her eyes sparkle every time she walks into the classroom, filled with joy and excitement for the new day ahead.
