One year ago Unity 4 Orphans opened an English as a second language program for vulnerable children in Montanita, Ecuador. Lives are being transformed through education and holistic support!
We’re celebrating God’s faithfulness and the dedication of our partner in Montanita, Ecuador over the past year. We have several metrics by which to measure the success of our programs, and a favorite is the transformation stories of the children we serve.
Opportunities are Scarce for Vulnerable Children in Ecuador
When students enter our ESL programs throughout Latin America they receive more than lessons in speaking English. The holistic approach of our programs ensures that young women like Ruth, can build confidence and learn in a supportive environment.
English has changed my future because [speaking] English opens doors and builds opportunities.
–Ruth, Student in Montanita
Opportunities are limited for youth living in poverty who may not have access to quality education and are often forced to drop out of school to help feed their families. This is especially true in small coastal villages such as Montanita. Our program director Jamie has learned valuable lessons in the past year, such as the importance of being flexible and building strong relationships with her students.
U4O’s Programs Bring Hope to Poor Youth in Montanita
Jamie and her team have seen the transformation in the lives of students, including brothers Christopher and Roy, who are 11 and 12 years old. For kids who see daily hardship and struggle all around, a lack of self-confidence often keeps them stuck. Although their progress was slow in the beginning and they didn’t believe in their ability to learn, the team continued to support and encourage them.
The sole fact that this program exists here in Montañita is proof that God is good. God has smoothed the way from the beginning to make it happen! The program has given kids an opportunity they would not otherwise have.
–Jamie, Ecuador Partner
A year into the ESL program, these two boys have grown into dedicated students who believe that brighter futures are possible for them. Christopher proudly shared that he wants to be a pilot and Roy dreams of being a doctor in the US. Stories like theirs also build the confidence of our partners and motivate us to continue facilitating programs like the one in Montanita.
U4O Provides Transformation to Children Stuck in the Cycle of Poverty
As we celebrate the first anniversary of our program in Montanita, we look toward the futures of our students. We hope to see the program grow as we welcome more students in the future. Every new program location and the partners dedicated to its success brings its own set of challenges.
Children like Ruth, Christopher, and Roy have experienced poverty and witnessed violence in their coastal village. They live in a country that has seen highs and lows with the government and we’re thrilled to offer them an opportunity to learn English, which may allow them to break the cycle of poverty.
–Caitlin Snyder, Executive Director
In the coming year, Jamie will continue focusing on building relationships with her students and fostering their personal growth. Our dedicated partners and generous community are behind everything we do and enable us to operate programs like the one in Montanita, Ecuador. Join us as we embark on year two in this location and watch as it expands!