About Ubeci Foundation

The UBECI Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1999 in Quito, Ecuador. We are dedicated to uplifting the lives of over 600 vulnerable children aged 3 to 17 who live and work in the bustling markets and streets of southern Quito.

These children endure harsh realities: they work long hours each day, often sacrificing their education and the chance for a brighter future. Many face mental and physical abuse within their families, compounded by deteriorating health and nutrition, a situation exacerbated by the pandemic's aftermath.

At UBECI, we are committed to breaking this cycle of hardship. Our mission is to provide these children with the support, education, and resources they need to thrive, empowering them to envision a better future. Together, we can create lasting change and give these children the opportunity to reclaim their childhoods.

Our Mission

At UBECI, our mission is to empower at-risk children in Quito's local markets by fostering their emotional, mental, and physical well-being. We are dedicated to creating care programs that enhance their quality of life, helping them to nurture positive dreams and goals. Our aim is to equip these children with the tools they need to thrive, transforming them into successful and productive members of their communities.

Our Vision

Our vision is to extend our care program to vulnerable areas where help has not yet reached, raising awareness among parents about their responsibilities towards their children. In this way, we aim to create a positive impact on the well-being and development of families within the markets.

Making a Lasting Difference

UBECI aims to reach out to these children directly in the markets through a number of programs.

These programs provide the children with a place to play, learn, and develop social and life skills. These programs strive to equip them with the skills to succeed in school and as confident adults who are able to contribute to their communities.

Through our year-long Play, Do and Learn program, as well as our annual campaigns, UBECI is making a lasting difference in the lives of these children and in the Ecuadorian community as a whole.

Team

Committed to the Cause

Due to the small size of our staff, UBECI relies on wonderful volunteers from all over the world to help us carry out our mission. Learn more about sharing your skills on the "get involved" page.

Coming together from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, our skilled team of professionals are the backbone of UNITED TO BENEFIT ECUADORIAN CHILDREN INTERNATIONAL. Their ideas help shape the direction and mission of our organization as it continues to develop.

Project Director

The main role and objective is that street children and at-risk youth have the opportunity to learn, play and grow in positive learning environments with equity and equality, the director, Monica Rivadeneira, believes that knowledge and education will provide each child with better opportunities for their present and future.

In the activities supervises all the work that is carried out within the foundation and is the main contact with our partner organizations. Additionally, coordinates with the entire staff to ensure the quality of attention given each day to the children of the UBECI Foundation.

The Founders

To the founders, UBECI represents the realization of a lifelong dream. Their vision began with a simple wish: that every child could enjoy the same opportunities they had — access to education, a safe home, food, and the comfort of family.

In 1995, as teenagers, they set out on this path. They began by supporting small, local organizations that were previously unknown, and soon gathered a group of friends to provide clothing, school supplies, meals, and recreational activities for underserved children.

Over the years, they have continued to build programs, balancing their professional lives with their dedication to UBECI. Their mission remains strong: to bring new hope and a brighter future to children and communities across Ecuador.

Project Coordinator

Our project coordinator, Monica Rivadeneira, works in the office managing our staff and completing all necessary administrative tasks. She runs new volunteer orientations and manages all volunteers within the office and market. She is also in charge of supervising and coordinating each of the activities that take place within the play workshops the different ludic activities with the population of children assisted. She also evaluates the impact that is generated through our organization.

Social Educator

Our social educator travels to the different markets two days each week, alone or with the volunteers to provide education, play time, and do follow-up tasks. The main task of this role is to carry out the organization's objective of "Play, Do, Learn" when working with these children. He also writes weekly lesson plans that follow our goals for the various age groups of UBECI children and creates exams to measure their progress.