Karina and Ruth (names have been changed), 10 and 12 years old, are two sisters that are involved in CENIT's programs. Their family moved to Quito from the rural province of Cotapaxi in search of a better way of life. However, upon arrival in the city the family found themselves facing extreme poverty and backbreaking working conditions. They all work making bricks: between the various family members they average 150 bricks per week which hardly provides enough income to provide for the family. Karina and Ruth became involved with CENIT and began to study at our primary school where they received classes in subjects such as writing, math, sciences and social sciences. After visiting their home and seeing the reality in which they live, CENIT found resources to help them attend a school specifically for children with learning disabilities. Currently the children attend this school in the morning and CENIT's homework help center in the afternoon.
Classes are held twice a week for two hours. CENIT provides the (mosty recycled) materials and the parents produce beauftiful jewelry with them. The products are sold by CENIT: 80% is returned to the women, and 20% is used to purchase materials for the classes.
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