Pichincha Province, Ecuador—Nestled in the heart of Mercado Mayorista, a bustling market in Quito, Ecuador, Transito Amaguaña Intercultural School has become a lifeline for children from indigenous farming and merchant families. The school, founded 35 years ago, serves 87 students—42 girls and 45 boys—many of whom are fluent in Kichwa, a native Ecuadorian language. In a community where cultural preservation is paramount, the school plays a key role in ensuring that these children receive an education and learn about and preserve their rich cultural heritage.
However, the school faces significant challenges. Despite the Ecuadorian government’s provision of salaries for six teachers, much of the school’s operations are reliant on volunteers and donations. The school is housed within the market itself, and many of its students’ parents are street vendors or work as shoe cleaners, often struggling to make ends meet. The school provides education and vital services for these families that directly impact the children’s health and well-being, as School Director Irma Gómez Walfandery emphasizes:
"Cambiar nuestro mundo será posible si hacemos las más pequeñas cosas con voluntad y cariño, junto a un trabajo comunitario que nos engrandece a todos y todas."
Translation: Changing our world is possible if we start performing little steps with will and care, alongside community work that uplifts us all.
A few years ago, a study conducted by a university in Quito revealed concerning cases of malnutrition among the school’s students. In response, the school community rallied to build a kitchen and dining room, with teachers and volunteers preparing meals for the children during the school day. These efforts were crucial in improving the students’ health, as the meals provided were often the only nutritious food they would receive that day. A follow-up study showed marked improvements in the children’s growth, demonstrating the power of nutrition in shaping their futures.
Recognizing the importance of the kitchen in the students’ health and ability to learn, Save the Children of the Developing World (SCDW) stepped forward to offer support. In April 2024, SCDW upgraded the school’s kitchen with essential appliances, ensuring that the meals served to the students would be nutritious, prepared efficiently, and safe. Programs Committee Member, Alexander Manzaba, secured the necessary appliances and delivered them to the school. Lorena Nuñez, a volunteer teacher at the school, expressed her appreciation:
“Todos anhelamos un mundo mejor. Sin embargo el cambio comienza con pequeños actos de amor que está en nuestras propias manos.”
Translation: We all long for a better world. However, change begins with small acts of love that are within our own hands.
The delivery of the new kitchen equipment was marked by a celebration at the school, where the students and teachers performed traditional music and dance as part of a ceremony honoring the Andes’ Sun Festival. This event was a powerful reminder of the school's deep connection with its indigenous roots and the community's pride in its cultural identity. The joy and gratitude of the school’s staff and students were evident as they expressed their appreciation for the support provided by SCDW. For the school’s 59 families, the project’s impact has been profound. Many of the parents work long hours in the market, and the school’s ability to provide nutritious meals allows them to focus on their work, knowing their children are well cared for. The school also plays a critical role in fostering a sense of community and stability in an area that can often be unpredictable.
The Mercado Mayorista is home to approximately 1,400 merchants, 80% of whom are women. The market is the primary income source for many families whose children attend Transito Amaguaña. Many of the students help their families by selling goods on the street or working as shoe cleaners, contributing to the family’s livelihood while also trying to pursue their education. For these children, having a safe, supportive environment to learn and grow is invaluable. The upgraded kitchen is not just a practical necessity; it represents the broader impact of community-driven support. It demonstrates how small changes can have a ripple effect, improving the health, education, and overall well-being of children and their families. With the new kitchen appliances, the school can continue to serve its students with better, more efficient meals, creating a stronger foundation for their education and future success.
Manzaba, reflecting on the project’s success, shared:
“There are people who use their arms to hold and hug themselves, but it is special to be held by someone else. SCDW knows how to hold others.”
His words capture the essence of this project—the importance of offering material support and extending a helping hand that enables children and families to rise above their challenges. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the ongoing partnership between SCDW and Transito Amaguaña Intercultural School. It is a reminder of the power of community collaboration, how collective action can create lasting change and the impact that even one focused project can have on the lives of so many.
For the students and families of Transito Amaguaña, the new kitchen is a symbol of hope, a promise of better health, and a brighter path forward. As they continue to build their futures, they can rest assured that the support of SCDW will help provide the nourishment, education, and care they need to succeed.
About Save the Children of the Developing World (SCDW): SCDW is a NJ Nonprofit Corporation based in Bayonne, New Jersey and managed by a group of diverse, young adults who are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of children living in third-world countries by providing them with the tools to pursue their interests and become the person they dream to be. They have been ranked Platinum on Guidestar—a nonprofit information service—for being transparent on their different projects and how they have worked towards fulfilling their mission.