Chaka Sucúa

Its main objective is to reduce school dropout and absenteeism in upper grades by directly supporting young people to improve their quality of life and become positive role models within their communities. This project was created in response to institutional statistics showing that each year 12% of students abandon their studies. The main causes include low academic performance, emotional problems, pedagogical and methodological factors, economic hardship, and early pregnancies. For many adolescents, this interrupts their life projects and exposes them to cycles of hardship, addiction, and increased rates of early pregnancy. According to the Ministry of Education, the highest school dropout rate in Ecuador is registered in Morona Santiago, at 12.42%.

From Monday to Friday, the Chaka Sucúa project carries out three hours of daily activities that include:

• A nutritious lunch
• Academic reinforcement
• Teaching and practicing values

Academic support is especially important because some of these young people have Kichwa as their mother tongue and Spanish as a second language. Since university entrance exams are taken exclusively in Spanish, they face a clear disadvantage due to the language barrier. In addition to academic support, the project seeks to connect young people interested in pursuing higher education with institutes or universities that match their interests. To date, 15 young people have completed high school, and several of them have successfully continued their professional training.