Our work

What we do

Transformative Education

At the Friends of Maria Foundation, we help change lives through education. Our school isn't just for learning, it's a place where every child feels cared for and wanted. We offer academic teaching and also life learning that helps children prepare for the future.

Personal and Emotional Development

We recognize the importance of emotional and personal development. Therefore, we implement programs that strengthen self-esteem, promote resilience, and foster social skills. Through activities such as art, music, and sports, we stimulate creativity and personal expression, key components for a healthy and happy development.

Family Support

Our work goes beyond the classroom. We actively engage in the well-being of our students' families. We offer workshops and counselling for parents, helping them to create a stable and loving family environment. We believe that a solid home is the foundation for any child's success.

Community Commitment

We are a pillar in our community. We conduct home visits and maintain open dialogue with neighbours and relatives. This proximity allows us to better understand the individual needs of each child and family and adapt our help effectively.

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Transformative Initiatives

Gastronomic Festival

A culinary celebration that, for three years, has brought together over 4,000 attendees annually, with embassies sharing global cuisine. Funds raised ensure that 20 new students can enjoy a comprehensive education, health, and nutrition for a full year.

Niños de María Race

Sports training school of 3 disciplines (taekwondo, athletics and swimming) where we develop the skills of 60 children, getting them to dedicate themselves to sports and preventing them from going out on the streets and falling into drugs or alcohol.

Niños de Maria tournament

An annual event where our children compete in 3 disciplines (taekwondo, athletics and swimming) with other children from different schools, testing their sports skills and boosting their self-esteem.

San José Community Dining Room

A response to the food insecurity that affects many members of our community. We provide a balanced daily meal to 40 people 365 days a year, supporting pregnant teenagers, orphans and the elderly, establishing a nutritious shelter and fostering community ties.

Social Impact Recycling

We challenge structural poverty with a practical and sustainable approach. By establishing a recycling facility, we not only protect the environment but also provide dignified employment and training to single mothers, fostering independence and strengthening the community.

Join us and help weave a new future for Ecuador's youth today.