DCF Activities June 2025

Dear DCF friends,

What a joy to share this with you again! In this June newsletter, we bring you some moving experiences that reflect the power of the Pifo community when it works together. From strengthening the Teen Club to opportunities for dialogue with parents, this issue is full of learning, excitement, and new ways to continue promoting care, participation, and prevention among children and adolescents.

Warm regards,

The DCF team

Teen Club in Pifo

The Pifo Teen Club has established itself as a safe and dynamic space where young people can express themselves, build relationships, and dream of a different community. This club not only discusses sensitive topics such as family relationships, substance use, and academic challenges, but also develops community initiatives facilitated by teens and their families, such as baking workshops, inter-generational dialogues, and cultural activities. More than a club, a support network is being formed that connects generations and strengthens the social cohesion participation of teens.

The teens envision the club expanding to include more youth from a wider range of neighborhoods. They see it as a safe and positive alternative to the recruitment of children and adolescents by organized crime groups for drug use and trafficking.

Together, they are building a project with the dream of securing funding to reach more neighborhoods in Pifo. Pablo and Alejandro mentioned that "hopefully, it will be possible to reach all of Ecuador."

Meeting for the establishment of Route 4P

In June, a key meeting for the community was held: the meeting to develop the Route 4P for the prevention of substance use and abuse among children and adolescents.

In this space, adolescents, community leaders, public institutions, and social organizations gathered to define concrete actions based on four pillars: Promote, Prevent, Protect, and Participate.

From proposals such as creating safe spaces in neighborhood stores to awareness campaigns and workshops for parents and teachers, the Route 4P is now starting to be a living guide co-constructed by the community.

EUROFEST: Voices of Pifo at an intercultural party

On Saturday, May 10th, teenagers from the Pifo Club participated in Eurofest, a festival celebrating cultural exchange between Ecuador and Europe. There, they shared about their club and their community work with visitors from around the world.

Eurofest Testimonials

Jeshua recalls that it was "a lot of fun, very striking because it was from Europe."

Angi had a great time "I loved painting faces, putting on my glasses, and seeing different places," and she even tried "different traditional dishes."

Britany acknowledged that "I now feel want to develop myself more."

Génesis humorously recalls that "a baby fell asleep while I was painting his face."

This experience broadened horizons, strengthened the teenagers' self-esteem, and reaffirmed their commitment to continue contributing to their community.

Community Reflective Team

Thanks to the initiative of the teens themselves, a valuable meeting was held with parents from the community to share experiences and emotions and open channels of family communication.

Testimonials from the Reflective Team

Jhaqueline shared, "Chris was there and almost cried, but he didn't cry for the first time in his life." And when talking to his mother, he confessed, "I wanted to cry, and I don't know how I held back my tears."

Pablo said, "The event was really cool," although he couldn't intervene due to a sudden cold.

Dayana expressed, "I felt a little bad because it rained," but also "very happy because we played a lot of games."

Michaell summed it up as "a new experience" where he was able to "express himself freely."

Alex captured the essence: "Chris was sensitive," "Sebastian talked about deep topics," and "Vane introduced the event; it was wonderful!"

These encounters reflect what happens when a sincere space for dialogue is opened: transformation.

Thanks for joining us!

We are deeply grateful to every young person, mother, father, community leader, and allied institution who is part of this process. We continue to strive for a community where listening, caring, and working together are the path to transforming realities.

We move forward, convinced that unity is the key to achieving great things.

See you soon!

Sincerely,

The DCF Team

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How to support the community in Pifo?

With your contribution, you greatly help us make this important work possible and continue it. You can support us by making a payment through:

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