DCF Activities - Newsletter June 2026

Dear Friends of DCF,

So much is happening in the community! A new library is being created. Young people are sharing their voices with international audiences. Community members are coming together to learn, start new initiatives, create colorful murals, and reconnect with one another. This is what is happening in Pifo.

In this newsletter, we would like to share some of that energy, the stories, and the collective dreams that continue to grow alongside children, young people, families, and neighbors in the community.

We also celebrated a very special milestone: 10 years of Red Convivencia (Living Together Network). For a decade, this network has worked to promote the right of children and young people to grow up within their families and communities. Together with organizations, communities, and government institutions, Red Convivencia has contributed to the development of policies, guidelines, and programs that strengthen families and promote alternatives to institutional care. It was a wonderful opportunity to reflect on everything that has been achieved together and to look ahead to what is still possible.

Thank you for continuing to follow and support us, step by step!

The DCF Team

A Reading Community and New Spaces for Learning

As part of the collaboration between the Somos Pifo (We are Pifo) Community Center, Pakakuna, and many committed community members and organizations, proposals were submitted to the 2026 Reading and Writing Initiative of the Ecuadorian House of Culture.

We are proud to share that both proposals, Biblioteca Somos Pifo (A Reading Community for Pifo) and Yachay Wasi (House of Knowledge), were selected. This is a wonderful result of collective effort, enthusiasm, and collaboration.

Both initiatives are now being developed together with community members and the Youth Club. They are spaces where reading, learning, creativity, and connection come together, creating new opportunities to meet, learn from one another, and continue building a strong and connected community.

Pastry Workshop: Learning and Sharing

In March, a pastry workshop was organized together with Estela, a member of Pakakuna. Children, young people, and adults came together in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The workshop helped stimulate new income-generating activities among participating families. One of the most valuable aspects was the active involvement of community members themselves in organizing the event, spreading the word, and registering participants.

Community Markets and Local Entrepreneurship

Over the past months, Pakakuna and local entrepreneur groups have continued creating spaces where people can meet, collaborate, and exchange ideas. Community markets, gatherings, and various activities were organized to support local initiatives and strengthen community engagement.

Workshops were also offered for local entrepreneurs and independent vendors on marketing and ways to increase the visibility of their products and services. This initiative emerged directly from conversations within the community. Many people create beautiful products and offer valuable services, yet often find it challenging to reach a wider audience and showcase what they have to offer.

Young People at Eurofest

Three members of the Youth Club were invited to participate in Eurofest Quito, an international cultural event where people from different countries come together around European food, products, culture, and exchange.

There, they shared the story of the community project, the Youth Club, and Ruta 4P, an initiative that supports children, young people, and families in preventing drug use and other risk situations. They presented in both English and Spanish.

It was the first time they had spoken before an international audience, and they did an outstanding job.

Youth and Community Muralism

The Youth Club has begun an inspiring journey in community muralism together with Inti Atelier. Through a series of workshops, young people explored the history of muralism, learned different painting techniques, and discovered how art can strengthen community connections.

What started as a set of workshops quickly became a space for creativity, expression, and meaningful encounters. Young people found opportunities to share ideas, learn from one another, and build something together.

Soon, this process will take visible form through the creation of a community mural designed and painted together with young people from the community.

10 Years of Red Convivencia

A meaningful moment in May was the celebration of the 10th anniversary of Red Convivencia (Living Together network). Children, representatives of organizations, and community members came together to reflect on both the challenges and opportunities facing children and young people today.

A key message emerged throughout the conversations: lasting change does not come only through policies or projects. It happens when people meet, listen to one another, and take shared responsibility for the well being of their communities.

In this way, step by step, we build communities where children and young people can grow up safely, supported by their families and the people around them.

How Can You Support the Pifo Community?

The past few months have left us with images and moments that stay with us. This is Pifo. This is community.

We invite you to support our work. With your help, we can continue strengthening community leadership, protecting children, and supporting communities in Pifo and beyond.

Every contribution, large or small, helps us take the next step on this journey.

Support us here:

IBAN: NL23ABNA0621779652

Daniëlle Children’s Fund

Noordwijk

BIC: ABNANL2A

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