During the Covid-19 pandemic, schools in Ecuador remained closed for two years. It was one of the longest school closures globally. While online learning was partially applied, in reality children of rural communities with poor internet connectivity and lack of computers struggled to keep up with this new modality. It is estimated that at least 90,000 students withdrew from the education system in Ecuador during the pandemic (Source: Unicef).

Luckily, schools have reopened since then. But, after two years of being closed, the school infrastructures were lacking desks, chairs, maintenance and green spaces.

Cocoa Horizons organized events to engage the children to return to school. During one day, the children were invited to join educational and fun activities with their parents. The audience was sensitized on the importance of quality education and equal opportunities as well as environmental preservation. All children received a school kit to get ready for starting school again.

Before this event, Cocoa Horizons supported schools with a donation to buy new books, plant fruit and native trees in the playground, and paint the school buildings.

Now every year, through Cocoa Horizons, we organize events in Ecuador to create favorable conditions for pupils to go back to school. By allowing children to learn foundational skills, we help them reach their full potential.