Near Quito, Ecuador, a group of young girls at Centro Adolescentes Infractores (CAI) Conocoto is on a path to reform, while exploring a journey of resiliency and transformation.

CAI is a center that focuses on the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders through psychological, educational, and social programs. The Colegio Menor community is a key piece of support in empowering these young ladies to build a better future for themselves.

Barbara Huilca, the director of CAI Conocoto, provides a safe and positive environment for the girls. Her goal is not only to maintain order, but also teach them how to reintegrate into society. 

“Being in charge of the organization is not an easy job,” Huilca said. “I make the final decisions after taking into consideration the whole team’s opinions based on the behavior of the girls.”

CAI Conocoto is working tirelessly to create a more humane place for these young girls. Huilca desires for the world to know more about the center’s mission. 

“I want more people to know about the center, to feel encouraged to help, and to get to know these girls who mostly need to be loved and understood,” added Huilca. “The first step should be for people to learn about their necessities and come up with ideas for recreational activities. Over time, (we) raise funds for more educational workshops or tools such as computers, sewing machines and more.”

Raising funds has been challenging, as many people are quick to judge and are not interested in the girls’ stories. Barbara has implemented art, sports, and religious activities in the center.

However, only eight out of the 20 girls have the economic stability to pay for their studies and materials. This means that the others spend their days playing a sport, or engaging in arts and crafts.

“When the project of Colegio Menor students began, the girls eagerly awaited Saturdays to see them again,” said Huilca. “They talked all week about what the next activity would be, and that motivated them to fulfill their responsibilities and improve their behavior.”

Gabriela Vaca, one of the mentors of this project, played a pivotal role in obtaining permission and sponsors for the activities conducted at CAI. Since day one, she has developed a deep connection with three girls.

“My inspiration came from knowing there are minors who have not had the same life opportunities (as many other people),” Vaca shared. “They had lived at a very young age in an environment of violence and insecurity, and as a result, they made mistakes that led to them losing their freedom.”

Vaca believes these girls deserve a second chance to improve their quality of life. Her goal is to create at least three workshops that will allow them to have an honest job once they regain their freedom. The proposed workshops include: sewing, beauty, marketing, and communication. 

Vaca knows these girls better than anyone and is completely sure they have changed her life and perspective on things. She wants others to feel the same way so they can tell their own stories. 

“The girls are more mature than perhaps they should be for their age,” added Vaca. “They have lost their innocence and they see life from the perspective of an adult.

“They are creative, brave, and persevering. If they have a second chance and a leader who takes advantage of their intelligence, they can be successful.”  

Ana Paula Corral, a senior at Colegio Menor and a volunteer, shares a similar sentiment. Initially apprehensive about visiting the center, she soon realized that CAI was very different from what she had imagined. 

“This center gives resources and helps young people to succeed and change their future,” Corral said. 

The job of a volunteer is not just to help, but to share these girls’ stories, so more people learn about the organization and are motivated to make the world a better place. 

“I would 100 percent recommend other volunteers to join, even though the facility has activities set up for the girls,” Corral said. “Us showing up and doing different activities and being their friends really motivated them and gave them something to look forward to. “

At CAI Conocoto, a remarkable journey unfolds for young girls on a path to reform.

Huilca, among others, leads them to foster a secure and supportive environment.

In response to the girls’ struggles, initiatives are made to encourage self-forgiveness and integrate them into society. The center stands as a symbol of transformation, emphasizing the ability of kindness and group support to change people’s lives and start over.