Sonrisa is a UK-registered charity (no. 1102369) that supports children forced to work on the streets of Quito, Ecuador. It was formerly known as TECCWE, and was founded in 2003.

Why Ecuador?
Who are working children?

The charity was formed by people who have carried out volunteer work at the Centre for the Working Girl, known as CENIT, in the Ecuadorean capital. CENIT provides education, health and social care programmes for some of South America’s most underprivileged children. You can find out more about CENIT’s work by watching our multimedia presentation.

Sonrisa’s purpose is to assist CENIT financially so that it may continue its valuable work. We co-ordinate fundraising in the UK, transfer funds to Ecuador and maintain constant communication with the centre.

These children benefit from CENIT’s education, health and social care programmes. 

Yet fundraising is not the only purpose of Sonrisa. We also hope to raise awareness about the plight of Quito’s working children and we offer information and speakers for schools or groups wishing to learn more. In addition, we hope to encourage individuals or groups to consider volunteering with CENIT in Ecuador, particularly if they have a knowledge of Spanish and/or particular skills such as a background in health or social work. You can find out more about volunteering here.

Sonrisa’s trustees maintain regular contact with CENIT