News and Events

In April, Samuel Müller was able to see the construction of the new building for himself during his visit to SALEM-Ecuador. The youth center is to become a center for encounters, activities and creativity. It bears the name “Maloka” (an indigenous term for traditional round buildings) and is built from local bamboo, very robust and sustainable.

Already, it looks impressive from the outside, but unfortunately the funds for the interior work are still lacking. The biggest matters of expense are the sanitary facilities, but also the salaries for the qualified staff who fill the house with life together with the children.

The demand for our social work is enormous. Unfortunately, there are many cases of domestic violence in Ecuador, especially against women and children. It is particularly problematic that the victims receive no protection. This is why SALEM stands by those affected by violence and accompanies them psychologically, but also practically, e.g. to the police or to court hearings.

As victims often become perpetrators themselves in adulthood, we want to break this chain of violence and help children to mature into self-confident and respectful people.

When we asked Sebastian, who is now a pedagogue at SALEM, “Why did you come to SALEM as a child?”, he replied: “Everything that my family couldn't give me, I found here! Today I say: SALEM gave me values and offered me a safe space.”

And we want to offer this safe, non-violent space to many more children and young people. And that is why we ask you to support us in expanding our youth center so that we can continue to carry out this responsible work.

You can donate here online: SALEM International - Project Donations for SALEM-Ecuador

Thank you very much!

A part of our committed team in SALEM-Ecuador