InitiativeEcuadorColombiaGhana+2
Healthy Cities for Adolescents
With Healthy Cities for Adolescents, young people shape healthier, more responsive cities as equal partners in decisions affecting their lives.
Ecuador
Opportunities amid rapid change
Ecuador is undergoing significant social and economic change. Opportunities remain unevenly distributed across regions and communities. Rising violence and insecurity have placed new pressures on society, particularly on children and young people, affecting their safety, education and future prospects.
Ecuador has important foundations for positive change. Strong local organisations, universities, communities and young people themselves are contributing to more resilient communities and creating opportunities for participation, education and social development.
Challenges
Unequal opportunities, uncertain pathways
For many young people, turning education, skills and ambition into meaningful opportunities remains difficult. Stronger connections between education, practical skills, employment and entrepreneurship can open new pathways, while meaningful participation can give young people a greater say in decisions affecting their lives and their communities.
Cities
Building from Manta and exploring new cities
Fondation Botnar is developing a long-term country-based programme in Ecuador, expected to focus on three cities. Manta provides a strong starting point, building on existing partnerships and experience. We are exploring other cities to understand their strengths, priorities and potential for collaboration. These conversations will inform the selection of additional cities and the programme’s development during 2027.
Connecting local strengths to expand opportunities and shape a better future for young people.
Approach
Connecting local strengths for long-term change
Our future programme will support local organisations, institutions and initiatives already rooted in each city. We aim to connect young people, civil society, public institutions, academia and businesses around shared priorities, while strengthening collaboration between them. Long-term commitment, evidence and continuous learning will allow the programme to evolve as local partnerships and opportunities develop.
All programmes in Ecuador
InitiativeColombiaRomaniaGhana+2
OurCity
OurCity supports cities where young people have a say in the decisions that shape their lives.
InitiativeColombiaEcuadorGhana
S²Cities
With S²Cities, young people take the lead in making cities safer and more inclusive through locally driven ideas, innovation and action.
InitiativeColombiaEcuadorIndonesia
Urban Futures
Through Urban Futures, young people shape more inclusive, climate-resilient urban food systems that support healthy, sustainable and affordable nutrition.
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