In the province of Esmeraldas, one of the regions with the highest poverty rate in the country, AMU has chosen to create a professional training program – especially for young people – and conservation of natural resources; so as to promote eco-sustainable job opportunities and entrepreneurship and fight the ecological damage that is increasing the social vulnerability of these populations.
A dawn of hope on the coast of Ecuador
In the canton of Muisne (Esmeraldas province) , one of the poorest areas of Ecuador, life flows between the intense green of the forests and the deep blue of the Pacific. But this fragile balance is threatened: mangroves are being destroyed to make way for artificial ponds for large shrimp farms, palm and cocoa monocultures impoverish the land, and waste pollutes rivers and the sea.
Local communities, who have always lived in harmony with nature, are now seeing their resources disappear. Along with health problems related to pollution, they suffer numerous indirect damages that are undermining their food security: increased flooding during rainy periods, the gradual decline (and risk of extinction) of marine species such as crabs, shellfish, and shrimp, and the loss of richness of agricultural land (the main source of resources) .
In this scenario, young people are the most vulnerable. Many see no prospects, and poverty pushes them into the hands of criminal gangs , who offer easy money and the illusion of power. Violence increases, trust fades, and with it, the future.
Giving young people a reason to stay, a reason to believe
Another pressing problem is the growing presence of mafia gangs, which vie for territorial control and influence the population through violence. Taking advantage of the economic vulnerability of many families, these criminal groups are recruiting many young people for drug dealing, consumption, and strengthening their gangs.
The “Sunrise” project was born precisely for this: to restore hope and dignity to the young people of Muisne , transforming them into protagonists of change .
Sunrise is the symbol of a new beginning – for them, for their families, for their land.
Through training, support, and financial support , the project helps 300 adolescents and young people of African descent develop human, environmental, and professional skills.
Among them, 60 young entrepreneurs will receive technical support and an investment fund to create eco-sustainable microenterprises : small production businesses that respect the environment and generate income.
At the same time, eco-clubs promote concrete activities for the protection of the territory:
🌱 mangrove reforestation,
🌊 cleaning of public spaces and waterways,
💬 ecological awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
Every young person trained becomes a seed of the future , a defender of their land and a witness of hope for those around them.
An impact that goes beyond the environment
“Sunrise” isn’t just an environmental project. It’s an act of faith. It’s the belief that educating a young person means changing the destiny of a family, a community, a country.
Thanks to this intervention:
- 300 young people will learn to valorise natural resources and build a sustainable economy;
- 60 new entrepreneurial initiatives will be born, bringing decent work and local innovation;
- over 1,500 people from the families involved will indirectly benefit from the results;
- Entire areas of mangroves and agricultural land will be restored and protected.
Why support “Sunrise”
Supporting “Sunrise” means:
🌍 defend the environment and biodiversity,
🤝 offer young people a concrete alternative to crime,
🌱 building a future of decent and sustainable work,
💚 believe in the power of education and solidarity.
With the help of like-minded people and organizations, we can shine this light of hope on the coast of Ecuador.
Join the dawn of change
Every sunrise brings a promise. With “Sunrise,” that promise becomes reality.
👉 Support the project, because a young person trained today can save their future, their family, and their land.