Allow me to introduce you to Tamarita:
She is the founder and operator of COVI which stands for Centro de Opcion de Vida (Central Option of Life). When she started the organization in 2005, her vision was to provide an opportunity for street kids to choose a full life. When asked why she does what she does, she simply replies “I want to help those in need in my community.”
Her sincere, unconditional love is so evident in everything she does. From providing them with food, to teaching them, to disciplining them, you know she genuinely cares for them.
These children travel up to 1.5 hours to go to school in the center of Quito everyday. However, in Ecuador most kids only have half a day of classes.
Tamarita saw this need for children to be cared for during the other half of the day. Therefore, she established COVI just a few minutes walk away for the kids to be provided for the rest of the day.
Many of these kids come from rough family situations, so COVI acts as refuge for many of them. COVI is the place kids come to keep them out of trouble and off the streets during their free time. Here they will find a fresh cooked meal, kids activities, bible lessons, sports, and help with their homework.
The best part of this ministry is that all of this is provided for free! Thanks to some very generous donors and many volunteers to cook and play with the kids and teach them, this is possible. Stay posted for my next blog post to see how Team Awaken is partnering with COVI this month to help sustain this ministry, teach the kids English, and show them the love of Christ.
