A Safe Place to Heal and Play

Just outside of Quito, Ecuador, at our Project M:25 campus, kids are healing from the damaging effects of poverty. Over 100 children come to our campus daily to find a safe place to heal, grow and thrive. With the introduction of our new play therapy room, we are witnessing the transformative power of play in helping these children overcome trauma and build resilience. How can a room with toys have such an effect on the lives of children like Mishel, and how can you join us in making a difference?

What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy uses play activities to help children overcome mental and emotional issues. It is a therapeutic method that enables children to express their emotions and address psychological concerns while playing. Play therapy utilizes play, a natural medium of expression for children and helps children work through experiences and emotions by creating model situations. It is beneficial for children who are distressed, display behavioral problems, or have experienced a significant upset, such as parental divorce or the death of a parent. Play therapy is widely used in hospitals, especially when children face severe medical procedures or enduring chronic illnesses.

Project M:25’s new counseling room

The play therapy room at Project M:25 serves as a counseling space where Project M:25 trained staff facilitates trauma healing through play. Children are encouraged to express their emotions, fears, and hopes naturally and playfully in this nurturing environment. The kids have a safe and supportive space through various therapeutic interventions to process their experiences and develop coping mechanisms. Like many others, Mishel has found calm within these walls, conquering her fears and building the resilience necessary to overcome the hardships she has endured.

Watch how kids interact and use the NEW room:

Counseling and healing: Play is the key

Thanks to the support of partners like you, the play therapy room has already facilitated over 100 therapeutic sessions, bringing hope and healing to the lives of at-risk children in Ecuador. Recently, we had the privilege of hosting Dr. Jennifer Thomas from Lee University, who shared her expertise and introduced us to specialized techniques and tools that enhance our ability to provide even better care to children through play therapy. Through collaborative partnerships, we continue to grow and improve, ensuring every child receives the care they deserve.

You can be a part of it!

We are thankful to have amazing partners known as Amigos Child Sponsors, who make our after-school program possible. Currently, 58 children eagerly await a sponsor to provide them with the support, love, and resources they need. By becoming a sponsor, you can play an instrumental role in changing a child’s life, offering them a sense of safety, stability, and belonging. Your sponsorship will provide tangible assistance and send a powerful message to these children that they are valued and cared for.

Every child deserves a chance to heal, grow, and thrive, regardless of the circumstances they were born into. The play therapy room is a beacon of hope, offering a transformative space where children can overcome the damaging effects of poverty through the power of play. 

Together, with you, your church, your community, and your family, we can continue to make a lasting impact in the lives of these resilient children. 

Will you join us in becoming a sponsor and helping another child feel safe and loved? 

Together, we can create a brighter future for the children of Ecuador. Click here to learn more about it projectm25.org/amigos