Uruguay Barrio Borro
The 2URBO Distance Support project was born in 2001 from the collaboration between AFN and the Uruguayan civil association “Comunión para el Desarrollo Social (CODESO)”, which since 1993 has been working to promote the integral development of minors. This action is part of regional and state programs to contrast poverty, and is implemented in a differentiated manner in the three centers founded by the association in Montevideo: the CAIF-Centre of Integral Assistance to Children and Families (for children from 0 to 3 years old and their parents/guardians); the CLUB DE NIÑOS (for children from 5 to 12 years old), and the CENTRO JUVENIL (for adolescents from 11 to 18 years old).
DEFINITION OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CONTEXT
Uruguay has a well-developed economic system, which, thanks to political stability and national reconstruction work after the dictatorship of the military, has managed to grow significantly from 2003 to 2019. This growth, driven by increased consumption and exports, has mitigated the socioeconomic impact of Covid-19. However, unemployment stands at 10.8%, and poverty affects 10.6% of the population, particularly affecting ethnic minority groups (Afro-descendants) and children under the age of 6. High inflation threatens people’s purchasing power. In general, major social and economic disparities still persist, due to structural constraints that prevent the country from further closing development gaps. Among the most significant factors include delays in educational attainment, weak integration into global trade, an insufficiently competitive environment, surface financial markets and chronically high inflation.
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION
Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay, has approximately 1.3 million inhabitants, equivalent to one third of the national population. The project is located in the Unidad Casavalle neighborhood, one of the poorest in the city. Born on the banks of the Casavalle River to accommodate rural workforce destined for the tannery and slaughterhouse industries, following the decline of this sector, the neighborhood has experienced a parallel economic and social decline, which has led to the formation of numerous settlements characterized by precarious living conditions and a high crime rate. Today, a middle class with a decent standard of living and a very poor one coexists in the neighborhoods.
COMPOSITION AND STRUCTURE OF THE PROJECT
The Centre covers a 3-hectare site, and has 5 structures that are wide, ventilated and bright, as well as green areas. A first building houses the Club de Niños and the Centro Juvenil, has 3 multi-purpose halls, a computer room, a library, a medical dispensary, a teachers’ room, the secretariat, bathrooms and changing rooms. In contrast, the CAIF is in a separate building. The other facilities include a dining room, two multipurpose halls, a large kitchen, a carpentry workshop, a storage room, a plastic room, and a semi-open space. Outside, there are two playgrounds, a multi-sports field under construction, and a football pitch. Each center has its own operational staff, which totals 32 employees, including social workers, psychologists, educators, administrative and maintenance staff.
IMPLEMENTED ACTIVITIES AND SERVICES
In the CAIF:
- – Thematic workshops: psychomotricity, appropriate stimulation, singing, games
- – Library project
- – Meals
In the Club de Niños:
- – School recuperation courses
- – Educational walks
- – Thematic workshops: English, computer, body expression, audiovisual, swimming, games
- – One meal a day
In the Centro Juvenil:
- – Thematic workshops: study, communication, handicrafts, art, music, hygiene
- – One meal a day
BENEFICIARIES OF THE ACTION
The project involves approximately 200 minors and 350 adults, including parents and tutors. The beneficiaries are selected from among the most vulnerable families in the area through interviews and family visits.
ACTIONS
- • Project Support – SOP
This is an ongoing commitment to support a food, educational, educational and health and hygiene programme aimed at the entire group of minors and their families who are part of the AFN project.
- Donations
These are free-flow payments, in support of a food, school-training and health and hygiene programme aimed at the entire group of minors and their families who are part of the AFN project.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Support for the project. Please contact the coordinators in your country to confirm the annual amount and payment details.
Reason “New SOP 2URBO-Uruguay” and in subsequent payments “renewal SOP 2URBO-Uruguay”
- Donations Contact the coordinators in your country to confirm the annual amount and donation details.