Sembrando Esperanza with the sponsorship of BUPA: Young people from the Centro del Muchacho Trabajador transform the Antisana moorland

Thursday, March 27, 2025

Hands that Cultivate the Future

In a day full of enthusiasm and commitment, 75 young people in vulnerable situations of the Salesian Project North Zone Foundation, through the Artisan Training Center TESPA (Talleres Escuela San Patricio), who are part of the Centro del Muchacho Trabajador, gathered at the Antisana Condor Observatory for a significant reforestation work.

The objective: to plant 800 trees, bushes and native plants such as achupalla, aliso, chachacomo, quishuar, chilca de páramo, polylepis in the buffer zone of the Antisana National Park.

The Awakening of a Green Conscience

The morning began with precise instructions from the technical team. The participants organized themselves strategically: the men did the digging while the women were in charge of the planting.

For many of these young people, it was the first time they had visited this páramo ecosystem, and they were amazed by the imposing landscape that unfolded before their eyes.

The enthusiasm of the young people was evident throughout the day, demonstrating that the new generations are increasingly aware of the importance of protecting our páramos and actively contributing to their conservation.

The Flight of Hope

As the day progressed, something unexpected happened. What began as two separate groups ended up merging in a spontaneous act of solidarity.

Young people who had finished their chores came forward to help their peers, demonstrating that community spirit can flourish in any circumstance.

The highlight came when two juvenile condors flew over the area, offering many the first opportunity to contemplate this emblematic species in its natural habitat.

This sighting was not only a reward for their efforts, but also a powerful symbol of the biodiversity they were helping to preserve.

The Fundación Proyecto Salesiano Zona Norte works tirelessly to provide technical and human training to at-risk youth, offering them the tools to build a decent future.

This reforestation activity not only contributes to the conservation of the páramo ecosystem, which is vital for water regulation in the region, but also sows values of environmental responsibility in these young people.

The day concluded with a well-deserved snack and the collective satisfaction of having contributed to the conservation of one of Ecuador's most valuable ecosystems.

Each tree planted represents a promise of life and hope, both for nature and for these young people who discovered that their hands can also create the future.

TOGETHER WE ARE PART OF THE SOLUTION

"Every tree you plant makes a difference", Jane Goodall.