Art and Well-being for Children and Adolescents in Monte Sinaí
Ecuador
Objective
To strengthen the mental health and emotional well-being of vulnerable children and adolescents in Monte Sinaí through artistic training in the performing arts as a tool for resilience, creative expression, and the construction of safe spaces in contexts of violence.
Specific objectives:
- Develop expressive and creative capacities in children and adolescents through artistic training workshops in therapeutic music, dance, and expression, supporting emotional development, self-esteem, empowerment, and resilience in violent environments.
- Promote safe and protective environments in families and the community through awareness-raising processes for parents and caregivers on the importance of caring for children's and adolescents' mental health and emotional well-being.
Problem Statement
Monte Sinaí, in northwest Guayaquil, faces a critical situation marked by violence, insecurity, and the sustained absence of the State, which has seriously affected the emotional and social well-being of its residents, especially children and adolescents. High levels of violence, recruitment of minors, and deterioration of the social fabric have created a hostile environment, limiting access to safe, expressive, and comprehensive learning spaces.
The lack of safe spaces and dialogue has weakened the social fabric, particularly affecting children and adolescents who grow up in an environment marked by fear, precariousness, and lack of educational, cultural, and recreational opportunities. This situation demands urgent interventions that promote emotional well-being, art as a tool for expression, and the rebuilding of community bonds to strengthen social cohesion and violence prevention through a comprehensive approach.
Components and Activities
- Creative dance workshops to foster emotional expression, confidence, self-care, and body awareness through movement, relaxation, and reflection.
- Music therapy workshops for children and adolescents that promote physical, emotional, and cognitive well-being through musical dynamics, expression, and strengthened self-esteem.
- Monthly capsules integrated into artistic workshops to reflect on emotions, self-care, and relationships, connecting art and emotional well-being.
- Psycho-emotional meetings with children and adolescents to strengthen socio-emotional skills such as assertive communication, stress management, decision-making, and self-regulation.
- Meetings with parents and caregivers to encourage emotional care for children and adolescents, addressing accompaniment, violence, and art as a well-being resource through family dynamics and reflection.
- A final gathering where children and adolescents present their artistic creations to their families and community, sharing messages about emotional well-being through scenic, musical, and choreographic expression.
Target Group
100 children and adolescents between 9 and 18 years of age.
Financing Organizations
Institute for the Promotion of Arts, Innovation and Creativity (IFAIC)
Highlighted Results
The “Art and Well-being for Children and Adolescents in Monte Sinaí” project strengthened the mental health and emotional well-being of vulnerable children and adolescents through artistic training processes in creative dance, music therapy, and psycho-emotional spaces. Implemented in Monte Sinaí, Guayaquil, the project promoted emotional expression, resilience, self-care, and the construction of safe spaces in contexts of violence, integrating art, mental health, and community participation as tools for social transformation.
Main project results:
- 106 children and adolescents participated, exceeding the initial target.
- 97 participants completed the training process, reaching a retention rate of 91.51%.
- Creative dance workshops, music therapy, and psycho-emotional support spaces were implemented.
- Socio-emotional skills and emotional self-regulation strategies were strengthened.
- 85.19% of participants reported being able to calm themselves in difficult situations.
- 85% incorporated tools such as breathing and music to regulate emotions.
- 87.04% recognized strategies for emotional management and conflict resolution.
- Two Community Gatherings of Living Arts and Well-being were held to promote participation, expression, and community cohesion.
- Art was consolidated as a tool for resilience, emotional well-being, and the construction of safe spaces in Monte Sinaí.