TİKA Establishes Children’s Libraries in Ecuador’s Azuay Region

Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TİKA) has established children’s libraries in the municipalities of San Juan, Jadán, San Rafael de Sharug, Güel, and Zhiña in Ecuador’s Azuay province.

Implemented in cooperation with the Azuay Provincial Government, the project created play libraries designed to benefit approximately 500 children. These libraries were conceived not only as spaces for learning but also as safe, inclusive, and stimulating social environments that support children’s development.

The opening ceremonies in the municipalities of Jadán and Güel drew strong interest from local officials, educators, and community members. Attendees included the Turkish Ambassador to Quito, Başak Yalçın; TİKA’s Coordinator in Bogotá, Merve Zengin; and Azuay Governor, Juan Cristóbal Lloret. The joy on the children’s faces as they explored their new libraries underscored the impact of the project.

Speaking at the event, Governor Lloret stated: “We selected the poorest and most challenging areas within our region. We are truly pleased that Türkiye has assumed a supportive role in helping us reach our development goals. Our children and especially their mothers are overjoyed.”

A safe space for children

Local community leaders Jorge Patricio Tigre and Estefanía Paola Ordoñez highlighted the challenges faced by children in the region, including migration, addiction, and limited access to education. They expressed their belief that the newly established libraries will provide a safe space to help address these pressing issues.

In addition to offering equal educational opportunities, the project creates a protective environment for children against risks such as domestic violence, neglect, addiction and child labor. The libraries are equipped not only with books but also with modern educational tools, including toys that support psychomotor development, tablets, computers and smart boards.

While the libraries directly benefit approximately 500 children, they are expected to indirectly impact around 1,600 individuals, including vulnerable groups such as women and the elderly. Provincial authorities noted that this project, implemented with the support of Türkiye, has already become a model for the region. Several other organizations operating locally have begun to replicate similar initiatives.