Workshops for young people and older adults in Quito return to face-to-face classes two years later, due to the coronavirus pandemic

After two-year suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Patronato San José reactivated the free workshops that will be available for young people and older adults from Quito.

This Wednesday, March 16, at the Circo de Luz, located in the Bicentennial Park, a exhibition of the 23 workshops for young people from 14 to 35 years old and 25 workshops for older adults that will be developed in person in the urban and rural parishes of the DMQ.

The workshops range from makeup, dance, music, gastronomy, crafts, electricity, painting, circus arts, sports activities, magic, musical production, among others.

Monica Slim, president of the San José Board of Trustees, highlighted the importance of have safe and healthy spaces for young people and older adults now that the activities have begun a reactivation process. “It’s gratifying that our job of serving others is accomplished through these workshops,” she added.

Rosalia Puebla, head of the Quito Youth Unit, pointed out that they have two projects: the light circus, which has nine workshops for young people from 18 to 35 years old, and Subway Houses, which is taught to people between 14 and 35 years of age, who work three-month shifts and everyone gets a certificate of specialization on the received item.

To receive the courses you must fill out a registration form, submit a copy of your identity card and a letter of commitment.

Laura Machado is an expert making crafts in flex foam and recycling materials, she teaches the workshop to older adults. “They are fascinated by it, it is also an opportunity as a way of life, when they buy from them it is beautiful to see their happy face”, he added.

Another of the people who managed to exploit their abilities is Pedro Guanoluisa, who was born in the province of Cotopaxi, but since he was a child he lived in Quito. He liked painting all his life, but it was five years ago when a spinal injury prevented him from continuing to work and from there he devoted himself to painting.

The myopia, strabismus and astigmatism that he has were not a limitation, “I paint seeing with my left eye, sometimes I have to get closer to the paintings because with the right (eye) I see very blurry,” explained the 68-year-old painter, who appreciated the opportunity to continue being productive, because he affirmed that in the workshops he has learned new techniques.

Zaida Valarezo, head of the Unit for the Elderly, said that in 2021 20,000 people were treated, this year they plan to increase to 22,000, prioritizing people in vulnerable conditions. (I)