Ecuador is going through a difficult time because of natural disasters and due to the pain and suffering of thousands of people who have been affected, there are voices and demonstrations of solidarity that fill people's hearts and encourage them to keep moving forward and start rebuilding.

"This is the stage that marks the future and the strength of people and where there's help and solidarity together," said Father Javier Herrán, UPS President, on the help the University is planning in the province of Manabi and Esmeraldas with its salesian youth groups (ASU ).

These young students have been working hard since the night of April 16 and have not stopped working in order to organize solidarity campaigns in favor of all those people who have been affected. They are involved in the collection, organization, transport of all inputs and donations that have been received at the collection centers prepared by the University.

It doesn't really matter what is being donated or where, Quito, Guayaquil or Cuenca have been in charge of collecting donations and taking them to the Ministry of Social Inclusion so that then they are taken to the areas hit by the earthquake.

UPS-Cuenca students donated electric generators and installed them in Manta, Portoviejo and Bahía de Caraquez. There was also technical and psychological help from civil engineering and psychology professors for Manabi. Letters showing love and support were also written by people in the university, a campaign titled "Desde el corazón" or From the Heart. 

Countries from around the world are showing their support by sending donations as well as people to help. The Salesian Congregation has also organized several ways of contribution through the Ecuadorian Salesian Inspectorate.

Salesian missions in Spain collected funds for 34,500 Euros and they are still collecting funds for the second part of the emergency which means providing shelter to survivors. The Jugend Eine Welt foundation  from Austria also sent funds that will be used to rebuilt the city. 

"There are different ways we can help and accompany our brothers and sisters, by giving our support and of course through prayers. Therefore we should all get together and pray, show solidarity and hope", said Father Jorge Molina, inspector of salesians in Ecuador.

Video message from – Father Jorge Molina