Skip to content 
A Nigerian proverb says, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This phrase holds a profound truth: the holistic development of a child does not depend solely on their family but on an entire community that supports, protects, and guides them in a safe and healthy environment. Casa Gangotena, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Quito’s historic center, believes in being part of that village. Committed to the community it calls home, Casa Gangotena proudly joins Fundación REDNI in their mission, because every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy, and nurturing environment.
At Casa Gangotena, we firmly believe in this principle. We understand that supporting projects in partnership means strengthening and weaving networks of trust that sustain the community. For us, developing the social fabric means creating real, lasting, and supportive bonds between neighbors, organizations, and families. It is the tangible way to live out our commitment to being a good neighbor: being present, listening, getting involved, and acting so that collective well-being becomes a shared responsibility.
Caring For Life From The Very Beginning
Today, we are an active part of a community working for the development and nutrition of expectant mothers and their babies in Ecuador, alongside Fundación REDNI. With immense joy, we celebrate the start of the second phase of this project, which will support 80 mothers over a year and a half, providing them with guidance, follow-up, and tools to ensure a healthy start to life for their children.
One of the main drivers of this initiative is the rate of Chronic Child Malnutrition. Ecuador has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition in Latin America, a reality that limits the potential of our children and, therefore, the future of the country. Supporting nutrition and holistic development from the earliest days of life is a real opportunity to change this story. Because nutrition is not just a health indicator; it is also an indicator of competitiveness, cognitive development, and future opportunities. A well-nourished child has greater chances of learning, creating, innovating, and turning their dreams of becoming a doctor, teacher, engineer, artist, or scientist into reality. When we ensure a healthy childhood, we also ensure a country that moves firmly toward development.
Supporting A Mother Is Transforming The Future
Ana Sevilla, our ally from De Vuelta al Centro, began the inauguration of this new project phase by saying, “Being a mom is a daily act of love, courage, and dedication,” aiming to make every woman feel truly welcomed, supported, and backed by a network that will walk alongside her throughout this process.
This effort also includes the De Vuelta al Centro project, our allies, with whom we promote the revitalization of Quito’s Historic Center, strengthening its economy, culture, and social fabric. We want this iconic space in the city to become a meeting point where mothers find their village, their support network, their community.
A Plate Full Of Colors
During the event, I shared a very personal experience that powerfully sums up the impact of educating through nutrition. At home, I am teaching my four-year-old daughter to discover new foods and understand that a healthy plate not only fills but also nourishes.
One day, while looking at her food, she said, “Mom, this plate is missing color.” And she was right. At home, we always talk about how a nutritious plate should be full of colors, diversity, and balance—that eating well is also a conscious act of care.
The same logic applies to social projects. They are like a plate served at the table: to truly transform lives, they need diversity, coordination, and balance. They require the commitment of the private sector, the expertise of social organizations, and the support of public entities.
When each actor contributes their “ingredient,” the result is complete, nourishing, and sustainable. And just as a well-prepared plate feeds, our collaboration not only feeds but also transforms.
Together, Every Action Counts
Initiatives like this remind us that social change does not happen in isolation. It happens when a company decides to get involved beyond its main activity, when a foundation puts its expertise at the service of those who need it most, when a mother decides to educate herself and better care for her child, and when an entire community decides that the well-being of its children is a collective responsibility. Every gesture adds up, every partnership multiplies, and every well-nourished child represents a promise fulfilled to the future. At Casa Gangotena, we will continue to bet on this model of shared work because building community is, in itself, the most transformative act.
