Last Saturday, August 24, the first cycle of workshops and training for more than 150 basic recyclers and recyclers in Quito ended. This initiative, organized by ReciVeci with the support of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ecuador, is a significant step towards strengthening capacity in the city-based waste picker community.
Context of the project
In May 2024, ReciVeci was recognized with one of the IOM's Business Development Funds. This fund will be used, on the one hand, to strengthen the operations of the Glass Hub, a project inaugurated in November 2023 and which seeks to energize the glass recycling chain in Quitoy, and on the other hand, to provide tools to basic recyclers. The project's axes of action include: 1) Increasing the operational capacity of the Glass Hub, 2) Increasing the amount of recycled glass, 3) Creating new employment opportunities, and 4) Educating citizens about the importance of glass recycling.
Development of the workshops
As part of the same project, a series of trainings were implemented that seek to provide basic recyclers with practical tools to improve their personal, organizational and leadership skills. The first cycle of workshops, which began on July 16, 2024, included four training sessions that took place during the months of July and August:
- Sexual and reproductive health: This workshop was given by the group “Caracolas, network of companions”, and provided participants with knowledge on topics such as consent, access to reliable information on sexual and reproductive health, and the prevention of violence against women.
- Rights of basic waste pickers: In collaboration with the technical team of ReciVeci and the National Network of Waste Pickers of Ecuador (RENAREC), this workshop focused on learning about the legal and labor rights of those who are dedicated to recycling, stressing the importance of appropriating and defending these rights.
- Recycling safety: This workshop provided recyclers with knowledge and practical tools on self-care and protection during the recycling process, something that many and many recyclers were not used to implementing.
- Financial education: With this workshop, grassroots waste pickers were able to learn about how to better manage their economic resources, the options they have before the state that could provide them with greater financial protection, and finally, how to promote financial stability in their economies.
Delivery of personal protective equipment
Another objective of the workshops was to provide basic recyclers with a set of personal protective equipment that would facilitate and provide protection during their work in recycling. Each one was presented with: apron, cap, gloves and 10 covers that allow them to transport recyclable materials more easily.
Some testimonials:
“Good morning, Miss Claudia, I was writing to thank you on behalf of my mom, sisters and mine for helping us to join ReciVeci and to participate in the workshops, the tools for our daily work. Thank you very much to everyone who makes up ReciVeci, take great care and never change God bless you.”
Pilar Caiza — Basic recycler, González Suárez sector
“The most important thing for me was that we learned to say the word 'No', not to want to. That word that sometimes we are afraid to say when having sex. They taught us that we have to value and respect each other as women as well.”
Alejandra Maila - Independent basic recycler.
“I really liked the workshops. I had never heard anything they taught us... to know that waste pickers also have rights and that we must be united, and thanks to you ReciVici for showing us all the best. I would like to keep coming to more workshops.”
Susana Alvaro — Independent basic recycler
This training cycle was the first of two that will take place. The second will begin on September 03, 2024, with new groups of basic waste pickers, and through which it seeks to continue promoting an environment of continuous learning, dignification of their work and mutual support.
Importantly, for many of the basic recyclers, this was the first time they received any form of formal training. In addition, many of them are not associated or organized, which makes these trainings a key impetus to initiate organizational processes and strengthen their presence in the world of inclusive recycling.
From ReciVeci, we would once again thank the IOM, the facilitators of the workshops and, above all, every basic recycler and recycler for trusting us. Let's move on!
