- AWAKEN YOUR MIND
- EMPOWER YOUR LIFE
- IGNITE YOUR DREAMS

On April 6, 1988, amid joys and sorrows, I had the opportunity to come to this life. I was born into a low-income family with a father who had a great desire to excel, and a mother eager to give love. I spent the early years of my life working on the streets. This was my life from the age of 7 years old, surviving day by day. The streets were for me, a maze of games, and where I made good and not-so-good friends. When I reached adulthood, I looked back upon all those experiences, and I realized that my life had given me many lessons, and I wanted to contribute and give a helping hand to those who find themselves in a similar situation now. Those who once saw their dreams, but now only see despair. That’s why I decided to quit my job as a pilot and open Awaken Foundation. Since then, I have been working every day on our projects and programs here at Awaken.
Awaken works with, not for, communities in Ecuador – walking alongside them to implement programs that foster holistic community development. We honor local leadership and knowledge while fostering intercultural learning, connecting resources and opportunities to empower youth, families, and communities to thrive.


To be a foundation recognized for creating lasting impact, where communities in Ecuador thrive through resilience, cultural strength, and sustainable opportunities. We envision long-term, self-sustaining projects and global partnerships that honor local leadership and foster solidarity.

"Awaken for me means future."
Manuela Vickermann
Sparring partner for C-Levels, Founders, Owners & NGOs | Leader with Track Record | Agile German Tax Consultant & Finance/HR | Change Management & Transformation | New Work - Digitalization - Human Factor
"I work with Awaken because Awaken believes in Humaneness"
Doctor Carl Ross
35 year Career as an Educator and Healthcare Provider | Student Advocate | American Association of Nurse Practitioner Fellows | Advocate for Diversity and Global Citizenship | Works with Vulnerable Populations | Over 113 International Mission Trips to serve vulnerable populations | Developed the first men's health clinic in Nicaragua
"Awaken will always be second home."
Simone Engelhard
Founder of [lernglust] - learning by passion | Learning & Development Enthusiast| Digital Nomad
"Awaken is exploring, learning and social engagement."