Nescuelita reaches more than 3,800 children and adds Ecuadorian cacao module

More than 3,800 children have visited Nescuelita, Nestlé Ecuador’s educational space for healthy habits, nutrition and sustainability, during its first two years.

Opened in 2024 at the Surindu Factory, the program targets students aged 6 to 12. It has hosted more than 180 visits and accumulated over 900 hours of learning, reaching pupils from eight schools near the plant through an alliance with Fundación Unidos por la Educación.

The experience uses seven interactive modules covering the factory, hygiene, nutrition, shopping, recycling, cooking and physical activity. Children learn about balanced diets, responsible consumption, well-being and environmental care through practical activities designed to extend beyond the facility and into daily family life.

Mónica Jaramillo, Nestlé Ecuador’s director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, said the initial goal was to reach 1,500 children each year. The program exceeded 3,800 participants in two years and has affected more than 4,200 people when parents, educators and strategic partners are included. A nutritionist, a chef and the animated character K-Kaito guide the activities.

In 2026, Nescuelita added a cacao module focused on the journey of Ecuadorian cacao from the farm to its final transformation. The lessons cover sustainable production, traceability and the role of farming families, drawing on Nestlé’s Cacao Plan, which is linked to more than 7,500 farmers. The program says it plans to expand its reach and bring similar educational experiences to more children across Ecuador.