Objective and History

Objective
On its 25th aniversary, Fundación General Ecuatoriana, launched a completely new program. The Best Buddies Program. Its purpose is to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships.

In Best Buddies Ecuador, we want to reach a world where the persons with intellectual disability are integrated successfully in their schools, places of work and in the activities of the community to which they belong.

History
Best Buddies was born when its Founder recognized the unjustified lack of opportunity for people with intellectual disabilities to socialize with non-disabled peers, as well as the power and impact of friendship in developing their self-esteem and improving their outlook on society.

A college student himself, Shriver knew that his fellow colleagues had the energy and commitment to positively transform their communities. His inspiration to bring both groups together created Best Buddies.

Since its creation in 1989, Best Buddies has had an impact on the lives of more than 350,000 volunteers and people with intellectual disabilities in hundreds of communities around the world.

The organization is active in each of the 50 United States, and operates accredited international programs in 40 countries: Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Curaçao, Denmark, Ecuador, England, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Honduras, Hong Kong, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Kenya, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Panama, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States; with additional country programs in advanced phases of development.