child sponsorship

Ecuador

Our partner, Compassion began partnering with churches in 1974.

	264 local partners

	More than 80,710 children registered

	Over 1,346 mums and their babies supported

About Ecuador

Hola (Hello in Spanish)

Ecuador is located in South America and its name comes from the equator, as the country straddles the imaginary line. It has a proud history extending back to the Incan empire and is home to one of the most biodiverse regions on earth, the Yasuni National Park. Ecuador made big economic gains in the second half of the 20th century and many people benefitted. Yet millions still live in extreme poverty, with indigenous and minority groups the most vulnerable. Through these hallenges, the local church is a pillar of strength. Families find strong support to meet their practical, emotional and spiritual needs and look to the future with hope for their children.

Watch the latest video update to learn more about Compassion's work in Ecuador.

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

Thank you for praying for staff, children and families in Ecuador

+ Pray for wisdom, discernment, courage, and grace. That God will open the director’s eyes and ears to see and know His will and to hear His voice, leading the entire national office towards what He is sending them to do.

+ Pray for God to help the team be “one,” working in unity so the world will understand they are His sons and daughters.

+ Pray that God allows the team to reach those most in need, to partner with the right partners, and to start an unstoppable movement in Ecuador in favor of children.

A snapshot of Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program in Ecuador

Compassion’s program is contextualised across countries and communities, as well as age groups.

Children aged 1 to 3 receive home-based care.
Children aged 3 to 11 visit the child development centre for six hours a week.
Children aged 12 and older attend the centre for four hours a week.

Compassion Program Activities in Ecuador

Compassion assisted children in Ecuador typically attend program activities at their local child development centre before or after school. Here is an example of what a typical program day looks like for children in Ecuador.

Devotional time - Children are taught to pray.

Spiritual lessons - Children sing songs and learn Bible stories.

Break and snack time - Children can play in a safe environment and develop friendships.

Social-emotional lessons - Children learn conflict resolution skills and how to develop healthy self-esteem and a godly character. Children often come from challenging home environments and are taught social and personal skills.

Lunch and social time - Children usually receive lunch each day they visit the Compassion centre at the local church. A typical lunch generally consists of soup or vegetables and meat, and a main dish containing carbohydrates, proteins and vegetables. Some centres offer snacks to the children before they go home—it is common to provide additional food to children under the age of five.

Health lessons - Children are taught practical health and hygiene tips.

Letter writing and career planning - Older children work with local staff to identify their strengths and interests, setting realistic goals for their future.

In addition to Compassion’s curriculum, children have opportunities to participate in activities including football, art, music and dance. Some centres also organise trips and camps. Compassion Ecuador has an additional certified curriculum for teenagers called ‘More Than Conquerors’ which covers vocational training, including 17 different workshop topics. Parents and caregivers are offered parenting classes once a month.