Child Sponsorship

El Salvador

Our partner, Compassion began partnering with churches in 1977.

	248 local partners

	More than 64,016 children registered

	Over 841 mums and their babies supported

About El Salvador

Hola (Hello in Spanish)

El Salvador is the smallest and most densely populated country in South America. The coastal nation is still recovering from a 12-year civil war that ended in 1992 and cost over 70,000 lives. It has a rich Mayan history and is known for its diverse ecology, including an impressive number of volancoes! However food shortages and a lack of educational opportunity still impacts many families. Yet local churches across the country are at work, protecting vulnerable children, meeting their holistic needs, and sharing the love and hope of Jesus.

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

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

Thank you for praying for staff, children and families in El Salvador

+ Pray for the hearts of children and their families that will come to Christ because of church presenting the gospel, and addressing their emotional, economic, and spiritual needs.

+ Pray for wisdom, and wellbeing for pastors as they lead their congregations to be salt and light among darkness in their communities.

+ Pray that God would give wisdom and discernment to local leaders as they make decisions.

A snapshot of Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program in El Salvador

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 Compassion centre for three hours a day, three days a week.
Children aged 12 to 14 attend the centre twice a week for two hours.
Children aged 15 and older attend the centre for four hours a day, once a week.

Compassion Program Activities in El Salvador

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

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 generally receive a nutritious meal every time they go to the centre. A typical meal consists of some type of carbohydrate, such as bread or tortillas, and protein such as soy, meat or chicken. This can include sandwiches, soup, rice pudding, pupusas (tortilla filled with cheese and beans), or enchiladas. Children who experience malnutrition are provided with additional nutritional support.

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, and set goals for their future.

In addition to Compassion’s curriculum, children have opportunities to participate in activities such as camps, drama, football, painting and museum visits. Older students join in vocational training activities such as computer literacy, tailoring, dressmaking, beauty, baking, poultry production, fish farming, silk screening, rabbit farming, and bean, corn and vegetable farming. Parents of Compassion assisted children meet once a month to learn a variety of topics.