Child sponsorship

Peru

Compassion began partnering with churches in 1980.

	282 church partners

	More than 82,198 children registered

	Over 1,005 mums and their babies supported

About Peru

Hola (Hello in Spanish)

Located in South America, Peru hosts many treasures, including the Amazon jungle, the ancient Incan ruins of Machu Picchu and palatial Spanish cathedrals. Andean markets are a hive of community activity and burst with colour—particularly the woven textiles and traditional clothing. Over the past few decades, Peru’s poverty rate has dropped significantly. But the nation’s heavy reliance on natural resource exports makes the country vulnerable to shocks in world prices. Children face many hardships and issues related to poverty. Yet our local church partners are best placed to meet the needs of children in their communities, ensuring they have opportunities to rise above poverty and reach their God-given potential.

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

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

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

+ Pray for protection and shelter for families amid harsh and abruptly changing weather.

+ Pray for wisdom for the National Leadership Team and staff as they work to serve the children living in more rural areas.

+ Pray that God would provide social and political stability for the Peruvian people.

+ Pray for the safety of children, families and staff amid alarming crime rates.

+ Pray for God's provision for children and youth to continue their education so they can reach their potential and live full and flourishing lives.

A snapshot of Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program in Peru

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 12 visit the Compassion centre three days a week, for two to four hours each day, or on Saturdays.
Students aged 12 to 18 attend the centre for two days a week, for three hours a day, or on Saturdays.
Students aged 18 and older attend once a week, mostly on Saturday evenings.

Compassion Program Activities in Peru

Compassion assisted children in Peru typically attend program activities at their local child development centre on Saturdays. They also attend for a couple of hours after school during the week. Here is an example of what a typical program day looks like for children in Peru.

8:00am - Breakfast and devotion time. Children are usually given tea served with snacks like eggs, bread or buns.

9:00am - Spiritual lessons where children sing songs and learn Bible stories. When they join the Child Sponsorship Program, children are given a scripture portion. When they are aged six to nine, they are given picture Bibles, at 10 to 13 youth Bibles and from age 14 they receive adult Bibles.

10:30am - Break time where children can play in a safe environment and develop friendships.

11:00am - Social-emotional lessons ranging from conflict resolution to developing healthy self-esteem and a godly character. Children often come from challenging home environments and are taught social and personal skills.

12:00pm - Lunch and social time. Children generally receive a meal three days a week. A typical meal includes a dish of vegetable salad, a second dish of meat stew with beans and rice, fruit and a refreshment. Centre cooks are frequently trained to prepare nutritious meals.

1:00pm - Health lessons where children learn practical health and hygiene advice on a range of topics such as the prevention of malaria and HIV.

2:00pm - 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 camping or visiting a museum or cultural show. Students are offered vocational training in silk screening, jewellery-making, baking and buffet preparation. Parents of Compassion assisted children meet once a month to learn about a variety of topics.