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Ecuador

Working With Children in Ecuador

When Pope Francis, the first pope from Latin America, visited Ecuador, he made a passionate public plea for the rich to help poor families in the country. Ongoing challenges for children in Ecuador include low literacy rates and the abuse and exploitation of children.

Ecuador has the highest rate of child labor in Latin America, which involves close to one third of all indigenous children. We have focused efforts on parent education so children’s well-being starts at home. Families are encouraged to make education a priority with books and quiet spaces. Other initiatives to support the wellbeing of children in Ecuador include extracurricular clubs, basic health services, child protection training and help for families to improve income and nutrition sources.

Your impact in Ecuador

Together, we’re making real change in the lives of children, families and communities. Just some of what was achieved with the support of Canadian child sponsors in the past year:
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared-for by their families and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
 
  • 15 child parliaments are empowering young people to advocate for their rights and participate in community decisions
  • 304 survivors of abuse received support to help them cope with trauma and recover
  • 4,100 people participated in campaigns to educate the public about child rights and safety
  • 4,716 people learned about child rights and protection issues to help ensure children's safety and participation
  • 706 people, including 356 children, people are better equipped to protect themselves from disasters and respond to emergencies
 
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2017 to September 2018
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease and have access to essential health services.
 
  • 105 health workers were trained to provide quality health services, especially for women and children 
  • 264 children were vaccinated to protect them against preventable diseases
  • 41 out of 62 malnourished children have regained a healthier weight after participating in a nutrition program
  • 595 women were counselled on how to properly care for themselves and their babies during and after pregnancy
     
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2017 to September 2018
Children learn and develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future and families support children's education.
 
  • 1,613 parents learned about the importance of education and how to support their child’s learning
  • 10 schools were renovated to create a safer and stimulating learning environment for students, received classroom tools and resources, were renovated
  • 112 children and youth children who dropped out of school were reintegrated to the education system with the help of local volunteers
  • 2,920 children are getting extra help to improve their reading and writing through camps and classes
  • 305 teachers learned child-friendly teaching methods to improve the quality of education for children
     
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2017 to September 2018
Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.

 
  • 1,230 farmers received inputs like livestock, seeds and tools, to increase their ability to produce more nutritious food and market the excess for a regular income
  • 2,039 people were trained on practices to preserve and manage the environment and its resources
  • 278 people received vocational, business and finance training, improving their opportunities to earn a steady income
  • 440 farmers learned techniques to improve crop and livestock production to better provide for their children and families
  • 650 people received nutritious fruits and vegetables grown in community, school or family gardens
 
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2017 to September 2018
Children and families have access to safe water and sanitation facilities, and training in hygiene practices to stay healthy.
 
  • 1,395 people have safe water for drinking and cooking thanks to improved water sources
  • 3,098 people learned about the importance of water safety, proper sanitation and hygiene to stay healthy
Results achieved from October 2017 to September 2018
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