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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 2016:
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared-for by their families and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.

 
  • Adolescents participated in trainings on child protection and participation while their parents attended courses on providing family environments that are safe and healthy
  • 5,212 people learned about child rights and protection issues, helping ensure children's safety and participation
  • 396 people learned how to work with local authorities and influence decisions to improve services and child well-being
  • 7 child parliaments are empowering young people to advocate for their rights and participate in community decisions
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease and have access to essential health services.

 
  • In partnership with community health providers, families were trained on preventing childhood diseases, healthy nutrition, proper hygiene and reproductive health
  • 2,800 individuals including children have safe water for drinking and cooking thanks to new or repaired water sources
  • 1,686 people including children learned to protect themselves against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections
  • 72 women were counselled on how to properly care for themselves and their babies during and after pregnancy
Children learn and develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future and families support children's education.

 
  • Students improved reading skills through teacher training in effective literacy methods, new reading spaces in schools, and a program in which children take books home to read
  • 340 teachers and volunteers learned child-friendly teaching methods to improve the quality of education for children in Ecuador
  • 35 clubs are in place for children and youths to improve their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities
  • 3,233 children and youths are improving their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities like clubs and camps
Adults and youth acquire knowledge and skills, and gain access to resources, to help them increase their family income.

 
  • To create new sources of food and income, families were trained on entrepreneurship and agricultural production
  • 387 youths and adults were equipped to earn increased income through apprenticeships, or vocational and business training
  • 75 farmers learned techniques to improve crop and livestock production to better provide for their children and families
  • 276 gardens are in place to help families, community groups or schools provide nutritious food for children in Ecuador
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