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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.

 
  • Adolescents participated in trainings on child protection and participation while their parents attended courses on providing family environments that are safe and healthy
  • 4 children survivors of violence received support to help them cope with the trauma and recover
  • 4 child parliaments are empowering young people to advocate for their rights and participate in community decisions
  • 211 individuals including children are better equipped to protect themselves from disasters and respond to emergencies
  • 3,500 children and youth learned about child rights and protection issues to help ensure children's safety and participation
  • 900 people learned how to work with local authorities and influence decisions to improve services and child well-being
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
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
  • 79 malnourished children were enrolled in nutritional programs and monitored to ensure they are growing healthy
  • 290 women were counselled on how to properly care for themselves and their babies during and after pregnancy
  • 2,973 children and adults learned about the importance of water safety, proper sanitation and hygiene to stay healthy
  • 230 health workers and volunteers were trained to provide quality health services, especially for women and children
  • 50 people were trained on how to repair and maintain water sources, ensuring safe water access for children and families
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
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
  • 3,722 children and youth are improving their learning through tutoring and extracurricular activities like clubs and camps
  • 277 children received the resources they need to learn including school fees, supplies, books and uniforms
  • 369 teachers and volunteers learned child-friendly teaching methods to improve the quality of education for children
  • 610 parents and caregivers learned about the importance of education and how to support their child’s learning
  • 545 children and youth were trained in essential life skills such as critical thinking, self-esteem and communication
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
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
  • 91 young people received vocational, business and finance training, improving their opportunities to earn a steady income
  • 64 individuals are members of savings groups, helping families meet their financial needs and access small loans
  • 64 farmers received livestock, seeds or tools to improve productivity and better provide for their children and families
  • 1,325 children and adults received nutritious fruits and vegetables grown in community, school or family gardens
  • 863 people were trained on practices to preserve and manage the environment and its resources
*Results reported for projects in this country from October 2016 to September 2017
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