Child Development Centres

Compassion’s holistic child development activities take place at church-based child development centres. Sometimes activities take place in the church building or the church may have another facility designated for the child development centre. Each centre must be within a 30-minute walk of the homes of the children it serves.

Program activities vary in detail according to the culture, environment, or needs of the area where the individual centres are located. However, there are common elements in all Compassion child development centres which ensure that all Compassion-assisted children are given the greatest opportunity to be released from spiritual, economic, social, emotional and physical poverty.

Compassion child development centres assist children regardless of their religious affiliation. However, it is made very clear that Compassion is a Christian organisation and that each child will participate in Christian training.

Accountability

Each child development centre:

• Meets on a regular basis.
• Uses the facilities of the local church partner through which the program operates.
• Provides a programmed curriculum of activities for registered and sponsored children.
• Has a committee which provides local accountability and support.
• Has a director employed by the church to manage the day-to-day activities.
• Employs staff and volunteers selected by the local church.
• Operates under Compassion International’s carefully monitored standards and guidelines.
• Provides reasonable levels of safety for children relative to the realities of the surrounding community.

What is the role of a partnership facilitator?

Partnership facilitators:

• Work as employees of the Compassion country office.
• Work alongside church partners in coordinating responsibilities between Compassion and the church partners.
• Ensure that Compassion’s child development programs are effectively managed and administered.
  

What is the role of the church partner?

Church partners:

• Maintain complete, accurate and current information on each registered child in their care in the child development centre.
• Provide information on the programs and operations of the partnership.
• Provide regular reports to the Compassion country office.
• Assess all registered children’s progress against Compassion’s child development outcomes at least every three years.
• Work towards a planned and successful completion of every registered child’s participation in the program.
• Ensure all registered children have at least one adult staff member or volunteer who knows and interacts with them and who helps them to grow and develop through the ministry of the child development centre.

So what does each child development centre provide?

Christian teaching:

• Your sponsored child receives Christian teaching as part of the outreach ministry of the local church with whom Compassion partners to deliver and administer the program.
• Each child is taught that they are valued and loved by God and introduced to the Gospel in a non-coercive and culturally-relevant way.
• Each child receives regular Bible teaching as well as their own Bible.
• Each child participates in regular times of worship and prayer.
• Each child is encouraged to live according to biblical principles.

Health care:

• The health of each Compassion-assisted child is regularly monitored by medical professionals. Further or ongoing medical assistance is arranged as needed.
• Children are given routine vaccinations, physical check-ups and dental care.
• Children receive healthy snacks and any necessary food or supplemental nutrition as required.
• Children and their families are taught about good hygiene and preventive care against common illnesses.
• Children are given routine vaccinations and dental check-ups.
• Children and their families are given training in the preparation of nutritious food.
• Children are given the opportunity to engage in organised sports and activities to encourage healthy physical development.
  

Learning opportunities:

• Compassion child development centres provide a safe learning environment for children who often live in less than desirable conditions.
• Children receive additional tuition in literacy and numeracy skills as required, as well as opportunities to learn life skills.
• Appropriate vocational skills and training are offered to provide future employment opportunities.
• Children are provided with a range of learning materials and activities to promote cognitive development.
• A range of learning materials and activities to promote cognitive development are provided at child development centres.
• Field trips and excursions provide children with opportunities to learn more about the world.
• Parents are encouraged to ensure that their children regularly attend school and that gender equality in education is promoted.

Social and emotional care:

• Each child engages in activities to develop emotional intelligence and basic social skills which encourages self-awareness, self-control, self-motivation, empathy and commitment.
• Each child learns to be part of a team by participating in group activities such as excursions, camps, art, drama and dance. Learning to interact with others through team work helps prepare the children for future community and leadership responsibilities.
• Each child learns about team work by participating in group activities that prepare them for future community and leadership responsibilities.
• Each child receives individualised attention from staff affirming their God-given value. Child development centre staff members offer the love and support that many children may not receive at home. Staff social workers also visit the children’s homes to assess the home and family situation.
• Child development centres provide a safe environment where children are free to play, learn and interact with others.
• Files containing academic progress, health records and social worker reports, along with records of participation in activities and project attendance, spiritual development and any other pertinent information are regularly maintained by staff at each centre.