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Bolivia has been identified as country that is highly vulnerable to food shortages during the global food crisis. Sponsorship can help Miguel and his family get the nourishment they need.
I live with my mother and father in the Cochabamba area. The primary language where I live is Spanish. My father is sometimes employed as a mason. At home, the chore I'm responsible for is animal care. I like ball games and bicycling. My favourite activity at the centre is learning about God. I am in the equivalent of kindergarten. My favourite subject is Art.
Miguel's Country Details
Bolivia is a land divided into three uniquely different regions: soaring mountains, wide highlands and dense tropical lowlands. Most people live in the highlands, or altiplano, in the cities of La Paz, Cochabamba and Santa Cruz, on the same vast plateau that once housed the Tiwakanu culture and Incan empire.
The people of Bolivia are largely of European, Indigenous (Quechua or Aymara) or mixed descent. Compassion works mainly among the Indigenous peoples of the highland regions, who make beautiful handwoven textiles from the wool of alpacas and llamas. These animals also provide milk, meat and transport. Corn and potatoes are staples of the local diet.
The Aymara are one of the oldest cultures in Bolivia and ruled the region until they were conquered by the Incan empire in the 1400s. Bolivia came under Spanish rule in 1535 when the Incan empire was itself conquered by Francisco Pizarro. The country grew rapidly, and for a time, the Bolivian city of Potosi was the largest city in the Americas. Calls for independence from Spain began in 1809, and Bolivia won its independence in 1825. Bolivia was plagued by political instability throughout the remainder of the 19th century and into the 20th century, and it declined to become one of the poorest countries in South America. The period from 1952 to 1964 was marked by significant economic and social reforms, and a new constitution was adopted in 1967; however, social and economic unrest continues to dominate Bolivia's politics.
Compassion’s ministry is focused on what we call holistic child development. This means developing children in all the different aspects of their lives—their minds, bodies and relationships—while giving them the opportunity to hear about and experience the love of Jesus from caring local church staff and volunteers.
How does sponsorship help kids?
Formal and non-formal educational opportunities Compassion assists children with their primary school education and gives opportunities to attend secondary school, as well as providing vocational training opportunities and extra-curricular activities such as sports, field trips, music and computer training.
Health care, hygiene training and supplementary food Kids get a healthy snack or meal when they attend program activities, receive regular health check-ups, and learn how to take care of their bodies and form healthy relationships.
The love and support of a local church and the opportunity to hear about Jesus
Because Compassion partners with local churches, children are connected to a local Christian community where they have the opportunity to hear the gospel from caring church staff and volunteers.
Personal attention, guidance and love Children are cared for and invested in by members of their own communities, who encourage them to discover their unique gifts, passions and abilities. Their sponsors also play an important role in this through their prayers and letters.
Is sponsorship still relevant during and beyond the COVID-19 crisis?
During the pandemic, we saw firsthand the impact of crises on children in poverty. We also saw how powerful sponsorship can be in equipping local churches to respond in specific, effective and life-changing ways. As we continue to see multifaceted crises impacting children around the world, we know that the need for sponsorship remains urgent. We are more confident than ever that your commitment to sponsorship truly allows children, families and communities to be deeply known, loved and protected through it all.
Why do you work with local churches?
Compassion works exclusively with local churches because they know the names and faces of the children in their community and can best understand and respond to their challenges. They are known and trusted by their neighbours and are able to reach those in the greatest need with compassion and through the love of God.
We equip our local church partners with the resources, training and expertise to help children escape poverty. Each church is empowered to implement the program in a way that meets the specific needs of the children they serve. In this way the physical, spiritual, emotional and relational needs for children are met as they are empowered to overcome poverty in all its forms.
Do kids need to be Christian to be in Compassion’s program?
Absolutely not! We encourage children and families of all faiths and backgrounds to register in our programs and would never require or coerce anyone to convert to Christianity.
At Compassion, we take financial stewardship seriously.
As certified members of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities, Compassion Canada is committed to handling the finances entrusted to us with the utmost integrity. This year, 84.7 per cent of funds were used for program activities benefiting the children we serve, and 15.3 per cent for support services.
Today, children around the world are discovering that poverty doesn’t have to be their future. Help one more do the same by sponsoring with Compassion!
Miguel is in the process of getting sponsored by someone else.
While we're sorry you could not sponsor this specific child, we would love to help you find a different child to sponsor.
