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Colombia has been identified as country that is highly vulnerable to food shortages during the global food crisis. Sponsorship can help Sara and his family get the nourishment they need.
I live with my mother in the San Onofre area. The primary language where I live is Spanish. My mother is sometimes employed. At home, the chores and duties I'm responsible for are animal care, carrying water, helping in the kitchen and making beds. I like bicycling, music, reading and running. My favourite activities at church are Sunday school and Bible class. My favourite activities at the centre are learning about God, singing songs, listening to Bible stories and playing sports. I am in the equivalent of grade 9. My favourite subjects are History, Language and Math.
Sara's Country Details
The country of Colombia is divided between the vast heights of the Andes mountains in the west and the dense tropical forests of the Amazon and Orinoco River basins in the east. Colombia is home to more bird species than any other nation on Earth, and nearly a fifth of all plant species, making it the most biodiverse country in the world except for Brazil, which is seven times its size.
The people of Colombia are mostly of European or mixed descent, though there are also sizeable African and Indigenous populations. Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, and most people practice Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism. Once an agrarian culture, Colombia now has a large and complex economy centred around industry and services. Coffee is the most important cash crop, and rich natural resources make mining, especially for gold and emeralds, one of the most important industries.
The earliest inhabitants of Colombia were Indigenous tribes who spoke Chibchan. The Spanish first arrived in 1500, and by mid-century, the land had become part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Early in the 19th century, the country won its independence from Spain, and the revolutionary leader Simón Bolívar became the first president of the new republic, which at the time also included the territories of Panama, Ecuador, Venezuela and parts of Brazil. The union of Gran Colombia fell apart in 1830, and a new constitution was adopted in 1886, establishing the present basic structure of the country. The first half of the 20th century was one of severe political turmoil between liberal and conservative political factions. A plan for alternating governments eventually gave way to a new constitution in 1991, and conditions have improved greatly, but Colombia has continued to be plagued by civil unrest, drug wars, guerrilla activity and terrorist violence.
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!
Sara 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.
