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Ecuador has been identified as country that is highly vulnerable to food shortages during the global food crisis. Sponsorship can help Sebastian and his family get the nourishment they need.
I live with my mother and father in the Esmeraldas area. The primary language where I live is Spanish. My father is sometimes employed. At home, the chore I'm responsible for is running errands. I like art and/or drawing, ball games, group games and hide and seek. My favourite activity at church is Sunday school. My favourite activities at the centre are learning about God and snack and mealtime. I am not attending school because I am too young.
Sebastian's Country Details
Straddling the equator, Ecuador is home to two massive mountain ranges that split the country into three distinct zones. The lowlands are hot and humid, while the highlands are more temperate. To the east lie tropical rainforests and river valleys. Farther out to sea, in the west, lie the Galapagos Islands.
The Ecuadorian population is more urban than rural, and most of its people are of Indigenous or mixed ancestry. Spanish is the official language, and Catholicism is the most common religion, but many people speak Quechua or Shuar and practise traditional religions. Cash crops like bananas are complemented by mining and manufacturing, and petroleum production has been a major, if inconsistent, contributor to the local economy.
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro first invaded Ecuador in 1532 and soon controlled it. In 1830, the county won its independence from the larger independent state of Gran Colombia. Border disputes with Peru led to war in 1941, and conflicts continued until the border was officially demarcated in 1998. Military-backed authoritarian governments dominated Ecuador's politics until the mid-20th century, but since then, Ecuador has been one of the more stable democracies in the region. The government made the controversial move to replace its national currency with the US dollar in 2000 in an attempt to stabilize the economy. Since then, Ecuador has struggled with disputes over economic policies and Indigenous rights. Despite the boom-and-bust cycle of its economy and internal disputes, it has continued to grow and has become an increasingly popular tourist destination.
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!
Sebastian 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.
