Ecuador

In 2018, many of Ecuador’s major media headlines were centered on sexual abuse of children. The year saw a 55 percent increase in reports of sexual violence against children —though high, the number is also a sign that more people have resources to bring abuse issues to light and address the harm. Though the rate of people living in poverty has decreased among the total population, children and adolescents are still the most vulnerable to poverty’s effects. Ethnic inequalities show up strongly in these rates, meaning indigenous children are more likely than others to be living in poverty. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, more than 57,000 children and adolescents in 400 communities throughout Ecuador are being impacted. Programs focused on helping kids build reading habits, identifying and achieving their goals in life, and knowing their rights to protection from violence or abuse. Some teenagers were able to take university admissions tests, thanks to strengthened education. Communities were empowered and equipped with resources to respond well in case of emergencies. We’re also working with Venezuelan migrants, providing them with food, personal hygiene kits, and awareness of their rights to help ease their suffering. This year, we partnered with the national police to train officers in child protection and gender violence awareness. Those staff that were trained by our programs will take the information to thousands more of their colleagues, to benefit even more vulnerable children and families they serve.