Ecuador

The last year in Ecuador brought insecurity due to increased criminal activity, damage from flooding and earthquakes, and complications from a Venezuelan migratory crisis. The youth population is especially at risk amid the growth of organized crime in the country. Vulnerable adolescents are frequently recruited to participate in activities that put them in danger. As the country manages the effects of natural disasters, it's been difficult to effectively respond to multiplying needs, especially with the migration of a large Venezuelan population to the country. In response, World Vision has taken steps to provide additional protection for children and families in our area programs. We helped develop a disaster preparedness strategy for 62 communities, equipping them to respond effectively to future natural disasters and other emergencies. More than 2,000 youth from across our 14 area programs participated in trainings on leadership, social action, and advocacy, and six national policies were enacted across the nation, strengthening the protection and rights for 6,000,000 children. We also celebrate over 2,500 community members participating in a Citizen Voice and Action initiative to better support and protect the well-being of children.