El Salvador

As El Salvador grappled with the effects of the pandemic in 2020, the country was also rocked by natural disasters like severe storms, hurricanes, and a landslide that created further vulnerabilities for kids and families. Children were exposed to significant levels of domestic violence and abuse as the pressures of the pandemic on already-poor families intensified throughout the year, and schools were suspended for much of the year. The contracting economy hit rates not seen since the years of armed conflict almost three decades ago. Nearly every facet of life was affected, from food security to healthcare to child protection. In El Salvador, World Vision was recognized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs as the top organization working in emergency response, covering both the pandemic and the natural disasters. With Christ at the center, kids and youth were kept safe from harm and equipped to advocate for their needs. Strong partnerships allowed us to help make sure disaster-affected families had the basics they needed, including shelter and other support. Children’s rights were promoted, and boys and girls received access to emotional, physical, and mental care.