World Vision sponsored children share what they would give their moms if they could give them anything in the world this Mother’s Day.
El Salvador
Why World Vision is in El Salvador
During 2015, El Salvador contended with a level of violence not seen since its civil war. As the government attempted to quell powerful gangs from taking over towns, thousands of children and parents fled from their homes. We recognized the need to help the children who were separated from their parents and unable to reach safety, so we set up an office to welcome returning children and help them reunite with families. A database has been developed to help us work with other organizations to keep these returning children safe and protected. Poverty continues to be an ongoing concern for El Salvador. More than half a million people live on less than two dollars a day, making it hard to buy food and provide proper nutrition. Against this reality, our Circles of Good Health and Nutrition program trained parents to grow healthy vegetables with safe irrigation water, and to provide better nutrition through exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and a variety of healthy foods for toddlers. Three out of four toddlers still don’t have opportunities to attend preschool in El Salvador. Our programs trained teachers and opened new centers for this age group to get a jump on their education.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in El Salvador ❯
Progress in El Salvador
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- To increase child protection, we formed committees with representatives from religious, public, and private organizations and local governments. They organized community activities such as sports, summer school, and an International Children’s Day, and organized a violence prevention plan together with youth.
- We started Youth for Development Clubs to support youth in their development and provide training in decision making, spiritual values, reproductive health, and preparing a plan for life.
- To ensure that children are protected and participating, we created children's councils for children and youth to develop leadership skills, participate in decision-making related to local schools, and raise awareness about issues such as teen pregnancy.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- To encourage proper nutrition among children under the age of 5, we formed Circles of Good Health and Nutrition and trained mothers to educate other parents on childhood nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, hygiene, and disease prevention. These circles also help underweight children recover by providing underweight children with nutritious food and growth monitoring.
- To protect children from Zika, dengue, and chikungunya, we raised awareness in the communities about disease prevention and treatment, in partnership with representatives of local religious, government, private, and public organizations. Zika and chikungunya are mosquito-borne viruses; Zika can cause birth defects in babies and chikungunya results in joint pain.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- To encourage development in boys and girls ages 3-6, we opened preschools where children socialize with other kids their age and build their number and letter skills to prepare them for primary school.
- To strengthen the academic abilities of children ages 7-12, we started children's clubs where kids get extra help in math, language, and reading. The clubs emphasize problem-solving skills and make learning fun so kids are motivated to stay in school.
Love of God and Neighbors
Children and families are growing spiritually, local churches are strengthened to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways, and people are living at peace with their neighbors.
- Our local staff served children and families as a demonstration of God's unconditional love, seeking always to be faithful ambassadors of Jesus, the reason for our hope.
Prayer Requests from El Salvador
World Vision's staff in El Salvador are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
Child community clubs, where kids get extra help to succeed in math and reading, and are encouraged to stay in school.
Kids to attend afterschool sports teams and music lessons, where they are safe and cared for.
News from El Salvador
From the Field
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Prayers
Praying the Psalms: Pray for Latin America
Violence, disease, and disasters plague many families in Latin America. Join us in praying Psalm 46:1 over the people of this region.
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