Here are basic facts and FAQs about Central America migration, how World Vision addresses root causes of poverty there, and how you can help. One program raising promise among vulnerable youth in Central America is Youth Ready. Through this approach, we help young people discover their potential, develop specific career and life skills, establish support networks, build character and confidence, and plan for their future in their communities. This is work is made possible largely through child sponsorship.
El Salvador
Why World Vision is in El Salvador
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, sponsors may experience delays in communication from their sponsored child. We are actively working to keep you updated as the situation changes.
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.
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.
- Community groups regularly meet to review and act on issues that children in their communities face, helping to ensure children are safe, cared for, and protected from abuse.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- People in the community received information on how to use measures like handwashing and social distancing, helping to protect children and families from COVID-19. Some families were given vouchers as part of the COVID-19 response, to help them meet basic needs of food and hygiene items.
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.
- Children and young people attended a life skills training, empowering them with new skills and confidence for the future.
- To improve knowledge on how to prevent and cope with future disasters, helping families to stay safe and recover more quickly if they happen, community members were trained in disaster preparedness.
Prayer Requests from El Salvador
World Vision's staff in El Salvador are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
For the children we work with who have experienced violence from their family members during the pressures of the pandemic.
For politicians and leaders to make wise and timely decisions that prioritize vulnerable children and uphold their protection.
News from El Salvador
From the Field
10 of the worst disasters in 2021
In 2021, World Vision responded to 72 disasters in 52 countries, helping more than 30.1 million people in crisis — in addition to our ongoing global response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about some of the worst disasters of 2021.
Prayers
Peace on earth: Pray for people in conflict hot spots
Our world is full of hurting families and nations torn apart. More than 930 million people live in countries with conflict, violence, or fragile internal systems. Pray with us for people living in fragile contexts and conflict zones.
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