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Where I live

Discover more about Alan community, the local church that runs the Compassion project he attends and the country where he lives.

Through your sponsorship, Alan and his family are being assisted by the Compassion project run by his local church.

Ecuador in numbers

0

of children aged 5-17 are engaged in child labour

13

child deaths per 1,000 live births. Under-five mortality rate in 2018

50%

of the population have access to basic sanitation

Read through the facts and figures to find out more about Ecuador and Compassion's ministry there.

Graduate stories from around the world

I was born in Solino, a very poor and violent slum of Port au Prince. When I first started school, I remember I had only one pair of shoes for every circumstance. I used to spend a whole day standing on my feet in school because there were not enough seats available for all children. With the help of Compassion, I have now a bachelor degree in business management and another bachelor in economics. I currently work for the Haitian government as a public accountant at the finances department.

Jean- an Accountant from Haiti

I work at the Rochinakarine Institute of Child Development. I’m a physiotherapist helping both younger and older patients who have mobility difficulties. When I was younger, having a sponsor enabled me to know another world. It gave me access to another world of education. I was able to learn much more than before. One memory I have is that I’d never seen the sea so Compassion organised a camp for us to see the ocean for the very first time.

May – a physiotherapist from Thailand

 

Compassion helped take care of my physical wellbeing when I was young, and they also helped take care of my feelings and emotions. And now, that’s one of my most important jobs [as I care for] baby elephants. Just like Compassion helped prepare me for adulthood by caring well for every part of my life, I now get to do the same thing for the elephants. God’s plan for my life was more adventurous than I ever could have imagined!

Edwin – an elephant keeper at David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kenya 

My tutors at Compassion’s project taught me to dream and fight to reach my goals. I would not be a nurse today if it were not for Compassion. I love to be a part of the team that provides health for the people [living by rubbish] dumps. That’s where I grew up and I thought it was my future, but Compassion rescued me from the dirt.

Maria – a nurse from Guatemala

Project & Community FAQs

We often receive questions from sponsors who are travelling in the region and would love to spend a day visiting the child they sponsor and their family.  A visit is a Compassion-facilitated meeting for a sponsor who has planned their own international trip. We know how much visiting the child you sponsor means to you, and we’re so grateful for your patience over the last few years as we’ve worked to resume visits safely.  
 
Visits are slowly reopening, subject to capacity. While we can’t guarantee every request, we’ll do all we can to facilitate these special moments. When possible, a visit is an incredible opportunity to spend meaningful time with the child you sponsor, meet their family, and see firsthand how the local church is making a difference in their lives. 
During your visit, you’ll see firsthand how the local church is supporting the family and empowering them to overcome poverty. It’s a chance to spend meaningful time with the child you sponsor and their family, build your relationship, and encourage one another. Many sponsors and families pray together during these visits, making the experience even more memorable. 

What You Need to Know About Visiting

  • You must have been sponsoring a child with Compassion for at least one year.
  • There is a non-refundable administration fee of £150 for arrangements made by Compassion. This helps cover the time and resources needed to arrange a safe and meaningful experience for everyone involved. 
  • Visits are subject to availability and other circumstances.
  • All visits must be coordinated through our Field Experience team. Please contact us at least 12 weeks in advance. 
    Compassion UK will coordinate the visit with the child you sponsor for the designated day. You will be responsible for organising all other aspects of your trip, including flights, accommodations, travel documentation (such as passports and visas), insurance, and any required immunisations, and any small costs if the family provides refreshments during your visit.
  • Visits typically take place at a Compassion project or another suitable location. When possible, you may also visit the child’s home.
  • Visits with a sponsored child and family usually occur Monday–Friday and last between 3–6 hours. Visits do not occur in the evening or on public holidays.
  • If you’re considering a visit, please email toursandvisits@compassionuk.org and we’ll send you more information.   

Compassion-supported children grow up with the skills and resources they need to find employment to support themselves and their families. As they live out the values they have been taught, many become change-makers in their communities. Churches that partner with Compassion often find their congregations swelling in size as they reach out and care for the most vulnerable in their community.

If you’d like to hear more about the impact of sponsorship, please head to our blog.

If you have further questions, please get in touch with our friendly team at 01932 836490 or by email at info@compassionuk.org. 

We wholeheartedly believe the Church matters. The Church is the only institution ordained by God Himself to bring His Kingdom to earth. It’s God’s plan to bring hope to a hurting world. We partner with them exclusively because they love Jesus, know their local community, and have a heart for the people they serve.

Churches understand their communities inside out. This means our incredible partners can go above and beyond  to provide tailored support to every child. The beauty of the  local church is that it never leaves – the  local church is a constant source of stability and support for children and families.

You can read more about how Compassion chooses churches to partner with here.

If you have further questions, please get in touch with our friendly team at 01932 836490 or by email at info@compassionuk.org. 

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Need some help?

Our friendly Supporter Experience Team are ready to help with any questions you might have.

01932 836490 - Lines are open from 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday.
Please leave a voicemail if you call outside these hours and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can.

Compassion UK Christian Child Development, registered charity in England and Wales (1077216) and Scotland (SC045059). A company limited by guarantee, Registered in England and Wales company number 03719092. Registered address: Compassion House, Barley Way, Fleet, Hampshire, GU51 2UT.