Compassion in Ecuador

Ecuador made big economic gains in the second half of the 20th century and many people benefitted. Yet millions still live in extreme poverty, with indigenous and minority groups the most disadvantaged.

In recent times, this progress has come under threat and even been reversed. In fact, the country’s National Institute of Statistics and Census reported that Ecuador saw an increase in poverty from 21.5 per cent to 24.5 per cent—and extreme poverty increased from 7.9 per cent to 9 per cent—in the first six months of 2018.

Since 2015, Ecuador has received more than 1.2 million refugees from Venezuela, as well as some from neighbouring Colombia. The UNHCR estimates that up to 5,000 people arrive at the border daily, most hungry, vulnerable and desperate. Many of them pass through the country on their way to Peru, but a rising proportion are choosing to stay. Despite its reputation as Latin America’s top recipient of refugees, Ecuador is struggling to cope and new entry restrictions imposed this year have effectively closed the border to many.

President Lenin Moreno took office in 2017 after winning a run-off election in controversial circumstances. He campaigned on a platform of financial accountability in government and proposed new programs to provide better housing for the poorest sections of the community. Despite some key reforms (such as limiting the number of terms an individual may serve as President) many citizens say their country has gone backwards.

For children, access to education and medical treatment continue to be major hurdles, particularly in rural areas where incomes are lowest and services are not available. The public education system provides free schooling for all children, but the practical problems of covering the costs associated with education—providing books and other learning materials, transport, food, etc—are such that many miss out.

This problem gets worse as the children get older, with many high school students dropping out of school to look for work instead. While this decision can increase their family’s income in the short-term, it can limit the children’s opportunities for higher-paid work later—and even put them in situations where they can be vulnerable to exploitation.

Hunger and malnutrition still affect many children, particularly in rural areas, where ongoing drought and soil degradation are resulting in smaller harvests. Farmers are finding it more difficult to feed their families. The past year has also been especially bad for bushfires in the mountains.

Through all these challenges, the local church is a pillar of strength. Families find strong support to meet their practical, emotional and spiritual needs and look to the future with hope for their children.