El Salvador Facts

These El Salvador facts show that the country has a rich culture and unique landscape to explore. However, El Salvador is also home to children and families living in devastating poverty, unable to access necessities like food and education. 

Lack of Focus on Education 

In rural areas of El Salvador, where the poverty level can be higher than 40%, children may have no choice but to leave school and work to support their families. 

Unfortunately, when children lack education, they’ll have fewer options for work as adults. Many must work dangerous jobs for minimal wages, making it next to impossible for them to leave poverty behind. 

Our Response: Providing Education to Children & Youths of All Ages 

Through the  Compassion program, every child receives an education. Plus, children receive additional support such as nutrition assistance and medical care, reducing costs for their families and helping them stay in school. 

Older children and youths receive vocational training to help them achieve their dreams. With an education, children grow into self-sufficient adults who can provide for their families.  

Increased Violence, Abuse & Exploitation 

Children living in poverty are highly vulnerable to violence, abuse and exploitation. Many children may be left alone while parents have no choice but to leave for work. Others may be recruited by dangerous drug cartels or forced to work even at a young age.  

Our Response: Protecting Children Through Training & Intervention 

At Compassion, we take child protection seriously. We provide age-appropriate training to each child we serve, teaching them to use their voices to stand up for themselves. We also train our staff and volunteers on what to do when they see signs of abuse, violence or exploitation.