Edisson makes his home with his mother. Making beds, running errands and cleaning are his household duties. His mother is employed as a seller in the market. There are 7 children in the family.
As part of Compassion's ministry, Edisson participates in church activities, Bible class and youth group. He is also in high school where his performance is average. Soccer, telling stories and playing ball games are his favorite activities.
Because of your sponsorship, Edisson will have new opportunities to learn and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thank you for your concern and prayers.
Edisson lives on the plains of Santana, home to approximately 47,400 residents. Typical houses are constructed of cement and have zinc roofs. The most commonly spoken language is Spanish.
The regional diet consists of bananas, chicken, fish, bread, beef, plantains, rice and potatoes. Common health problems in this area include respiratory disorders and skin diseases. Most adults in Santana are unemployed but some work on plantations and earn the equivalent of $80 per month. This community needs vocational training centers and employment opportunities.
Your sponsorship allows the staff of Jesus King of Kings Student Center to provide Edisson with Bible teaching, medical checkups, nutritious food, health education, recreational activities, special celebrations, academic reinforcement, mathematics and language programs and leadership training. The center staff will also provide health education and Bible teaching for the parents or guardians of Edisson.
Straddling the equator, Ecuador has two Andes mountain ranges that split it into three zones: the western coastal lowlands, the central Andean highlands and the eastern jungles of the Amazon basin. The lowlands and islands are hot and humid and the highlands are temperate.
The Ecuadorian population is about 25 percent Amerindian and 65 percent mestizo (Amerindian and Caucasian). The remainder is of Spanish or African descent. Most people live in urban settings. Spanish is the official language but many Indians speak Quechua, the language of the Incas, and practice traditional religions. Ninety-five percent of Ecuadorians are Catholic. Compassion works throughout central and western Ecuador.
Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro invaded Ecuador, home of the Inca Empire, in 1532 and controlled it within two years. In 1822, Ecuador gained freedom as part of a federation known as Gran Colombia. In 1830, it gained independence as Ecuador.
In recent decades, Ecuador's economy has relied heavily on oil export revenue, so fluctuations in world market prices have a significant economic impact. A drop in world oil prices combined with natural disasters in the late 1990s to drive Ecuador's economy into poverty. In 2000, Congress enacted reforms and adopted the U.S. dollar as legal tender, which helped stabilize the economy. In recent years, however, economic reforms have been reversed, making Ecuador again vulnerable to oil price swings and financial crises. And though Ecuador marked 25 years of civilian governance in 2004, it has been troubled by political instability, including the ouster of the last three democratically elected presidents. Rafael Correa is the current president.
Map of Ecuador
Child's Location: North section of Portoviejo
