Ecuador

SOS Children’s Villages ensures that children grow up with the care, protection and relationships they need to become their strongest selves (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Ecuador).

The republic of Ecuador is located in the north-west of South America.
Around 17 million people live in the country, with the majority speaking Spanish, Quechua, or other indigenous languages. The two largest cities are Guayaquil and the capital Quito.
Ecuador has a rich and diverse history. As a developing country, Ecuador has to cope with many natural hazards, while fighting malnutrition and poverty.

SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, in Ecuador since 1963.

Villages in Ecuador

  1. Cuenca
  2. Esmeraldas
  3. Guayaquil
  4. Ibarra
  5. Portoviejo
  6. Quito

Children are at risk

In Ecuador, 27% of the total population are children. Despite the economic growth of Ecuador, the country is struggling with different challenges, and children are in need of support and protection. Ecuador, due to its geographical location, is very prone to natural disasters. Floods, droughts, volcano eruptions and earthquakes can severely impact lives, with children most at risk. Furthermore, 40% of children in Ecuador live in poverty. One of the consequences of poverty is malnutrition, and 23% of children in Ecuador suffer from this

23%

Of children do not get enough food

Malnutrition

Although Ecuador has experienced economic growth over the past years, food insecurity is still recurrent, and 23% of children under five suffer from acute hunger.
Parents in Ecuador struggle to provide enough nutritious food for their children. And thus, 25% of children experience stunting (low height for age), which is a result of undernutrition.
Malnutrition and food insecurity are caused by poverty, which in turn can have many causes, like climate risks.

25%

Of people live in poverty

Poverty

Ecuador has been experiencing a stable economic growth for several years now, thanks to government’s efforts and national programs.
However, many people still live in poverty in the country. 25% of the population lives below the poverty line. In rural areas, this percentage can go up to 40%. Children and young people are most vulnerable as they often lack access to school, education and healthcare.

15,000

People affected in the last major earthquake

Natural hazards

The country of Ecuador is at risk of several natural hazards. Not only floods, but also landslides, droughts, and earthquakes. Furthermore, there is a risk of volcanic activity. Another specific phenomenon for Ecuador is El Niño, a climate pattern that causes irregular and intense climate changes.
All these natural hazards can have severe impacts and consequences, to which children are even more vulnerable, as they risk losing their home or family.

Together we can make a difference for children in Ecuador

530

Families

Can stay together

420

Children and young people

Grow up in our care

90

Young people

Are supported on their way to independence

1,440

Refugees

Are supported on their journey from Venezuela

Isa*, who escaped violence in Venezuela, is seeking asylum in Ecuador. But like other migrants, she struggles to find decent work and to care for her two children. “I am a fighter, I would do anything for my children,” Isa says while holding her son. “I just want economic stability to raise them in a safe environment”. (*Names changed to protect the family’s privacy. Photo: SOS Children’s Villages Ecuador).