Do unsponsored children still receive support?

When choosing a child to sponsor, you might notice that their child profile tells you about their school situation and what kinds of activities they enjoy at their Compassion child development centre. We know what you’re thinking. Why are they already in school and attending the Compassion centre if they aren’t sponsored yet? That’s a […]

Do children have to be Christian to be in Compassion’s program?

As a Christian ministry, we get this question frequently. But the idea that we only serve Christian children couldn’t be farther from the truth! Our goal is to serve and empower local churches around the world to effectively minister to children and families living in poverty—regardless of their religious beliefs. What do we mean by […]

Escaping slavery on the most dangerous lake in Africa

The world was dark when Uncle’s stick came rattling at the door. Forced up from the depths of sleep, Ebenezer broke the surface of his dream and rolled to his feet before the man could whip him awake. He followed the line of boys out of the grimy compound and down to the water’s edge; […]

The Church: the most powerful force against poverty

On the edges of cosmopolitan Mexico City, sits a small community where most homes are made of cinder blocks or other makeshift materials. A young mother, Teresa, stands at her door—a tattered cloth that hangs over the opening of her home. A four-month-old baby sits on her hip, and a seven-year-old stands by her side.  Shortly […]

63 years sponsoring children in poverty—our new hero!

For some of us, the decision to support Compassion came in the wake of a Hillsong concert, a Christian conference or word of mouth. For others, Compassion has just always been in their blood. 88-year-old Jean Toole hails from the breezy Maritimes of Halifax, Nova Scotia. For 63 years, she has been faithfully sponsoring children […]

Struggle no more: Letter writing made easy

One of the most unique and beautiful parts of child sponsorship is the opportunity to build a relationship with the child you sponsor through letter-writing. But many sponsors find it difficult to write for a wide variety of reasons. It can be hard to find time to write. What should you say? Isn’t letter writing […]

When do youth graduate from Compassion sponsorship?

Sponsors often wonder when youth graduate from our sponsorship program. In North America, we typically view an 18-year-old as an adult and apply that thinking to children in other countries. It’s important to understand that children living in poverty around the world may start school later or have limited resources compared to Canadian children—which is […]

A horrific attack by fire: One year later

Warning: This account contains disturbing details of violence. Along the riverside one Sunday afternoon, Steven’s life took a radical turn. 11-year old Steven grew up on the Pacific coast of Ecuador, in the coastal city of Esmeraldas—a unique community surrounded by lush jungle and beautiful beaches. For a city with eternal summer temperatures, the Esmeraldas […]

Does child sponsorship empower youth to get jobs?

Through child sponsorship, children in Compassion’s program are developed in so many ways—physically, emotionally, cognitively and spiritually. But does sponsorship actually equip children to get jobs once they graduate? As we have developed our program over the years, we have moved to put an even greater emphasis on equipping young people to provide for themselves. […]