Unwrapping the gift of washrooms

Washrooms? As a Christmas gift? Yes, it might seem unusual, but for many children around the world, access to a clean, sanitary washroom is a life-changing gift. In fact, when washrooms are built in Compassion centres, they are usually celebrated with gusto by the community! But washrooms bring more than shiny taps, sudsy soap bubbles […]

The impact of vocational training on youth: Oned’s story

Every morning, it’s common to see several young and older adults waiting their turn for a haircut in front of Oned’s house. His small barbershop— started with vocational training skills learned at his Compassion centre—has become one of the most popular in Talaigua Nuevo, a small town on the Caribbean coast in Colombia. Once, when […]

A full heart: A local church’s support remains steady through COVID-19

Luis’ smile is one that lights up the whole room. When he was just three years old, Luis was registered at the Compassion centre in his community in Colombia. Now eight years old, his joy is infectious and his warm disposition is loved by all at the Compassion centre. As much as Luis is loved, […]

Not (just) your parents’ charity: why you should sponsor a child in your 20s, from someone in their 20s

“Child sponsorship? Oh yeah, I remember my parents did that when I was a kid—I think they still do. We had their picture on the fridge!” Whenever I tell people where I work, this is a common response I get. As I’ve heard this more and more, I’ve come to realize that, intentional or not, […]

‘A letter to my grandson’: A story of hope in the face of suffering

I remember how happy I felt when I saw my grandson, baby Deinner, for the first time. Despite the pain, there he was: so innocent, so beautiful, reminding me of God’s love. I started to cry when I finally held him in my arms, feeling that mix of deep sadness and happiness. He was born […]

Back-to-school: 7 Questions with a Canadian teacher

All across the country, parents are pulling out backpacks, replacing too-small running shoes, and wracking their brains for lunchbox combinations that won’t come home rejected. Teachers are setting up lessons and desks, preparing for the rush of noise, questions and energy that will wake their slumbering schoolrooms. It’s back-to-school time. It’s no secret that we […]

Presence: The most effective way to recover in the aftermath of disaster

“The link between poverty and vulnerability to disaster is undeniable. As a result, Compassion staff and church partners are often the first ones on the ground in the wake of an emergency—ready and prepared to respond to the needs of children and their families.” – Compassion International Vulnerability—it’s the common denominator between poverty and natural […]

‘Help me be brave’: COVID-19’s impact on a fishing community in Indonesia

In a small fishing community in Indonesia, 11-year-old Keilah sits cross-legged on her bed, her face silhouetted by the soft glow of a torch. Her hands are clasped tightly together under her chin, eyes closed. Her mouth moves silently. As the pandemic wears on, her prayers have become increasingly urgent. “Please help this to end […]

Haiti: God answers the simple prayers of a child

“I told you God would answer my prayers,” six-year-old Soraya said as she quickly looked through the emergency food box in front of her. Three days after a devastating 7.2 earthquake hit southwestern Haiti on Saturday, August 14, Soraya told her grandmother Ana she had prayed for God to provide her favorite food. To Ana’s […]