The ripple effect of a backpack for school children in Ecuador
As onsite classes resumed in Ecuador, South America, after the pandemic, families faced the challenges of buying necessary school supplies for their children.
In the Northern Highlands city of Quito, the school year concludes in June and the new school year begins in September. The months in between are a cause of concern for parents as they worry about securing the school supplies that are required for their children to start classes.
The economic impact of the pandemic hit many families hard, with parents losing jobs or facing reduced income. As a result, some parents struggled to afford the necessary school items for their children. Some children were at risk of missing school or achieving minimal success due to the lack of essential supplies. Without the items, the children can sometimes even be held out of school.
The Salvation Army World Service Office coordinated a project with Salvation Army corps in Ecuador and funded the purchase of 586 backpacks for students in need. Each backpack was generously filled with essential school supplies, ensuring that the young recipients would start the new school year on the right foot. The supplies included items such as notebooks, pens, pencils, markers, calculators, erasers, rulers and more.
The target recipients were vulnerable children between the ages of six and 10 living on the outskirts of six communities.
For many of the children in these remote regions, the backpacks and supplies they received were the first they had ever owned. The excitement and joy of receiving these essential items were palpable, and the project had a profound impact on the students and their families.
The distribution of school supplies also had far-reaching effects on the education landscape of these underserved communities. They enabled the children to focus better on their studies, boosting their confidence and academic performance. Additionally, teachers and school staff felt relieved knowing that their students had the necessary tools for success, allowing them to concentrate on providing quality education.
The project’s success demonstrated The Salvation Army'’s commitment to meeting the needs of the most vulnerable, even in the most challenging conditions. Through their efforts, the project positively impacted the lives of 586 children and their families, creating a ripple effect that would benefit the entire community.
By supporting education and empowering young minds, The Salvation Army played a crucial role in helping Ecuadorian communities rebuild and move forward.
