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Pillaro Area Program

Sponsor a child

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2008 - 2026

Location

Ecuador

Areas of Focus

Health | Livelihoods 

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

2,011people participated in activities aimed at supporting child protection and ending violence against children

Progress

1,287people participated in trainings, counseling or activities on preventing and responding to infectious diseases, such as COVID-19

Progress

558people benefited from the provision of in-kind food assistance

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context
The Pillaro (pronounced Pea-ya-ro) community is located in the rural highlands of the Tungurahua province; one of the poorest parts of central Ecuador. This area is home to one of the world's most active volcanoes, also named Tungurahua, which means “throat of fire. Thousands of families were displaced when it erupted in 2006, destroying roads, houses, and crops, as well as damaging people's respiratory health. Pillaro's mountainous terrain, combined with heavy rains, snow, fog, and dampness in the winter months, make farming and general living conditions very difficult. The absence of economic opportunities means many people, especially men, leave Pillaro to find work on larger farms or as unskilled labourers....
Challenges

Livelihoods
Most of Pillaro's families earn a living through crop and dairy farming, as well as small livestock rearing. The volcanic soil is fertile, but soil depth varies, leaving some areas unsuitable for growing. Rampant deforestation, soil erosion, and a challenging climate limit crop yields. Local farmers rely on traditional farming methods that limit crop production. A lack of irrigation, seeds, tools, and fertilizers is a major challenge, and some crops are vulnerable to pests and disease, which further damages harvests.

Health
Nearly 66% of young children suffer from chronic undernourishment because of lack of awareness about proper nutrition and child-care. Common respiratory infections caused by low temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rains are a major concern. Lack of access to health care, and no education campaigns or health interventions being brought directly into Pillaro make it difficult for people to care for their own health.

Education
Almost all of Pillaro's children attend school, but teaching resources are limited. Many children start school late and drop out early. Repetition rates are high. In some areas, nearly 23% of men and 30% of women are illiterate, compared to the national average of 9%. In Pillaro, the rate of elementary school completion is less than 36%, compared to 67% nationwide.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
Fewer than one in five people have access to safe, potable water. This leads to widespread illnesses including parasite infections and diarrhea. Poor sanitation is a life-threatening challenge to already malnourished children.

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An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2023 and September 2024, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.