THE PROBLEM
1 in 10 people live in extreme poverty worldwide. This is unacceptable!
Poverty is defined as a state of deprivation in which people or communities lack access to resources and necessities needed to live a healthy and dignified life1. About 700 million people (8.6%), live in extreme poverty. The World Bank defines extreme poverty as people living on less than $2.15 a day2.
Global poverty is more than lacking food, shelter, education, and healthcare. Governance, discrimination, conflict and wars, violence, political instability, and natural disasters all play a role in poverty’s perpetual cycle. Without education and opportunities, this cycle repeats from generation to generation.
Physical poverty is a battle in and of itself and is often compounded by spiritual poverty evident in a feeling of hopelessness. Some have never heard of the word of God, felt the love of Jesus, or seen the Holy Spirit move in their lives.
Together, we can solve this in the communities we serve.
Our work focuses on solutions centered on education reinforcement, vocational skills training, and leadership development.
Ecuador
Poverty is the core of many of the hardships Ecuador faces today. Education is not mandatory for children nor is it always free. Our work here began with the Quito Recycling Community where families were living in makeshift shelters built among the trash piles. The parents and children we serve there and in the surrounding Zambiza neighborhood, feel hopeless in their pursuit of living a better life. Education drastically changes their reality and unlocks dreams about the future while providing the skills needed to achieve those dreams.
Erika, our Dream Center Coordinator, said “Christa (privacy name) is different, she has a vision of becoming a professional, pursuing a career, and being able to provide for her family. Most importantly, she has a heart for service and a love for God! Christa exemplifies the impact the Dream Center can have on children in Zambiza.”
Christa attended the Dream Center starting at age 10. Now 19, she sets the example for those younger than her!
Philippines
In the communities we serve, we see children skipping school, families living in informal settlements, and parents struggling to financially provide for their families. Our work takes place in neighborhoods in Metro Manila with curated programming to meet the unique needs of each community. For example, in Makati, vulnerable kids are receiving educational reinforcement via a mobile school on a tricycle. Tailoring the programs to each community allows us to uniquely meet the needs while investing in deep relationships with those we serve.
Emjae (privacy name) prayed, “Dear God, thank you for this yummy food, thank you for our television, my toys, and my chair. Please bless Mommy, Daddy, and my siblings. Oh, and don’t forget to keep my friends safe and happy too. Amen.”
Emjae, embraced the teachings at iBIKE with childlike enthusiasm that warmed his mother’s heart and began to influence his family and his community one prayer at a time!
South Africa
Inequality is one of the key issues that plague the country of South Africa and inequality is where poverty thrives. Stemming from the legacy of apartheid, poverty remains concentrated in disadvantaged areas3. Many of those we serve live in townships meant to house around 8,000 in the 1990s, now overflowing with over 35,000 people4. Fish Hoek faces many deep-rooted issues including poor access to opportunities, inadequate housing, and food scarcity. To see change, it is critical those we serve gain the education and skills needed to help them generate income and become leaders in their community.
After one of our Dream Center students, Luke (privacy name) received the TOP ACHIEVER award for his class, his mom said “He is the reason I have to do better. I have to be a better mother for him.”
Together Luke and his family are breaking the chains!