Compassion is an international Christian organisation dedicated to the long term development of children living in poverty. The organisation then known as the Everett Swanson Evangelistic Association was founded in 1952 by Reverend Everett Swanson to help children orphaned by the war in South Korea. He had traveled there to preach to the troops in the army but during his visit he saw children orphaned by the war and felt moved to action. In 1953 he began raising funds and in the following year he developed a sponsorship programme to help support orphans for a few dollars a month.
The name was changed to Compassion in 1963 being inspired by the words of Jesus in Matthew 15:32 ‘"I have compassion on the multitude. I will not send them away hungry" Compassion take a holistic approach to child development and focus on the spiritual, economic, social and physical needs of each young person. Their goal is to change the world one person at a time and look to release children from poverty in Jesus name. The programmes are organised through local churches as donors are encouraged to partner with individual children to support their health and education and help disciple them to fulfill their God given potential to become a spiritually fulfilled and responsible adult. Individuals sponsor children all over the world and are encouraged to invest time by exchanging letters, photographs and by giving gifts and offering prayers. These help in affirming a child’s worth and provide hope and a feeling that somebody loves and cares for them.
There are many success stories of children being lifted out of poverty by the scheme. 1.5 million Children attend compassion programmes where their development is carefully monitored by the love and care of their local church and all education includes bible studies. Programmes are put together and tailored to the needs of each child and support includes after school tutoring, school fee assistance, school uniforms, life skills including vocational training and career planning. Workshops are organised in literacy, craft and music. Emotional support includes counselling, social skills training and voluntary work. Practical help comes by the way of Healthcare, nutrition, sanitation, hygiene, health education and shelter.
Respond initiatives are undertaken in times of special need such as disaster relief, child protection, urgent medical intervention and special needs education. Child survival programmes are aimed at reducing infant mortality rates. Compassion has its H.Q. in Colorado springs U.S.A. and works in 26 developing countries in the continents of Africa, Asia, South and Central America and has global partners in many European and developed countries, each has an active child sponsorship programme. Guest speakers visit churches to promote the work with support being given by celebrity singers and actors. Compassion has stands at many Christian events including spring harvest and the annual 'Compassion Sunday' helps to raise awareness of the work and various fundraising challenges maintain its profile.
Compassion has a faith based ethos working in the name of Jesus. 19,000 children a day continue to die around the world from preventable disease so the work of compassion is vital in tackling inequality and injustice by joining together to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ through practical action. For more details see www.compassion.com