Plan in Central and South America

Plan is present in Latin and Central America in the following countries; Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Paraguay and Peru.

Situation in the region

Latin America has the highest life expectancy at birth and has better access to primary education and clean water than other areas Plan works in. The region has also seen child hunger drop by more than one third.

However there are wide disparities in social conditions across countries, and by income, ethnicity, gender and geographic location within countries. In Brazil, for example, black children are ten times more vulnerable to poverty. 63% of indigenous children under the age of 6 live in poverty. Poor children have more than double the chance of dying in comparison with the less poor. Infant mortality among children of black parents is 40% greater than children of white parents.

One of the factors contributing to the overall level of inequality in the region is the situation of women. Women in the region often work in agriculture, as contributing but unpaid family workers. They continue to lack access to job security and social protection.

Like much of the world, families struggled to make ends meet during the past year. Rising oil prices and food shortages resulted in an increase in the cost of living. Hurricanes, cold spells and floods also hit the poorest in the region, not only by affecting their lives, but also their livelihood (by destroying crops) and their ability to respond to economic shocks and future disasters.

Plan's work in the region

Even if issues identified by Plan affiliated-communities are different, there are however some common priorities. These include:

• Reduced the widespread use of child labour.
• Continued to advocate for universal birth registration, successfully lobbying some local governments in making the registration process free for parents.
• Trained adolescents on reproductive and sexual health; children aged 6 to 12 years old received training on nutrition, personal hygiene, sexual and reproductive health and sanitation.
• Promoted early childhood care and development education projects to ensure young children are taught cognitive skills from a very young age.
• Strengthened the role of parents, students and community members in the effective running of schools.
• Assisted families with nutrition education through the management of family gardens and teaching them about hygiene and food handling habits.
• Provided humanitarian help to the victims of the hurricanes, floods and landslides.
• Involved the government and communities in addressing the demands and aspirations of children, their families and communities, in realising their potential and development.
• Promoted sustainable income and other resources to meet basic necessities for poor families, including food, potable water, health services, education opportunities, housing, and participation in civil society.
• Promoted respect for children's rights and improved child protection services with the participation of parents, families and local organisations. In consultations with Plan in Brazil, young people identified violence coming from people they know as one of the most significant violations of their rights. Violence against children and domestic violence against women is often hidden.
• Facilitated the participation of children and young people in decision making on policies affecting their lives.