Transforming Lives Through Powerful Partnerships

In our relentless pursuit of transforming the lives of vulnerable children and youth through our GROW program, we are proud to share the resounding success of Children International, a nonprofit organization in Guayaquil, Ecuador that our GROW funds help aid. With every box of GROW bananas sold, proceeds are distributed to different social responsibility initiatives, Children International being one of them. They have been able to provide thousands of children and adolescents with access to critical medical and dental care in Guayaquil, empowering them with the tools to lead healthier and happier lives. It is exciting to see their tremendous growth last year and be able to say we played a helping hand in supporting this amazing organization.

Optimizing Healthcare Access

Last year proved the impact communities can make when they join hands. Through Children International’s Medical Services Program, they provided basic medical services to every child and adolescent in the programs. This included crucial medical exams, life-saving medicines, and essential supplies, ensuring they received the care they deserved. In total, they facilitated an impressive 17,843 dental exams and 7,014 health services paid for outside of the program through referrals.

The Telehealth Revolution

One of the highlights of their program’s success lies in their innovative use of telehealth consultations. Through this technology, they were able to deliver 15,974 telehealth consultations, bridging the gap between children and specialized health services. Telehealth not only improved access to care but also allowed them to address medical concerns promptly, providing children with the support they needed.

Program Success Is In the Numbers

Their dedication to sustainable change forged strong partnerships with local government health care providers. By working together, they ensured that families were well-informed about external health services available to them. This partnership approach yielded remarkable results, with 44% of those seeking healthcare services receiving help from the State, and 41% accessing services provided by Children International.

Empowering Communities Through “Health Festivals”

Commitment to empowering communities extended beyond immediate medical care. Children International firmly believes that knowledge is a powerful tool for change. As part of their program, they implemented strategies and events to share vital health information, called health festivals. These health festivals served as a platform to educate families about nutrition, healthy habits, and illness prevention, with 3,587 in-person services conducted to further reinforce this knowledge.

Developing Safe Environments for Teens and Pre-Teens

Addressing the comprehensive well-being of the children and youth remained a top priority. The Youth Health Program played a pivotal role in supporting youth aged 10 to 18 years, promoting their socio-emotional development in safe environments. Through this program, they provided education on reproductive health, access to services, and effective strategies to reduce alcohol, tobacco, and drug use.

A Lasting Difference On Future Generations

The success of the Medical Services Program is a heartwarming testament to the incredible impact our GROW program can have on communities in need. Through your invaluable support, Children’s International has made a lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable children and youth. Their commitment to providing essential medical care, embracing innovative approaches like telehealth, and fostering sustainable change through partnerships continues to yield positive results, and we can’t wait to see their continued growth over the years. Together, we are empowering the next generation to thrive, building healthier communities and a brighter future for these children.