World Vision Ecuador has a clear mission: to ensure the comprehensive well-being of children and adolescents in Ecuador and many other impoverished regions of the world. To achieve this noble goal, it skillfully and strategically manages every donation it receives—funds that have flowed consistently since the 1980s. Today, this esteemed NGO shares with us a story worth treasuring.
At the age of three, Evelyn was already a prodigy with the soccer ball her older brothers used. Her small, slender legs moved with lightning speed, striking sparks as she played. Focused on the goal, she faced her brothers’ tackles with determination. She would often lose the ball and cry, but her family watched in astonishment at what unfolded on “the field”—the dusty backyard that, despite its modesty, would soon become the birthplace of a young talent.
Her uncle Darwin, a football coach, was the first to insist at the family table that what they were witnessing was not a coincidence but the early signs of true talent. He quickly proclaimed himself her “discoverer” and devoted himself to supporting and encouraging her to train consistently. “For many people, this sport is still considered serious business only for men,” Darwin explains, “but I gave my full support to my niece. I always knew she was a raw diamond, ready to conquer the world.”
“Since she was little, Evelyn was fearless with the ball—she wanted to play real football, to step onto the field and give it her all,” her uncle recalls. “In her childhood, ‘the field’ was the muddy yard behind her house. Later, things became more serious when she started training at her parish club’s actual field.”
Evelyn adds, “In my neighborhood, people constantly told me that football was only for boys. They kicked me out and told me to play with dolls. But I didn’t listen because I never liked dolls—what I truly loved and enjoyed was playing football. So I kept practicing.”
Now eighteen years old, Evelyn carries not only a promising future but also the pride of holding a record worthy of inclusion in the prestigious Guinness World Records.
Supporting Dreams for a Brighter Future
World Vision Ecuador is a true maker of miracles. Its steadfast support and commitment to the well-being of disadvantaged youth have made it possible for Evelyn to become a professional athlete—a rising star in women’s football in her beloved but economically challenged country. Through close, hands-on support, Evelyn feels privileged by her achievements, yet she is also one among the 51,462 children and adolescents from rural and marginalized areas of Ecuador who receive continuous and systematic assistance from World Vision’s network of professionals and experts worldwide.
This ongoing work is made possible by a strong foundation of financial donations that keep the organization fully operational across eight provinces in Ecuador.
Despite being one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs—with around 40,000 permanent staff—World Vision remains humble. It continues to grow, evolve, and develop new strategies to help the most vulnerable, wherever they may be. Its vast scope of action includes promoting social justice, implementing community development programs, and responding to numerous humanitarian emergencies in over 100 countries.
Evelyn has also had to face skepticism and disapproval—from neighbors, friends, and even some family members—during her early years as a professional footballer. But these challenges only strengthened her resolve. “I’ve always wanted to work hard to achieve my goals. Today, one of my dreams is for the world to see and truly believe that women—wherever we are—can achieve anything we set our minds to,” she says with a smile.
She adds: “I would tell all my fellow Ecuadorians and every young woman in the world who loves football to keep going, to work hard, and never give up. It’s always possible to set ambitious goals—whether that means improving your skills, winning a tournament, advancing your career, or simply enjoying every step of the journey. Everything is possible, as long as you don’t quit and never lower your arms.”
