In northern Bangladesh, Sumaiya faced the all-too-common prospect of child marriage when she was 16, a practice still prevalent in her region. With her parents working in a different town, her grandparents, under financial strain, arranged for her marriage. Through Sumaiya’s determination and involvement with her adolescent club, part of a World Vision initiative promoting social justice and education for girls, the marriage was called off, and Sumaiya is helping other girls in her community experience more hopeful futures.
News & Stories
From the Field
Maggie’s story: “Water to our doorsteps”
In a Zambian village, Maggie’s daily quest for water once hindered her education and exposed her to ridicule. As a result of World Vision’s work with her community, a borehole was installed, equipping families with easy access to water, which has improved their lives in a variety of ways. Now with more free time, Maggie is pursuing her dream of nursing while savoring childhood moments.
From the Field
A Kenyan girl champions farming to fight food insecurity
Anita is only 11 years old, but she’s making a big difference in the fight against food insecurity in her Kenyan village. She is learning about sustainable farming practices that are resistant to weather extremes and growing diverse crops for that are nourishing her family of 11. With her growing knowledge, she’s encouraging and equipping her siblings and peers to improve the lives of their families.
From the Field
Sarafina’s story: From impoverished to resilient businesswoman
Sarafina wanted her children to have a bright future — built upon the foundation of education. But she and her husband struggled to pay for their children’s schooling and dealt with marital conflict as a result. When World Vision started savings groups in her community, Sarafina was one of the first to sign up. With the tools she’s learned through the training and the confidence she’s gained from running her own business, she now understands the value she can bring to her marriage, her family, and her community.
From the Field
Finding their worth through making chocolate
A group of Guatemalan women in a World Vision savings group had big dreams. Together and with the support of World Vision and their community, they learned how to manufacture and sell chocolate to help provide for their families. In the process, they’re also learning their own worth.
From the Field
Lost year, new hope: Margaret’s second chance at education
An aunt tried to rob 16-year-old Margaret of her dream of an education. Now, free from her aunt and with newfound confidence from a World Vision savings group and Biblical Empowered Worldview training, Margaret is seeing her dream resurrected.
From the Field
World Vision savings groups: Big returns on small investments
Prisca, a single mother in the Buyantanshi community in Zambia, is using money she saved through a World Vision savings group to fund her own education as well as meet the needs of her baby boy. Through mentorship, financial literacy training, and the Biblical Empowered Worldview program, she’s come to understand that even small savings can redirect her future.
From the Field
Believing “every day is a miracle,” a pastor serves hurting families
Two episodes in Pastor Etiel’s childhood could have resulted in his death. Because he miraculously survived both, he dedicated his life to serving people in need as a way to thank God.
From the Field
Small loans, big impact: Rebuilding communities one step at a time
Through participation in a savings group in rural Zambia, women are changing not only their own lives but those of their community members as well.
From the Field
Serving from the steps of City Hall
At a street church in Hartford, Connecticut, Pastor Bryan Bywater serves people in the community who are experiencing homelessness. World Vision partners with the church and its pastor, providing donated supplies that help meet the community’s spiritual and physical needs.