The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, one of the deadliest disasters in modern history, was caused by a massive undersea earthquake. Nearly 230,000 people died, and millions more lost everything. World Vision raised more than $350 million and mounted the largest disaster response in its history, providing relief and rehabilitation in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and Myanmar over 10 years.
Why World Vision is in India
Natural disasters, violent crimes, and pollution are just some of the problems India dealt with this year. Cyclones, droughts, floods, and more damaged the livelihoods of thousands across the country—with agriculture and fishing industries particularly affected. Considering that nearly 60 percent of India’s population make a living from agriculture, these disasters disrupt security for millions of people. In 2017, India had an important victory for women’s rights. Their Supreme Court outlawed a practice, common among some Muslims, in which a man can divorce his wife instantly without court involvement. This new law protects women from being abruptly cut off from their homes, families and support systems. Thanks to your support, we’re identifying and treating child malnutrition, which affects nearly four in 10 children under 5. Working with the government’s Clean India Movement, we’re helping communities become Open Defecation Free by building sanitation facilities and teaching communities about good hygiene. We’re reaching the most vulnerable children by improving their schools and training them in preventing sexual abuse and gender violence. Together, we’re increasing families’ resilience to disasters so communities can flourish for generations to come.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in India ❯
Progress in India
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- Child Protection Units play an indispensable role in India for the protection of children in communities. Units are trained on child rights and protection. Through training they also strengthen their capacity to identify families at risk and the children in need of care through effective networking and linkages with local government departments working toward child well-being. Children are also educated about their rights and how to connect with protective groups like these units when needed.
- Parents that participate in positive parenting skills training work to ensure children are protected and cared for at home. The curriculum for this was developed in partnership the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences and covers topics including: the needs of children, short and long-term impact of physical and emotional abuse, rights of children, listening to children, and signs and symptoms of child sexual abuse.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Through a collaboration with families and communities in India, Community Led Total Sanitation has been implemented to educate and promote change regarding the use of latrines and hand washing. As a member of the 'India Sanitation Coalition", we are working with government and corporations to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those on water and sanitation, at the National Level.
- Caregivers in India were empowered to improve children's health and nutrition through training sessions on water, sanitation, and hygiene, diarrhea management, breastfeeding and cooking demonstrations on preparing locally available nutritious foods.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- Children in India, ages 3-18 and 6-18 respectively, are participating in programs through the Life School for Transformational Development and Life Skills Education for Transformation. These two programs use stories and activities to teach children about their rights, how to deal with challenges and demands, and grow in confidence and decision-making skills so that they can advocate for positive change and become active citizens who contribute to their communities.
Prayer Requests from India
World Vision's staff in India are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
The government to pass policies and plans to include and benefit the most marginalized people.
Peace in the country, especially in border regions where hate crimes are high.
News from India
Change Makers
19 reasons to have hope in 2019
Hope shines a light in the darkness. It’s infectious, even healing. But what is there to be hopeful for? Let’s look at the year ahead with 19 reasons to have hope in 2019 — and how to pray them into reality.
From the Field
How The Grace Collection by Patricia Heaton is creating hope in India
World Vision partnered with California-based Gifts With a Cause and award-winning actor Patricia Heaton to create The Grace Collection by Patricia Heaton jewelry line. The partnership is changing lives in India.
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