Cyclone Fani is tracking across the Indian Ocean toward India and Bangladesh with winds exceeding 130 mph, equal to a Category 4 hurricane. 100 million people are in its path.
Why World Vision is in India
Lawmakers in India passed some controversial laws in 2018, including one that decriminalizes homosexuality and one that allows women of all ages access to a Hindu temple in the south, the world’s largest pilgrimage site. Women between ages 10 and 50 were formerly banned because they were believed to be impure. Overall, the country’s economy is strong, and India is the third-largest tech start-up hub in the world. Challenges remain in many parts of the country. Despite a strong economy, many people in India face severe hunger. In some regions, terrorist and militant groups are causing tensions and violence. India also has the world’s third largest HIV infection rate. And a severe flood in the state of Kerala left hundreds dead in the summer. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, tens of thousands of vulnerable families are building brighter futures for themselves. Working with the government’s Clean India movement, we helped communities build over 16,000 toilets for better sanitation. Staff screened thousands of children under 5 for malnutrition and treated those who were suffering. Programs worked to strengthen educational support for kids who need extra help, so they can learn more easily. A major focus of our work in India is ending childhood sexual abuse, so we’re reaching thousands of children and adults with awareness campaigns. Along with partners, we’re also boosting child protection systems, training families in good parenting skills, and equipping men to prevent gender and domestic violence. Thousands of people are getting economic support through microloans, and communities are becoming more resilient to disasters.
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:
Peace in the country, especially during elections and in the regions most affected by violence and hate crimes.
Our campaign to end sexual abuse of children would reach our goal of 10 million children and 4 million adults with awareness about how to prevent abuse.
News from India
From the Field
2004 Indian Ocean tsunami: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
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.
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.
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