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
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.
- Children are being empowered to protect themselves. Through trainings, children learn about their rights and how to protect themselves from harm. Additionally, children are equipped with resources to report violations of theirs or other children rights through a child helpline.
- Trainings led by World Vision are helping families in India recognize the harmful impact of traditional practices such as child marriage and child labor. Children also participated in activities that taught them about the negative impact of child marriage, so that they are better equipped to advocate for their rights.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- In seeking to impact children's health for the better, World Vision educated and equipped mothers, training them on a variety of topics such as nutrition, early childhood development and healthcare Mothers also received pre- and post-natal healthcare.
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.
- World Vision is helping children to prepare for life beyond the classroom. Students are learning leadership skills that they can use to better their community, Additionally, students received support to begin planning their future and get the skills they need to reach their goals.
- Throughout India, children are getting the support they need to stay in school. In some communities, educational campaigns informed father's of the importance of education. In other communities, families learned about children's right to education. In addition to these outreach efforts, children who had dropped out or were vulnerable received supplies and support to help them continue their studies.
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
Change Makers
20 reasons to have hope in 2020
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 20 reasons to have hope in 2020 — and how to pray them into reality.
From the Field
Health: Signs of progress and reasons to hope
More children are healthy today because of healthcare advancements. Read about these reasons for hope and how World Vision uses them around the world.
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