Maraba Development Program
This Development Program aims to improve the well-being of children, especially the most vulnerable, using an approach that is long term (15-20 years), holistic, focused on children, and seeks to enable their families, local communities and partners to address the underlying causes of poverty. These root causes are not just lack of access to the basic necessities of life like water, food or health care, but also include inequities like gender or ethnic discrimination, or abusive practices like exploitation or domestic violence that affect a child’s well-being.
Community members formed 23 new savings groups, bringing the total number to 50. Savings groups offer basic financial services such as small business loans to help families increase their income. We distributed livestock such as cows and pigs through a livestock pass-on program. Through this program, families agree to pass on some of their livestock's offspring to other families in need. 12 biogas systems were built in partnership with local agencies and 500 gas cooking stoves were distributed. Biogas systems convert cow manure into clean, environmentally friendly fuel for cooking, helping to reduce smoke inhalation and decreasing demand for firewood. 247 people learned about HIV prevention at our World AIDS Day event, where our staff and community members gathered to raise awareness of HIV prevention and to pray for people impacted by HIV or AIDS. We worked with local health centers to train community health workers in child and maternal health. 70 malnourished children recovered through nutrition programs organized in partnership with community health workers and local health centers. 140 women were educated on healthy timing and spacing of pregnancy to improve the health of mothers and their children. We helped improve the infrastructure at a local health center to increase access to clean water for its patients, most of whom are women and children. 144 desks were distributed to schools to improve the learning environment for children. Teachers were trained in improved teaching methods and 40 Parent Teacher Association members were trained in strategies for reducing dropout rates and engaging parents in education. To help communities become more resilient to environmental changes and disasters, we raised awareness of environmental issues such as soil erosion and worked to ensure that the environment remains a top priority in community decisions. Peace clubs supported by World Vision promoted peace, child protection, and the spiritual nurture of children and their families. Through our monthly child protection meetings, 80 people were empowered with training to help them respond to child rights violations. 54 children were trained in advocacy and life skills to strengthen their knowledge of child rights and help them become agents of change in their communities.
- Economic Recovery and Development