World Vision - building a better world for children
Building a better world for children in Brazil, Mexico and Zimbabwe
We have had the priviledge of participating in World Vision [Visão Mundial] development programs in Brazil and Africa for 25 years. In that effort, we presently sponsor four wonderful children; Gabriela and Karolainy in Brazil, Moyo in Zimbabwe and Emiliano in Mexico.
All 4 children receive daily food, schooling and health care. These benefits are also extended to their siblings, a total of 25 family members. Even if in a small way, we are thrilled to be able to help these deserving families.
These kids were born into poverty that is difficult to fathom in the developed world. For example, 7.5 million Brazilian children, under the age of 10, work 12 hour days for less than a dollar a day. Others, less fortunate, work as "semi-slaves" for no pay at all, supplying the world with a cheap source of orange juice, white sugar, charcoal and shoes. The music of Brazil, Zimbabwe and Mexico has enriched our lives here in Seattle in so many ways. However, no music is sweeter than the love and health of a child. Thank you so much for bettering the lives of these four very important children.
Brazil
In Brazil, income distribution is extremely uneven; as of 2010, the country has the 10th highest income inequality in the world. While Brazil has a universal healthcare system, corruption and poor management continue to prevent many Brazilians'-especially those struggling with poverty-from receiving adequate care. Most children attend primary school, but dropout rates are high for children in secondary school. In rural areas, families often lack safe water, sanitation, and health services. In more urban areas, the issues of street children, child prostitution, violence, and drug abuse are widespread.
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, poor agricultural policies, the declining economy, and high unemployment have all contributed to the country's ailing health-care system. Zimbabwe has the eighth lowest life expectancy in the world--only 44 years--as of 2009. More than one million people are living with AIDS and more than one million children have lost one or both parents to AIDS.
Mexico
In Mexico, limited access to clean water proved a major cause of malnutrition because children’s health was compromised by waterborne illnesses. By providing families with rainwater collection tanks, vegetable gardens, and laying hens, we sought to improve this statistic. While the UN Millennium goal of universal primary school education is coming to fruition in Mexico, indigenous communities still struggle to educate their children. World Vision worked in several of those communities last year, opening more preschools to give young kids an extra boost and focusing on literacy to help children succeed in school.
Poverty Worldwide
Poverty is complex, and so are the solutions. With 44,000 staff members worldwide, World Vision brings sponsors and donors alongside children and communities in nearly 100 countries. World Vision works across issues — from health to disaster response — integrating lasting solutions to the root causes of poverty and sharing God’s hope for a brighter future. And they stretch donations with grants and corporate gifts-in-kind to make every dollar donated achieve $1.30 in impact.
In addition, World Vision continually strives to keep their overhead rate low. In 2012, 85 percent of their total operating expenses were used for programs that benefit children, families, and communities in need.
World Vision’s effectiveness has earned the trust and support of nearly a million donors, thousands of churches, and hundreds of corporations, institutions, and government agencies around the globe.
