The Need: Improving Health

Despite their access to natural food sources such as fruit and fish, many children in Maghirupay are malnourished and affected by preventable diseases caused by:

• Lack of knowledge about proper sanitation and hygiene practices.
• Inadequate preventative health measures.
• Insufficient training about food preparation and nutrition.

The Response

•  World Vision works with local government and health facilitators to increase general knowledge about care for children and preventative measures to improve health.
• Community members receive training about health, hygiene, and nutrition.
• Medical check ups and dental exams are provided for children.
• Malnourished children are rehabilitated through improved nutrition.

The Need: Clean Water

• Access to clean water is a problem for families throughout Maghirupay.

The Response

• World Vision works with the community to build reservoir systems to improve access to clean water for drinking and better availability of water to use for irrigation during dry seasons.
• Better access to water has increased the ability of families to improve their nutrition by establishing kitchen and herbal gardens.

The Need: Education

• Widespread poverty has affected attendance and the quality of education received by children.
• Many children do not continue their education because of a priority to help support their families.
• Many go to school with inadequate learning tools and facilities—such as outdated learning materials and equipment, dilapidated schools, and crowded classrooms.

The Response

• Programs work to provide the immediate educational needs of children such as providing tuition assistance, school supplies and uniforms, and rehabilitating schools.
• World Vision has supported the local community organization to press for fulfillment of child rights, including their rights for education and their involvement in decision making.
• Through World Vision’s support, children are enabled to actively voice their concerns at local and even provincial levels.

The Need: Economic Development

Poverty in Maghirupay has affected not only the futures of families and their children, but also the environment in which they live:

• During seasons of low agricultural production, people illegally log the woods for income, deteriorating the overall environment.
• There is inadequate knowledge about proper farming techniques.
• Water irrigation systems are needed.
• Alternative income sources and access to capacity building and financial help are needed.
• Land erosion is a serious problem.

The Response

World Vision provides assistance to the Maghirupay community with economic opportunities such as:

• Training and capital for alternative sources of income, and networking with financial institutions.
• Supporting local community groups with training in the management of small businesses.
• Development of the “Iodized Salt Processing and Marketing Project” as a key alternative income source.
• An integrated irrigation system for farmers, improving crop production, as well as providing extra income for the community group managing the system.