7 things that aren’t norms – but should be
Have you ever given much thought about the seemingly common and daily essentials we easily access or enjoy?
In World Vision, we prioritize to help uplift the lives of vulnerable children and their families especially those living in the poorest, far-flung and dangerous places.
Here are 7 things that we often take for granted, but for most underprivileged families, these could be their very ticket to improve lives and a better future.
#1 Access to quality education
Not every child is able to go to school or stay in school due poverty. Through child sponsorship, World Vision ensures that vulnerable children are provided access to good education, to draw them away from illiteracy, or worse hazardous work. Through programs like Brigada Pagbasa, we help children struggling with reading and other life skills. We also partner with organizations to provide learning facilities like the one in Samar where we implement the Safe Schools Program.
#2 Access to immediate and affordable healthcare
Good healthcare is expensive and hard to find, but it shouldn’t be. To address this gap, World Vision invests in projects that improve health facilities and services. Working closely with local governments and health partners, we address the health needs of vulnerable communities, especially children and mothers. Our work has helped address malnutrition and promote healthy lifestyles in vulnerable populations.
#3 Care and protection of children from all forms of abuse
We work with communities, families, and local authorities to prevent and respond to child abuse, exploitation, and violence. Part of this involves providing training and awareness-raising activities such as our Online Safety Webinar in celebration of Safer Internet Day.
#4 Resources and instruction to parents and guardians so they can provide a nurturing environment for children
World Vision provides training to adults in proper caregiving, equipping parents and guardians with knowledge and skills on child protection, positive discipline, and child rights. Ultimately, we want to promote a culture of care and protection where every child can thrive.
#5 An Environment that encourages girls to be brave and confident, instead of being discriminated or shamed
Even though society has advanced in many ways, some stereotypes like girls’ roles remain. We try to combat negative stereotypes through campaigns like #GirlsCan, empowering young girls to aspire for more and pursue their dreams. We empower girls to become leaders in their communities, promoting gender equality and transforming social norms that limit girls’ opportunities and potential.
#6 Training that empowers children to voice out their thoughts and not be disregarded, but rather be respected
“Children should only be seen and not heard.” We work to debunk this belief and empower children to become active agents of change in their communities. We provide workshops and training, like regional children’s forums and congress, equipping children with skills in communication, leadership, and critical thinking. Ultimately, we want to empower children to become advocates for their own well-being and that of their peers. This comes as part of building a more inclusive and participatory society where every child’s voice is heard and valued.
#7 Opportunities for vulnerable communities to find a decent livelihood, enabling them to break free from poverty
Good work is hard to find, and it’s even harder in far-flung, remote communities. We want to strengthen local economies by providing training and support for micro and small enterprises, and promote access to markets and financial services through local savings groups. Programs like Project HOPE provide out-of-school youths with entrepreneurial and employable skills that will help lift them out of poverty.
In a world with so much inequality, we can do our part in leveling the playing field for the less privileged. World Vision will continue to work to bring Hope, Joy, and Justice to every Filipino child through child sponsorship and community programs.
