Facts About Poverty

Poverty devastates children more than anyone. That's because little children tend to be more vulnerable to disease, malnutrition, and exploitation. The need may seem daunting, but by putting our faith into action, we can answer God's call to help "the least of these."

• Every five seconds a child dies because he or she was hungry
• More than 110 million school-age children are not in school
• 6,000 children die every day because of disease-infested drinking water
• 150 million children in developing countries are malnourished 
• 15 million children around the world have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS

Sponsorship is a powerful solution
For more than 50 years, World Vision has used sponsorship gifts to create child-focused programs that develop healthy communities where children can thrive.

It is the caring commitment of sponsors that enables World Vision to work side-by-side with communities to provide children and families with access to basic life necessities-things like clean water, health care, education, and hope for a better future.

How children benefit
Every child has God-given potential that flourishes with proper physical and emotional nurture. When sponsors give their monthly gifts, they can provide their sponsored child with access to things like clean water, improved nutrition, health care, school fees and supplies, and vocational training. Children in AIDS-affected communities can also receive counseling and HIV/AIDS prevention training.

Children are shown God's love through a meaningful, one-on-one relationship with a sponsor. Sponsors' letters and the tangible help provided by caring field staff are a faithful reminder of God's love.

How families and entire communities benefit
World Vision works alongside families and communities to provide the resources and develop the skills they need to become self-sufficient. By working closely with the entire community, we help identify the greatest needs and the long-term solutions that will provide for the basic needs of children.

For mothers and fathers, World Vision helps them care for and build a better future for their children through training in things like agriculture, animal husbandry, prenatal care, nutrition, literacy, and starting a small business.

And depending on the needs of the community, World Vision may help drill a well for clean water, repair the local health clinic, or build a school for eager students-enabling children to thrive and reach their full potential.

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