WVI: changing children’s lives
World Vision is an international (WVI) partnership of Christians whose mission is to do God’s work by helping the poor and oppressed; promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good news of the kingdom of God. James Chimpweya was recently on a media tour with WVI visiting its projects in Traditonal Authority (T/A) Mpama in Chiradzulu. He talked to cluster manager Ben Chikaipa on various issues the non-governmental organisation (NGO) is engaged in.
How do you pursue your mission?
Through integrated, holistic commitment to transformation development, emergency relief, promotion of justice, partnerships with churches, public awareness and witness to Jesus Christ. Our vision for every child is achieved through prayer and willful heart.
What are your core values?
As a Christian NGO, we are stewards and partners; we are responsive and committed to the poor.
How did the vision start?
World Vision Malawi (WVM) is part of WVI and started operations in 1982. During the first 10 years, we operated through development assistance centres (DACs) and community development projects (CDPs) which clustered a few villages and was mainly involved in relief and recovery activities.
When did projects begin?
In 1992, WVM started implementing its activities through the area development programme (ADP). This covered larger areas than CDPs— with larger budgets, community- based staff and extended involvement of community members in all stages of the implementation process. As at 2014, WVM has operations in 44 ADPs in 26 of the 28 districts.
How many children are registered with you?
We have 130 000 children supported through 11 world vision support offices such as the United States of America (USA), Canada, Germany, New Zealand, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. We have a diverse range of staff competencies in agriculture, health, nutrition, financial Management, humanitarian emergency programming and advocacy.
What are your goals and aspirations?
Our goal is to see that children are sustained within their families and communities, especially the most vulnerable. Our aspirations are also to see that children enjoy good health, are educated, experience the love of God and their neighbours. We also want to ensure that children are protected and participate in all activities concerning them.
How do you achieve that?
Children are nourished through pass on programmes where their parents are given goats, they get good education where they are able to read, write and use numeracy skills. We make sure that children grow in their awareness and experience God’s love in an environment that recognises their freedom to education, Christian gatherings, enjoy positive relationship with peers, family and community members.
What other activities are you involved in?
We provide treated mosquito nets to prevent children from malaria. We sometimes build structures used for early child development centres (ECDs). We facilitate the teaching about HIV and Aids in schools at primary level so they make informed decisions, protect themselves, manage emotions and communicate ideas.
