Empowering a Community
Last October, 350 people from Joateca, El Salvador, gathered at the local World Vision project office for a celebration. World Vision was leaving after 10 successful years.

Although residents were sad to see World Vision go, they were proud of all that had been accomplished through the support of World Vision and Canadian child sponsors.

The goal of every World Vision project is to empower communities to become self-sufficient. Once that happens, usually in a span of 10 to 15 years, the project closes.

Identifying the Needs
World Vision began its work in Joateca in 1994. When staff members first arrived, they met with local residents to identify needs. The community asked for new roads, a school, and a bridge. But access to clean water topped their priority list.

World Vision staff members helped residents form a water committee to determine how to construct a water system. While World Vision provided the necessary equipment and know-how to install the system, the 6,000 people of Joateca provided input and labour. 

Reaching a Milestone
In 1999, the water system was installed. Residents could drink clean water from a faucet for the first time. Safe water meant a 70 per cent decrease in gastrointestinal and water-borne diseases. World Vision also provided the community with new roads, a school, a bridge, and basic health care.

Area resident Isabel Ramos says he will never forget the Canadian child sponsors whose generosity and caring made it all possible. His nine-year-old daughter Lilian, was sponsored by Canadians. Isabel says, "I am eternally grateful. Water is the inheritance that we will give to our children."

Click here to sponsor a child.