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Loisingha Area Program

Sponsor a child

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2013 - 2028

Location

India

Areas of Focus

Child Protection and Participation | Livelihoods 

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

3,689children and youth participated in groups and clubs, gathering with peers to develop new skills and positive values

Progress

3,489patient consultations were provided by community health workers through projects supported by World Vision

Progress

2,572child protection cases, including situations of abuse or neglect, were identified, followed up and referred as needed

A white jeep driving through a muddy path, featuring a rainbow and trees in the background.

Program Details

Context

The Loisingha community is located in northeastern India and is primarily rural. Recurring drought has made this area one of the most poverty-stricken in the country. Since the 1980's, the frequency of drought has increased to about one every other year. This has caused extensive damage to agricultural and forest land, including the loss of top soil and nutrients by leaching.

In a rural community like Loisingha that depends on agriculture, these conditions are negatively impacting the ability of families to earn income. Other sources of irregular earnings include daily wage labour and small business, while some are forced to migrate in search of work, leaving behind their families and community. Community members lack access to health care and educational facilities. The rate of malnutrition in children under the age of five is high and there is minimal maternal health care available. Parents aren't aware of the importance of their children's education, and schools lack infrastructure and services. As a result, the dropout rate is high. Many children also live far away from school, which puts them at risk for child labour.

...
Challenges
Education
In India, the government has made it compulsory for all states to provide free education to children up to the age of 14. However, the quality of education remains to be the greatest challenge and many children living in Loisingha do not attend school as a result.

One of the biggest issues is the lack of schools, and the long distances many students have to travel. Many schools lack basic infrastructure, including washrooms, and trained teachers, as well as teaching and learning materials. There is a high student-to-teacher ratio and both teachers and students are often absent from school. Many children struggle with reading and numeracy, which limits their progression beyond primary school.

Children with physical and developmental disabilities are marginalized and don't enjoy equal opportunities in education. Without increased awareness about the issues they face, children will be more likely to drop out of school to work.

Health Care
The malnutrition rate among children under the age of five in Losingha is an alarming 48%. Almost half of all children are experiencing physical stunting and developmental delays as a result. The community lacks food security and understanding about proper nutrition for children. Children's weakened immune systems in turn make them vulnerable to illnesses like asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchitis.

Maternal and child health education is also inadequate. Many children do not receive the necessary vaccinations to protect them from disease. There is an absence of qualified health workers to promote preventative care or encourage parents to obtain birth registration certificates. Community members often have to travel long distances to health facilities as well, which deters them from seeking treatment.

Water and Sanitation
Another major challenge in Loisingha is the lack of clean water and hygiene and sanitation education. Children frequently suffer from preventable waterborne illnesses, such as diarrhea, jaundice, and worms. During brief periods of high rainfall, malaria runs rampant through the community, and children and adults alike experience a high risk of infection.

Economic Development
Unemployment in Loisingha is high. For many, this is due to the lack of proper irrigation to facilitate growing crops during periods of drought. In times past, there was enough rainfall to irrigate crops, but with climate change, the community needs improved irrigation facilities to compensate for the decreased rainfall.

Most families earn income as daily wage labourers or in small business trades. Since their daily earnings are small and irregular, most families cannot meet their basic needs. Men and women alike earn an average of 200 rupees a day, or roughly CDN$4. Illiteracy, a lack of skills, and few alternative income-generating activities are the reasons why many families remain in poverty. ...
Plans
Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:
  • Strengthen teachers skills to help start innovative learning programs.
  • Help students improve their reading and numeracy skills.
  • Educate community members about the importance of education for children.
  • Increase the number of children attending and staying in school, especially girls and children with disabilities.
  • Strengthen parent-teacher associations to advocate for improved curriculum and educational facilities.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Teach parents about appropriate child feeding practices, as well as how to detect and treat malnutrition.
  • Increase community member's knowledge about the detection and prevention of early childhood illnesses.
  • Improve access to quality maternal and child health care services, such as vaccinations and pre and postnatal care.
  • Support community health agents and leaders to mobilize resources for health facilities.

Water and Sanitation
In partnership with families and sponsors, World Vision will work with the community to:
  • Increase families access to safe, clean water and teach improved sanitation and hygiene practices.

Economic Development
To ensure parents in Loisingha can provide for their families, World Vision will partner with the community to:
  • Empower adult men and women to learn new skills and pursue alternative income-generating activities.
  • Improve existing and build new irrigation facilities.
  • Improve community members ability to organize, facilitate, and manage savings groups. Increase household income with access to loans and business services.
  • Strengthen existing farmers cooperatives and groups.
  • Educate farmers about the use of natural resources like water, as well as forest conservation.
...
An image of children sitting on the ground in a classroom, writing in workbooks.

Results

Unless otherwise stated, data presented on this page reflects the most up-to-date results of World Vision Canada programs reported between October 2022 and September 2023, and any previous fiscal years available. Previously reported data may not match the current presentation as we continuously receive and refine data from our programs. If you have any questions, kindly reach out to us.