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Duwa Area Program

Sponsor a child

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2013 - 2028

Location

Mali

Areas of Focus

Education | Child Protection and Participation

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

2,970reading materials were provided to schools and communities in support of children's education

Progress

2,073children attended in-school or after-school literacy activities

Progress

179children received age-appropriate immunizations to protect them against childhood illness

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

Program Details

Context

The Duwa community is located about 400 kilometres from Bamako, the capital city. It is a six to seven hour drive from the border of Burkina Faso. The area is dry and dusty, flat in some areas, with mountains and hills as well. People live in simple mud homes with thatched roofs.

People in the community rely heavily on rain-watered farming for food, both to consume and to sell. Changes in rainfall patterns however, have led to low crop yields and have forced people to look for other sources of income. Some migrate to bigger towns to find jobs, while others sell items found the forest. Unfortunately, this has led to large number of people leaving the community, as well as a rapid rate of deforestation. There are a number of seasonal streams in Duwa that provide much needed water for gardening and household use. After the rains are over however, these streams dry up. This lack of water, along with periods of drought, makes it very challenging to grow food.

...
Challenges
Education
Children in the Duwa community face many challenges obtaining a quality education. There is a need for primary schools and literacy classes. Parents lack of income means they are forced to choose between buying food and paying school fees. As a result, dropout rates are high, with as many as 1/3 of enrolled children dropping out.

Health Care
Most mothers do not receive support from skilled health workers when having their babies. Health centres are also poorly equipped and medicines are not available. Vaccines easily expire and there is a lack of refrigeration to safely store them. As a result, most people in Duwa are not able to receive the health care they need, and other health centres that can provide better care are too far away.

Food
Many children in Duwa are malnourished. Even if they are breastfed as infants, most do not have a good nutritional start as they are often given food low in nutritional value before they are six months old. There is a lack of food due to low crop yields and livestock production. Some households do not have enough to eat for more than half the year, and have to wait until the next harvest to eat properly. Parents often lack knowledge in preparing nutritionally rich food, which also contributes to children's poor nutrition.

HIV & AIDS
HIV is prevalent in the area, but there is a lack of awareness about prevention and care activities. Many people also do not want to be tested to know their status for fear of stigma and discrimination.

Child Protection
Many children who drop out of school go to the bigger cities in search of work and a better life, sometimes accompanied by their parents, sometimes alone. While there, however, they usually end up working dangerous jobs for little pay. Children in these situations are also more likely to become involved in risky or illegal activities, such as drug peddling and stealing.

Water and Sanitation
A lack of access to safe and clean water has led to a prevalence of illnesses like trachoma, as well as other waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea. Poor sanitation and hygiene practices, and the lack of latrines in the community, also lead to disease and infections....
Plans
Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:
  • Improve children's access to school by teaching parents, children and community leaders about the importance of education.
  • Train teachers in improved instructional methods to help make school a fun place where children enjoy learning.
  • Train community leaders and school organization members in improving the quality of education children receive.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Empower health workers and volunteers, as well as teachers, with the skills and knowledge to sensitize community members and children on preventing and managing malaria and malnutrition.
  • Support vaccination campaigns for children by empowering health volunteers to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination.

Food
With the support of Canadian sponsors, World Vision will work with the community to:
  • Reduce the rate of malnutrition among children.
  • Train mother support groups on better child feeding practices.
  • Raise the awareness of community leaders and fathers on the importance of good nutrition.

HIV & AIDS
To combat the spread and stigma of HIV & AIDS, World Vision will partner with the community to:
  • Lobby government officials to increase HIV prevention services in the community.
  • Promote prevention and care messages through children's clubs and World AIDS day activities.

Water and Sanitation
In partnership with families and sponsors, World Vision will work with the community to:
  • Teach caregivers and children good sanitation and hygiene practices to help avoid illnesses, such as diarrhea.
...
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.