Dungarpur Area Program

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2013 - 2028

Location

India

Areas of Focus

Child Protection and Participation | Health

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

4,973people participated in activities aimed at supporting child protection and ending violence against children

Progress

4,250children and youth participated in groups and clubs, gathering with peers to develop new skills and positive values

Progress

2,053children and adults were trained on child protection, including positive parenting, children's rights and early marriage

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

Program Details

Context

The Dungarpur community is located in northwest India, and is named after the many mountains in the area. The terrain here is interspersed with stony hills covered with a jungle of cactus, jojoba, salar, and with other trees and shrubs. While some sections of land allow for normal agriculture, many crops have to be grown on hilly slopes, resulting in low crop yields. Wheat, maize, and legumes are major crops.

The lack of jobs, access to health care, and educational facilities are some of the community's biggest challenges. Many farmers require improved training and tools to diversify their crops and increase their income. Alternate income-generating activities are needed to prevent the migration of parents and families in search of work.

The malnutrition rate for children under the age of five is high, and mothers lack access to maternal health care. Few children are fully immunized, which is key in preventing the spread of illnesses. Many children are dropping out of school because they have to travel so far to attend, which puts them at risk of child labour.

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Challenges
Education
In India, the government has made it compulsory for all states to provide free education for children, up to the age of 14. Despite this, the quality of said education in Dungarpur is poor, and discourages children from attending school. Many children struggle with reading and numeracy skills, which limits their progression beyond primary school.

One of the biggest obstacles to improving education is the lack and location of schools. There simply aren't enough schools to accommodate the number of students, and they are often far away from their homes. Many lack basic infrastructure, like washrooms, which makes attending school problematic, especially for girls.

Other challenges include a small number of trained teachers and inadequate teaching and learning materials. There is also a high student-to-teacher ratio in classrooms, and teachers and students are often both absent from school.

Child labour is a big concern in the area, and the community needs to advocate for their children's educational needs. Without this, children will be more likely to drop out of school and become daily wage labourers instead.

Health Care
The malnutrition rate among children under the age of five is high. Over 60% of children are underweight, which often causes physical stunting and developmental delays. Food security is variable and parents lack understanding about proper nutrition for children. Their weakened immune systems make children vulnerable to asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchitis.

Many children do not receive vaccinations to protect them from disease, and education on maternal and children's health is inadequate. During the rainy season, high rainfall causes malaria outbreaks and increases the risk that children and adults will become infected.

There aren't enough qualified health workers in Dungarpur to provide residents with treatment and information on important issues, such as obtaining birth registration certificates. Community members often have to travel long distances to access health facilities, which discourages them from seeking necessary treatment.

Water and Sanitation
Another challenge in Dungarpur is the lack of clean water and awareness about hygiene and sanitation. Children frequently suffer from preventable waterborne illnesses, such as diarrhea, jaundice, and worms.

Economic Development
There is a high rate of unemployment in Dungarpur. Families that earn income do so as daily wage labourers or through small business trades. Since their daily earnings are low and irregular, most families cannot meet their basic needs. Men and women alike make about 200 rupees a day, which equates to roughly CDN$4. Illiteracy, inability to gain skills, and lack of access to other income-generating activities are the reasons why many families remain in poverty.
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Plans
Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:
  • Strengthen teachers skills to help them implement 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.
  • Strengthen parent-teacher associations to advocate for improved education and facilities.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Teach parents about appropriate feeding practices, as well as how to detect and treat malnutrition. Increase knowledge of how to detect and prevent early childhood illnesses.
  • Improve families access to quality maternal and child health care facilities and services, such as vaccinations and pre and postnatal care.
  • Support community health agents and other 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 improving sanitation and hygiene practices.


Economic Development
To ensure parents in Dungarpur can provide for their families, World Vision will partner with the community to:
  • Empower adult men and women to learn new skills and establish alternative income-generating activities.
  • Promote the rehabilitation of land through collective farming and techniques to conserve water and soil.
  • Increase crop diversity and the use of modern technologies to increase food security and crop yields.
  • Promote the use of agro-based means of income, like livestock rearing.
  • Ensure adolescents also have access to various skills-based income-generating activities and training.
  • Improve community members ability to organize, facilitate, and manage saving groups.
  • Increase household income through access to loans and business services.
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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.