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Guwahati Area Program

Sponsor a child

Program Type

Community Development

Planned Life Cycle

2013 - 2028

Location

India

Areas of Focus

Health | Livelihoods 

Program Timeline

Status: Active

Progress

1,481children and youth participated in groups and clubs, gathering with peers to develop new skills and positive values

Progress

1,271children attended early childhood development centres

Progress

1,264people had access to handwashing facilities at home or school

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

Program Details

Context

The Guwahati Urban community is located in the northeastern region of India. It is considered to be one of India's fastest developing cities. Many people migrate here from neighbouring rural communities in search of jobs, due to Guwahati Urban's growing commercial and industrial sectors.

Unfortunately, rapid urbanization has created multiple environmental problems like deforestation, which is contributing to soil erosion, flash flooding, and global warming. Clean water sources are scarce and ground water levels decline on an annual basis. Drainage and sanitation are major problems which negatively affect the health of children. Many families cannot adequately provide for their families, as a lack of education and opportunities prevent them from improving their economic situation.

...
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, providing quality education remains a challenge, and many children living in Guwahati Urban do not attend school as a result. Child labour is a big concern in Guwahati Urban, and if the community does not learn how to advocate for children's educational needs, youth will be more likely to drop out of school and work as daily wage labourers instead.

There aren't enough schools in the community to accommodate the number of school-age children. The schools that are there lack basic infrastructure, including washroom facilities. Other challenges include an inadequate number of trained teachers, as well as a shortage of teaching and learning materials. There is also a high student-to-teacher ratio, and teachers and students are often absent from school. Many children struggle with reading and numeracy skills, which limits their progression beyond primary school.

Health Care
The malnutrition rate among children in Guwahati Urban under the age of five is alarmingly high at 45%. Almost half of all children experience physical stunting and development delays due to malnutrition. Children's weakened immune systems in turn make them vulnerable to asthma, tuberculosis, and bronchitis.

Many children do not receive vaccinations to protect them from disease, and education about maternal and child health is inadequate. There aren't enough qualified health workers to provide education on important topics, such as obtaining birth registration certificates. Community members often have to travel long distances to reach health facilities, which deters them from seeking necessary assistance.

Water and Sanitation
Another major challenge in the Guwahati Urban community is the lack of safe, clean water, which leads to complications with 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 Guwahati Urban. Families earning an income usually do so as daily wage labourers or through small business trading. Most families cannot meet their basic needs since their earnings are low and irregular. Men and women alike earn around 200 rupees a day, which equates to roughly CDN$4. A high rate of illiteracy, a lack of skills training, and the scarcity of income-generating activities prevent families from improving their economic situations....
Plans
Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to:
  • Strengthen teachers skills to 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, especially girls, attending and staying in school.
  • Strengthen parent-teacher associations to advocate for improved education and school facilities.

Health Care
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:
  • Increase community members knowledge of appropriate feeding practices for children, as well as how to detect and treat malnutrition.
  • Provide education in detecting and preventing early childhood illnesses.
  • Improve 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 improved health facilities.

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

Economic Development
To ensure parents in Guwahati Urban can provide for their families, World Vision will partner with the community to:
  • Empower adult men and women to learn new skills and provide them with alternative sources of income.
  • Ensure adolescents also have access to various skills based income-generating activities.
  • Improve community members ability to organize, facilitate, and manage saving groups.
  • Increase household income with access to loans and business services.
...
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.