World Vision’s signature approach to fighting poverty and transforming lives is achieved by determining Area Development Programs (ADPs). Clearly identifying where we will work and who we will be working with is key to our success.

While the focus and structure of each ADP can vary enormously, they have these common characteristics:

• ADPs operate in clearly defined geographical areas.Typically, an ADP may cover a rural municipality or an urban suburb with a population of between 20,000 to 40,000 people.
• Child sponsorship is the principal funding source of ADPs. The community selects 2,000 to 4,000 children to be sponsored, usually from the poorest families. Sponsors are then found for these children and the sponsors' contributions are pooled to fund activities designed to benefit all children and families in the community.
• A unique strength of ADPs is their longevity. ADPs typically run for 10 to 15 years and this enables World Vision to build strong relationships with community members and to lay solid foundations that can bring about lasting positive changes. Before starting an ADP, World Vision staff will spend many months working with the community to identify their needs and together plan responses.
• ADPs are designed to be sustainable. Community organisations, families and individuals share in program leadership from the start. This helps to equip and motivate communities to continue development work after World Vision leaves the area.

Development activities carried out in ADPs respond to specific local needs. They may focus on clean water, education, agriculture, preparing for natural disasters, healthcare, income generation or leadership skills. Activities that help communities to influence government policies and practices may also be included.

Child sponsorship enables World Vision to take a comprehensive approach to improving the lives of children through long-term development work that focuses on strengthening families and entire communities.