World Vision’s work in South Africa began in 1967. Initially the focus was on raising funds for child care projects in South Africa and elsewhere in the region. From the 1980s, project activities shifted towards community development, including water and sanitation, income generation, appropriate technology, and emergency relief.
There are currently six projects supported by World Vision Australia in South Africa:
- Three child sponsorship projects
- One project co funded by AusAID, the Australian Government's overseas aid agency, and the Australian public
- Two projects funded by Australian donors
A brief description of two of the projects World Vision Australia supports:
Embo
In this part of KwaZulu Natal, unemployment is high and there are few opportunities for parents to find ways of supporting their families. As a result, many children are malnourished. Embo project staff have worked with the local people to provide training in small scale agriculture. Vegetable gardens and animal husbandry have helped to improve families’ nutrition.
A number of residents have also received training in entrepreneurship and assistance to set up small business ventures. This has been on an individual basis (eg. poultry raising) or for groups (eg. sewing and craft groups). These activities provide valuable opportunities for people to supplement their incomes.
Because HIV/AIDS is widespread in the area, education on HIV/AIDS prevention is another main focus of the project. Community members are also supported in helping to look after people living with HIV/AIDS.
Health and education also receive attention, with children assisted to access local health services and education facilities.
Ixopo Community Water and Sanitation Project
Very few households in this part of KwaZulu Natal province have access to any sort of sanitation or clean water supplies. A limited number of boreholes and unprotected wells are the sole source of water for the entire population of over 21,000.
Inadequate water and poor sanitation services increase household living costs, lower income earning potential, and damage people’s well being. Lack of water, sanitation and hygiene also reduce children’s school attendance due to illness. The prevalence of HIV/AIDS, combined with the limited access to clean water and sanitation puts community members at significant risk of ill health. These issues also have a direct impact on the community’s poverty levels.
The Ixopo project seeks to address these issues by working with the community in a range of activities, in co operation with the child sponsorship project operating in the area.
Community members are trained to construct, maintain and manage potable water facilities, such as boreholes, water tanks and protected springs. Project staff support and train community members to construct VIP (ventilated improved pit) latrines and rubbish pits. Most importantly, hygiene promotion and education equip people to improve their hygiene practices.
This project is funded under the AusAID NGO Cooperation Program, in which the Australian Government provides 75% of funds, and public donations provide 25%.
Note: Other World Vision projects within South Africa are funded by other World Vision funding offices. The above information only relates to projects funded by World Vision Australia.
Date: August 2006
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