Program organisation
Community participation
Financial management
Evaluation and monitoring

Program organisation
Like most development agencies, World Vision’s work is project-based. Relief projects may be short-term, while rehabilitation and development projects may last for five to ten years.

Earlier projects focused on small communities, but since the 1990s, Area Development Programs (ADPs) have been the project model. These work in clusters of neighbouring communities numbering several thousand people, in order to share resources and take greater advantage of increased knowledge and skills. Within an ADP, the aim is to empower people to become self-reliant through a range of activities which may include health improvements, agricultural training, small business workshops and leadership development.

World Vision often receives requests to assist poor communities; in other cases, we initiate contact. World Vision staff visit to assess needs, meet with key community members and discuss responses that are likely to have the greatest benefit for the community.

In consultation with the community, priorities are identified, a project designed and a budget prepared. A committee is selected by the community to manage the project over several years and to report regularly to World Vision staff on activities and expenditure.

Community participation
If the people being assisted are involved in planning the programs, they are more likely to have a sense of ownership and to participate in the project activities. World Vision is only a partner in this process: we provide a safety net, technical support and finance, but the people themselves work towards their own development.

Financial management
Accountability is central to our Christian commitment; we realise that people give money to World Vision expecting that we will use it efficiently and effectively for its intended purpose.

We are able to fulfil this trust through reliable staff in each country, who can account for the money right through to its use in the local community. Our internal and external audits assist in ensuring that donated funds and gifts are used for the purposes intended.

Evaluation and monitoring
World Vision staff prepare quarterly reports to check that programs and projects are on track and achieving their goals. Evaluations enable World Vision to make adjustments where necessary, learn from mistakes and ensure the continued effectiveness of our programs.