Barisal Area Program

The Barisal community is home to more than 100,000 people. Often flooded by rivers during the rainy season, community members struggle with temperature change and frequent natural disasters, such as cyclones. Most families depend on rain-fed farming for food and income. When harvests are small, food supplies run out, and families go hungry. Parents often move to larger cities to find jobs, while their children work in the fields or as maids.

Landless families often don't have access to sufficient food, clothing, health care, or education, which makes them very vulnerable. In urban areas, youth are unemployed and children aren't enrolled in school. Many are homeless, have few chances for future employment, and are at risk of being trafficked, forced into early marriage, or swayed into a life of crime.

Education
Less than half of children from rural areas of the community are enrolled in school. Many families cannot afford the fees or supplies, and parents tend to see more value in having children work than in their getting an education. This has led to a growing dropout rate. Girls in particular are at risk of leaving school, often because their parents believe there is greater security for them in marriage.

Schools lack organization, qualified teachers, and sufficient learning materials. The community has not created preschools or primary schools, and young students do not have opportunities to practice their reading, writing, and numeracy skills. In general, the quality of education children receive, if any, is very poor.

Health
More than half of children under the age of five in Barisal are malnourished, and the community is struggling to lower the child mortality rate. Parents often aren't able to buy enough food and medicine for their children, and they lack information on proper health care and nutrition practices. Teen mothers, many of whom married young, usually have children with low birth weight because they themselves are malnourished.

There are few health services available in Barisal, and families know little about those in existence. Health centres cannot buy equipment or improve their facilities, and many more trained doctors are needed.

Child Protection & Participation
In Barisal, children have no voice, even when it comes to issues that affect them. Parents in the community aren't aware of what rights children should have. Local children's groups have yet to create opportunities for children to participate in community planning and develop their leadership skills. In addition, there are few places for children to play safely.

Deeply rooted traditions often discriminate against children, and girls in particular, who are at risk of harmful practices such as early marriage, sexual abuse, and trafficking. Children whose parents are illiterate will often leave school to work and support household income.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
Diarrhea is a significant recurring illness among children, which is the result of limited access to clean, safe drinking water and latrines. Community members don't have information on how to improve their hygiene practices.

Education
To ensure children can access and benefit from quality education, World Vision will assist the community to: Increase students access to schools.

• Improve the quality of education for primary school students.
• Ensure toddlers have opportunities to acquire basic learning skills and that they are prepared for school.
• Improve the learning environment within schools to help increase enrolment.
• Promote the importance of education among community leaders, parents, and caregivers.

Health
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:

• Improve health and nutrition for children under the age of five, as well as new and expecting mothers.
• Restore health to malnourished infants and toddlers with appropriate nutrition and feeding practices.
• Educate mothers on how to prevent future malnutrition.

Child Protection & Participation
To ensure children and youth enjoy a safe and protected environment, World Vision will work to:

• Create a functioning community forum where children can discuss key issues and ideas about children's rights and protection.
• Promote children's rights among parents, caregivers, and community leaders.
• Monitor children to ensure they are protected and to reduce risks and disasters.
• Help parents in extreme poverty prioritize their families basic needs.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
With the partnership of Canadian sponsors and the community, World Vision will work to:

• Establish improved water and sanitation systems and promote proper hygiene practices.