Samrong Tong Area Program

The community of Samrong Tong is home to over 20,000 people, more than half of which are children and youth under the age of 18.

Lack of proper food, clothing, health care, and protection leaves children extremely vulnerable to malnutrition, sickness, and rights violations. The most vulnerable families are marginalized and face harsh living conditions, residing in unsafe homes. Lack of income often increases the likelihood that children will drop out of school in order to earn money to help support their family.

Labour puts children at risk of being not only overworked and neglected, but also exposed to physical abuse and violence. 82% of Samrong Tong's population farms for a living and depends on rice crops, poultry-raising, and sugar palm production for income and food.

The land, however, is sandy and often limits crop production, making it hard for farmers to provide for their families. Additionally, drought and the destruction of natural resources have lessened food production and depleted water sources in the area. Children's wellbeing is threatened in this environment.

Livelihoods
Many families do not have the necessary resources and information to feed their children a healthy diet. 76% of families cannot regularly secure enough food for each member at all. There are also high rates of stunting in the province, affecting 42% of children under the age of five. This indicates micronutrient malnutrition.

Health
A key concern in Samrong Tong is health care. New and expecting mothers in the community have limited access to health care services and information on good maternal health practices. Local health centres are not equipped with proper waiting rooms, delivery rooms, or medical equipment. Additionally, many pregnant women have not had the opportunity to learn about pre and postnatal care, including healthy birth spacing and up-to-date health care options.

Education
In Samrong Tong, children often drop out of school to work in industries, such as the garment sector, so that they can make money and support their family. Many of these children cannot read or write at the appropriate age level, and most don't pursue academic goals or career paths. There are few resources available to help youth learn practical life skills, and few groups to advocate for their education. Schools in the community also face challenges in educating and supporting children. Teachers lack the capacity, learning resources, and instructional training to provide students with a good quality education. Weak leadership and organization within the school is also negatively impacting children's ability to learn.

Child Protection & Participation
An incredibly important issue in Samrong Tong is the need for enforced child protection. Almost half of all the children who are involved in child labour are from families suffering from the worst levels of poverty. Children in this community experience domestic violence and child abuse, and many lack birth certificates. Child protection systems are non-existent. Often, members of the community lack a thorough understanding of children's rights and children and youth end up voiceless as a result. Many community members value the short-term benefits of child labour as a positive contribution over the long-term benefits education could provide. Children and youth often don't participate in development activities and are not invited into community conversations about issues surrounding their own rights. There are only a few children's and youth groups, and even fewer families who would encourage their children to join.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
Dirty water and poor environmental sanitation are common in Sarong Tong. When combined with a lack of information on good hygiene, this makes it difficult for families to lead healthful lives.

Livelihoods
In partnership with families and sponsors, World Vision will work with the community to:

• Provide parents and caregivers with information about proper nutrition for children.

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

• Improve the quality, availability, and accessibility of health services for children and community members.
• Provide parents with information about the benefits of maternal health.
• Improve communication between community members, local leaders, and the government to enhance the quality of health services and information provided.

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

• Empower teachers with additional training, resources, and support.
• Ensure children and youth participate in school and increase their understanding of life skills.
• Promote the value of education by supporting the development of student councils and youth and children's groups.
• Improve families economic sustainability so that they can pay their students school fees.
• Improve the management in school systems.

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

• Protect the most vulnerable children from any form of violence, abuse, or exploitation.
• Strengthen the capacity of parents, caregivers, and child protection groups to protect children and respond effectively to existing rights violations.
• Improve access to basic services for vulnerable children.
• Nurture positive communication and interactions between children, their families, community members, and sponsors.
• Monitor the presence, participation, health, and education of children in cooperation with community groups.

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene
In partnership with sponsors, World Vision will work with families in the community to:

• Supply clean water to families.
• Promote hygiene and sanitation practices to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.