Frequenty asked questions PDF Print E-mail

Does World Vision work with others in Sri Lanka?
Where does the money come from?
Who holds World Vision in Sri Lanka accountable for how it spends money?
What types of projects does World Vision do in Sri Lanka?
What is an ADP?

What does "child-focused" mean?
Does World Vision proselytize?
Is being or becoming a Christian a prerequisite for receiving help?
Is World Vision formally tied to or a subsidiary of any other entity?
How long has World Vision been in operation?

Do people living in project communities pay to participate in World Vision projects?
Do World Vision projects create dependence on outside resources?

 

Does World Vision work with others in Sri Lanka?

Yes. In Sri Lanka, World Vision is working with:

  • Relevant government ministries and departments at national and provincial level
  • District secretaries and divisional secretaries of the respective areas
  • Community based leaders and institutions
  • Provincial and divisional councils and
    Local and international NGO s

We believe that partnering or building alliances with other organisations is a key to bringing significant and lasting change to communities. In an ADP, World Vision may decide to work either with one partner or more depending on the local situation and availability of competent partners.

Where does the money come from?

Almost 80 percent of World Vision's funding comes from private sources, including individuals, corporations and foundations. The remainder comes from governments and multilateral agencies.

Approximately half of World Vision's programmes are funded through child sponsorship.

Aside from cash contributions, World Vision accepts gifts-in-kind; typically food commodities, medicine, and clothing donated through corporations or government agencies.

Funding Partners of World Vision Lanka:

  • World Vision International Partnership supporting national offices of the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan and Japan
  • The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
  • The Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID)
  • The UN Food Program (UN – WFP)
  • The government of Sri Lanka – North East Irrigation and Agriculture Project (NEIAP) and North East Community Restoration and Development Project (NECORD)
  • The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • Refugee International Japan (RIJ)


Funding Partners of Lanka Tsunami Response Projects:

  • Partnership supporting national offices (apart from the offices which support World Vision Lanka programs) of China, Switzerland, Finland, Ireland, Malaysia, Netherlands, New Zealand
  • Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)
  • Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC)
  • Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH)

For further information about World Vision funding click here

Who holds World Vision in Sri Lanka accountable for how it spends money?

World Vision is accountable to those whom we serve, to their communities, to our donors and to our staff. As a Christian organisation, we are also accountable to God.

For development accountability, WV measures its work in communities against project designs and annual plans.

For financial accountability, internal and external audits and evaluations are conducted regularly to ensure efficient and effective use of resources. In addition to international and internal audit, finance in World Vision Lanka is audited by SJMS Associates, a firm of Chartered Accountants involved in training and developing Chartered Accountants for Sri Lanka for almost 30 years.

What types of projects does World Vision do in Sri Lanka?

In Sri Lanka World Vision focuses on:

  • Long term, participatory, integrated, sustainable and area based community development with focus on children, among poorest of the poor, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, race or gender
  • Emergency relief assistance to those affected by conflict and disaster
  • Advocacy and public awareness that lead to increased understanding, and
  • Institutionalized projects for street children

What is an ADP?

Child focused Area Development Programmes (ADP) are our primary approach to carry out transformational development in the community where we work. ADP is a long term development program (10 to 15 years) in which World Vision works with the poor and its partners in a specific defined, targeted geographical area to address micro and macro poverty issues in the areas of health, education, relief and disaster preparedness, conflict mitigation and peace building, food security and HIV/AIDS initiatives etc.

What does "child-focused" mean?

Child-focused development starts with the recognition that children are the future of any family, community and nation. It means improving the lives of children by dealing with the causes of their suffering, not just the symptoms. We recognize children do not live in a vacuum, but in a larger context of family and community, and our work impacts all of these.

For example, it is by resolving food insecurity issues in a community with irrigation systems, improved seeds and training to farmers that their children eat better and are healthier...not just this year, but in the foreseeable future.

Children are the most vulnerable members of any community. Project activities are always tailored to have maximum benefit for them.

Does World Vision proselytize?

World Vision does not proselytize.

World Vision respects the religious beliefs and practices in countries where it operates, and seeks mutual understanding with people of all faiths. We do not coerce nor demand that people hear any religious message or convert to Christianity before, during or after receiving assistance.

However, educational activities based on Christian values are included in World Vision projects if appropriate and desired by the community.

Whenever appropriate, World Vision works in partnership with local churches, Christian and other faith-based organizations in an effort to work inclusively and collaboratively within existing community structures.

Our focus is to respond to human need.

Is being or becoming a Christian a prerequisite for receiving help?

Never! World Vision's assistance is offered to all with no strings attached.

Is World Vision formally tied to or a subsidiary of any other entity?

World Vision is an independent private organization and is not formally affiliated with any government, denomination, foundation or corporation, though we maintain positive working relationships with all of these.

How long has World Vision been in operation?

World Vision was founded in 1950 by Dr Bob Pierce in response to the needs of Korean War orphans. Since then it has grown to include fund raising offices in countries in North America, Europe and the Far East. Lately, more and more offices in countries traditionally perceived as beneficiary nations are also raising their own funds.

Do people living in project communities pay to participate in World Vision projects?

Communities frequently contribute to development projects so they have a real sense of ownership and true participation. Give-aways have been proved not to work in development. They are taken for granted and, for the poor and disadvantage, undermine dignity. But when local people contribute materials and labour to build a school, with World Vision providing furniture, books and training for a local teacher, the community cares about that school. It is a source of pride. It also ensures lifestyle improvements will continue after World Vision's involvement concludes.

Do World Vision projects create dependence on outside resources?

No. Community development projects are specifically designed to be permanently sustainable with locally available resources, technology, materials and leadership. Families and individuals share in project leadership, responsibilities and activities from the start and are well equipped and motivated to continue in these roles when World Vision departs.

For more answers to your FAQs contact us.