World Vision Australia understands that there are no silver bullets, or one-size-fits-all approaches to addressing Indigenous disadvantage. But there are local solutions to local problems, linked in to regional, state and national frameworks.

In accordance with our core values, World Vision's programming in Indigenous communities aims to tackle the causes of Indigenous disadvantage and transform the lives of children and their communities. Our work has emphasis in four key areas.

 

1. Child-focused development

Our international development experience has shown that the opportunities provided to children in their early years are crucial to determining lifelong outcomes. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are not able to access opportunities other Australian children take for granted. Early childhood care and development programs, mentoring for at-risk children, and fostering youth development and leadership are some of the activities World Vision undertakes in this area.  

 

 

2. Socio-economic development

World Vision recognises that socio-economic status plays a significant part in the wellbeing of children, families and communities. 'Closing the gap' between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians requires addressing many concerns, and not only those in the area of health. The key is to improve the socio-economic status of Indigenous Australians by increasing relative income, education and employment levels. Toward this, World Vision is implementing a home ownership project, and encouraging employment and enterprise through the Indigenous art sector.

 

 

3. Governance and Practice

Governance in Indigenous communities can be considerably intricate. Indigenous affairs  describes a complex institutional, cultural and bureaucratic landscape. Indigenous communities need to develop the capacity to negotiate this landscape. World Vision works with Indigenous communities to develop leadership skills and governance ability.

 

 

4. Environment

World Vision believes that remote Indigenous communities are likely to be disproportionately disadvantaged by environmental degradation and climate change. Yet many Indigenous communities have specialist knowledge and skills that can be drawn on to respond to climate change and biodiversity loss. World Vision is exploring project opportunities in Indigenous Australia: looking at ‘green jobs’; and working on country in natural resource management and climate change adaptation and mitigation.