Missirah Project, Senegal

See the progress you helped make happen in your sponsored community

When the project started, less than half of all parents were enrolling their children in first grade and there was a shortage of teachers and learning resources. 12 percent of children under five were malnourished and most families could not afford healthcare.

Thanks to your support, your sponsored child and other children in the Missirah community have improved access to education, nutritious food and healthcare.

Together we've achieved so much

The 2016 enrolment rate for first grade was 100 percent in 2016

This is up from 45 percent in 2013 and came after parents became more aware of the importance of education.

  • Children have improved their literacy after 162 teachers were trained in languages and mathematics and underwent increased supervision by local education inspectors.
  • Five reading corners were established in schools to improve literacy, while children in seven schools received stationery and school supplies. This contributed to a reduction in the number of children dropping out of school due to a lack of school materials.
  • 132 school committee members were trained on their responsibilities to ensure that the quality of education is maintained after the end of the project.

Acute child malnutrition dropped from 12 percent to 3 percent between 2013 and 2016

This followed a major nutrition program that helped parents learn about child health and good hygiene and nutrition practices.

  • 13 nutrition rehabilitation and learning centres were opened where over 2,000 children were treated for malnutrition while parents learned how to cook healthy meals.
  • 473 pregnant women attended the recommended four antenatal check-ups in 2016, a big improvement on previous years. This is helping to reduce maternal and child mortality in the area.
  • 91 percent of children aged under two were immunised in 2016, up from 35 percent in 2013, after awareness-raising sessions on the importance of vaccination were led by local leaders, nurses and community health workers.

66 percent of children now have birth certificates

This is up from 45 percent in 2014 and it means that more children can access government services.

  • Children, community members and faith leaders have been trained how to address and report child protection issues including abuse and violence. 57 education sessions were conducted to train 4,979 children and 796 parents, caregivers and faith leaders.
  • 18 child protection committees were established and members trained in child protection and laws around reporting abuse.
  • 44 local faith leaders were trained how to identify and discourage child abuse, neglect and exploitation, and spread messages around child protection to their congregations.

"Thanks to World Vision, my school has enough teachers."

- Samba, school principal