FAQs

We are quick to respond to disasters, but we also focus on helping to rebuild the lives of disaster-affected families and communities over the long term. Large-scale disasters often leave hundreds of thousands of people homeless and vulnerable. While emergency relief is necessary and saves lives, it is not enough.

We help disaster survivors by assisting their transition from relief mode to recovery and rebuilding mode. This recovery and rebuilding phase involves a transition to permanent housing, clean water, sustainable sources of food, access to education, and re-established livelihoods. We work to ‘build back better’ so that people are in a better position than they were prior to the disaster taking place.

World Vision offices in disadvantaged countries receive many requests from communities living in poverty. When we are approached by a group or community for help, we look at the level of need, and if any other aid agencies are supporting them. We then discuss with them their greatest needs and which solutions might bring maximum benefit to the whole community.

It takes many months of planning and discussion before the aims and goals are formed and the project established. These are led by the community and we work to ensure that they have ownership of the positive changes we will together make in their community. Even once the needs have been identified and the priorities established, the project is funded for two years before being opened for sponsorship, to ensure communities are prepared and relationships are established. 

It’s a great idea to ask your Sponsored Child questions in your letter. It lets them know you are interested in their life. You can ask things like:

• What are your favourite activities or subjects at school?
• Is your school close by or do you have far to travel? 
• Do you know anything about New Zealand?
• What do you like to do in your spare time?

Yes! Your Sponsored Child would treasure a photo of you and your family. 

Please be sensitive when choosing which photo to send, as standards of clothing and modesty vary greatly in other countries.