Frequently asked questions

About World Vision
What is an NGO?
Who is World Vision?
Is World Vision formally tied to any other entity?
Where in the Asia Pacific is World Vision working?
What types of projects does World Vision do?
How long has World Vision been in operation?
What does "child-focused" mean?
Is evangelism a part of World Vision's projects?
Do people living in project communities pay to participate in World Vision projects?
Do World Vision projects create dependence on outside resources?
Who can I contact if the answers I need are not listed here?

Sponsorship
What is child sponsorship?

Financials
How is World Vision funded?
How does World Vision spend its money in the Asia Pacific region?

What is an NGO?

NGO stands for non-governmental organisation and is a private organisation, independent from any government. NGOs often rely on donations to conduct their work and implement activities, which respond to a variety of needs and raise the quality of life of people living in poverty.

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Who is World Vision?

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian relief and development organisation working in some 100 countries across the globe. For us children come first and our vision is that they live life in all its fullness - and where they don’t, we aim to change hearts and wills to make it happen.

World Vision’s working style is to partner with children and their communities in some of the poorest parts of the earth to together improve lives and combat poverty.

At times of crisis World Vision also responds to the natural and man-made humanitarian disasters that so badly affect the young, their families and communities, by providing emergency aid and assistance.

Find out more...

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Is World Vision formally tied to any other entity?

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

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Where in the Asia Pacific is World Vision working?

World Vision is serving in 23 countries in the Asia Pacific Region. They are: Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, East Timor, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Solomon Island, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vanuatu, and Vietnam

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What types of projects does World Vision do?

World Vision projects may be grouped into three major areas:

1. Long-term sustainable community development focusing on meeting needs identified by the community itself, like clean water, education, health care, agricultural improvements and public hygiene;
2. Emergency relief, such as providing food, shelter and psycho-social care to survivors of natural or man-made disasters. Most relief projects are designed to transition smoothly into development activities; and
3. Advocacy and public awareness raising that is designed to address the root causes of poverty and injustice and partner with key stakeholders to bring about an improvement in policies and attitudes.

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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 Asia Pacific region. Lately, more and more offices in countries traditionally perceived as beneficiary nations are also raising their own funds.

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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 recognise 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, food insecurity issues might be resolved with irrigation systems, improved seeds and training to farmers so 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.

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Is evangelism a part of World Vision's projects?

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

Whenever appropriate, World Vision works in partnership with local churches, Christian and other faith-based organisations in an effort to work inclusively and collaboratively within existing community structures. Our focus is to respond to human need, and our compassion and professionalism reflect our faith.

World Vision is a signatory to the International Red Cross/Red Crescent movement stating that aid is given regardless of race, creed and nationality and on the basis of need alone.

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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 disadvantaged, 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.

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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.

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What is child sponsorship?

It is a one-to-one relationship between a sponsor and a sponsored child. Sponsors correspond with their sponsored child, receive regular reports on their progress, and even visit the child and his or her family and community.

Sponsorship provides resources which go into a programme, usually of 10 - 15 years in length, designed in collaboration with community leaders to address key needs in the community. Programs are child-focused but also benefit non-sponsored children and families.

Find out more...

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How is World Vision funded?

World Vision raises private and public funds. Contributions come from child sponsors, private donors, businesses and foundations and from government grants. Gifts-in-kind such as food, commodities, clothing and medicines are also donated by corporations or government agencies.

Find out more...

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How does World Vision spend its money in the Asia Pacific Region?

The funds given to World Vision are primarily spent with a focus on children and their communities. World Vision is at work in 23 countries in the region. Some of these countries raise the money, some spend it on programmes and some countries, like Thailand, India and the Philippines, do both.

Funds are also targeted at providing emergency relief and rehabilitation following natural or man-made disasters.

For more information please visit our What We Do and Where We Work pages.

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If you are not able to find out what you are looking for, feel free to contact us