Citizen Voice and Action (CVA) is a transformative approach that empowers communities to actively participate in their development, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. Through the CVA model, community members identify their pressing issues, engage with duty bearers such as government officials and service providers, and work collaboratively to find sustainable solutions. This process ensures that development efforts are community-driven, lasting, and truly responsive to local needs.

What if early warning systems could reach the most remote communities before disaster strikes?

As climate induced disasters get more frequent and intense, proactive and community driven solutions have never been so urgent. Through Anticipatory Action, World Vision has empowered local actors to take preventative measures before disaster strikes.

Asia, 21, gained confidence through advocacy training to speak up for Sinjar’s needs—uniting voices for water, equality, and peaceful coexistence.

In the remote town of Ba’aj, Ninewa, 25-year-old Shakir grew up facing daily hardship, with limited access to water, electricity, and jobs. Like many others, he worked as a labourer, struggling to meet basic needs. When World Vision Iraq introduced an advocacy training through the Nexus Accelerator Fund, Shakir was initially sceptical, but the sessions empowered him and other youth to speak up about community issues. They raised awareness via local media and social platforms, resulting in small but meaningful changes, such as a reduction in water tanker costs. The training not only built knowledge but also sparked confidence and leadership. Today, Shakir is a vocal advocate, inspiring others to act. Through this initiative, 159 youth from Ba’aj and Sinjar have been trained in advocacy and peace-building. The project equips young people to raise their voices, organise around shared concerns, and contribute to long-term solutions in conflict-affected areas, fostering hope and resilience in marginalised communities.

This article highlights a powerful celebration of the Day of the African Child 2025 in Luwowoshi, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Organised by World Vision and local partners, the event gathered over 900 people, most of them children, around the theme: “Planning and Budgeting for Children’s Rights: Progress Since 2010.” Confronted with alarming issues such as child labour, violence, and dropping out of school, children spoke out with strength and emotion. They denounced the abuses they face, shared their dreams, and urged adults to ensure their right to education, protection, and well-being. Figures such as Nestor and Alicia, both 14, carried their peers’ voices through moving advocacy messages, calling for collective mobilisation towards a safer future. In concrete response, World Vision distributed nearly 600 school kits to vulnerable children, easing their return to school. The initiative was praised by teachers, who emphasised the need for community support to combat child hardship.

The Celebrating Families model helped Thapelo and his wife rebuild their home into a loving, peaceful place where their children now flourish.

Child-led report highlights how school meal feedback improved attendance, learning, and accountability in four countries

This article highlights the progress of a school feeding programme in the Greater Kasai region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. By promoting the use of locally grown, nutrient-rich crops such as cowpeas, cassava, and sweet potatoes, the initiative not only improves the nutritional quality of school meals but also strengthens community resilience and agricultural self-sufficiency. It showcases how different provinces like Kasaï Oriental, Kasaï Central, and Lomami are adapting crop choices based on local needs and market value. The article also emphasises the educational dimension of the programme and outlines how communities are taking ownership to sustain the initiative even during school holidays. Through a blend of nutrition, education, and local empowerment, the programme stands as a model for sustainable development.