As funding declines and hunger rises, new research from World Vision, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP), shows that household self‑reliance—or the ability to provide for basic needs without external assistance, protects children from hunger, child labour, early marriage, school dropout, and family separation.

In the Shadow of Hunger: The Power of Self-Reliance to Protect Children and Restore Hope

This report highlights the progress made in various areas, guided solely by the goal of empowering children and vulnerable communities through the work of World Vision Senegal.

Nobubelo, 11, is rediscovering the joy of learning through digital education and refurbished classrooms. With improved learning spaces and access to technology, she is gaining confidence, knowledge, and new opportunities for a brighter future. Her story highlights the power of investing in education to transform children’s lives.

World Vision is helping girls like Juliet, 12, from Malawi stay in school by addressing period poverty through reusable sanitary pads. Juliet once missed classes because her family could not afford disposable pads, which cost about K2,000 ($1.15) per packet. World Vision trained and equipped mother groups on the production of reusable sanitary pads, which has turned out to be a transformative solution. As a result, girls are attending classes with confidence, absenteeism has reduced, and hygiene practices have improved across the school.

World Vision Malawi has improved access to clean water at Carmushka Primary School in Phalombe through the construction of a borehole that is benefiting 896 learners. For years, pupils depended on a single community water source which led to long queues and delayed lesson time, affecting learning and school routines. With the new borehole now within the school premises, learners are spending less time fetching water and more time in class, while hygiene conditions have significantly improved.

As we gear up for #WorldEnvironmentDay, World Vision Zambia is celebrating the young changemakers taking the lead in climate action. Children are no longer passive participants; they are key players in building climate resilience and championing climate-smart initiatives in their communities.

In northwest Syria, displaced children face hunger, lost identity, and no education—while shrinking aid threatens a generation’s future.

In South Sudan, girls like Shufa are forced from school into labour—hunger and displacement push millions of children’s futures to the brink.

Legislators from Mozambique’s Assembly of the Republic engage with children and community members in World Vision project implementation areas to exchange experiences and better understand how social accountability approaches are enhancing service delivery.