Our history (Overview)

Our history

World Vision was founded in 1950 by the Reverend Bob Pierce in response to the needs of Korean War orphans.

To provide long-term, ongoing care for children in crisis, World Vision developed its first child sponsorship programme in Korea in 1953. As children began to flourish through sponsorship in Korea, the programme expanded into other Asian countries and eventually into Latin America, Africa, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. 

Through the decades, World Vision has become a leader in the field of relief and development. Over 20,000 full and part-time staff members implement programmes of emergency relief, education, healthcare, economic development, and promotion of justice in almost 100 countries. World Vision is a living tribute to Pierce's work.