Where does World Vision operate & work?

We go where the need is greatest

For 30 years, the number of people living in extreme poverty dramatically reduced. But crises like Covid, conflict and climate change, have reversed the steady reduction of global poverty. It is estimated that the pandemic pushed 70 million people into poverty; in places where children suffer the most and not all organisations can reach. But World Vision can.

Backed by people like you, the places we work can include some of the most fragile and remote places on earth, reaching the most vulnerable and marginalised children and their communities. Children are born to thrive and enjoy life in all its fullness – and we will not stop until every child can reach their dreams.

Where does World Vision operate?

Learn about World Vision's work across five continents, the different challenges we’re supporting communities to address, and how you can help transform children's lives.

6 Kenyan children enjoy playing happily, holding hands and skipping around in a circle

We work in Africa

We work across sixteen countries with vulnerable children, facing hunger, drought and conflict.

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2 year old girl is held by her mother, who both look into the camera. She suffered from malnutrition when they first arrived in Bangladesh as refugees but now is a healthy weight.

We work in Asia

We support children in Asia to recover from disasters, exploitation and malnutrition.

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An Afghan boy, 8, smiles widely and displays to the camera the blue shirt he has received in a gift package. He is surrounded by other packages.

We work in the Middle East

We support children in the Middle East facing poverty, child marriage and domestic violence.

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A child smiles at the camera as she pretends to fly in front of a rainbow in Bolivia

We work in Latin America

We work across seven countries with children facing lack of clean water and basic healthcare.

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Albanian girl and her support teacher play with the new equipment provided for the Development Space to help children, especially those with disabilities, reach their full potential.

We work in Europe

We support the children of Eastern Europe facing poverty, child marriage and domestic violence.

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How we help communities

We care for every child. In particular, we’re focused on helping the most vulnerable; including those living in the world’s hardest places and most at risk of poverty, exploitation and abuse.

We focus on the root causes of poverty and violence

providing clean water, vital health services and income-generating training

We work locally - Most of our staff work in their home regions

so they know the culture, language and communities they're working alongside

We go in fast when needed, and stay as long as we’re needed

staying for up to 10 years until families are self-sufficient and thriving

Your support transforms lives

Thanks to donors’ kindness, in 2022 World Vision UK supported over 3 million people, including over 1.3 million children, by tackling the root causes of poverty.

What your support does:

A girl in South Sudan smiling at the camera

Ajak's Story

Ajak dreams again

Ajak got married at the young age of 15, meaning that she never had the chance to go to school. Child marriage has been a common practice in her community and Ajak once believed that her future depended on marrying well and making her parents proud. “I grew up believing that girls are born to make their parents proud through marriage,” explains Ajak.

Girls living in South Sudan, especially those in remote areas, are facing unique barriers keeping them from getting an education, with their value often measured through the dowry system. Now a mother of three, Ajak has come to realise the importance of getting an education and regrets her decision to marry early.

South Sudanese woman smiling with a notebook in a classroom

Ajak's Story

World Vision steps in

Fortunately for Ajak, it wasn’t too late for her to go back to school. World Vision’s Education Cannot Wait (ECW) programme was set up in her community. The programme established child protection help desks in eight schools to support children who are at risk of child abuse, exploitation and violence. Ajak discovered this programme and expressed her interest but found it difficult to convince her husband and parents – thankfully, she persisted and was allowed to take part.

One of Ajak’s school teachers, Achiul’s shares: “The lean seasons, July to August, is the time most girls are forced into marriages as people suffer from hunger. The programme is saving many girls from early marriage.”

Two South Sudanese women and three children sit on the floor outside their home

Ajak's Story

A brighter future

“For the first time, I feel fulfilled doing something for myself,” she explains. “I am determined to complete my secondary level and find a way to proceed to university.” She hopes her children can go to school too.

Now, Ajak is looking ahead to a brighter future for herself and her children.

How you can transform lives

Child Sponsorship

Together, we can protect the most vulnerable children around the world. Child Sponsorship operates in 19 countries, across four continents. Join us in sponsoring a child today and transform a life forever.

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Having that personal connection to a child and her community...It gives you back so much more than the amount it costs each month.

Jerome Flynn

Actor and World Vision Supporter

Children in danger right now

Some countries are considered too fragile for an ongoing child sponsorship programme. Children in these places urgently need our help - and we are driven to go where the need is greatest. Join us in helping vulnerable children by donating regularly - starting from just £5/month. We will ensure it goes to those that need it the most.

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