Kankossa

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Coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on World Vision operations

In support of public health recommendations outlined by the World Health Organization, some sponsorship program activities have been temporarily suspended due to COVID-19. Activities may include sponsor queries and correspondence, sponsor visits, gift notifications and gift deliveries. These temporary suspensions may affect the information you receive from us in the coming weeks and months. Learn more about our response to COVID-19.

The community of Kankossa has graduated

In 2020, the community transitioned from sponsorship to self-sufficiency and World Vision is no longer on site. Because of the dedication and partnership of Canadians like you, local people and organizations have been equipped to continue leading the community’s development – and that is something to celebrate!

Community
Impact

With the help of your generous and loving support, life in Kankossa has transformed. Children and families are much stronger now. The community has met its goals, and its members are working together to tackles new ones. Your support will have a lasting impact for years to come.

The Kankossa community is located in the south of Mauritania, approximately 700 km away from Nouakchott, the capital city. It is very dry and heavily affected by desertification. People in the area are generally dispersed and live in homes made of mud or in tentlike structures that can be opened up in the hot season to allow cool airflow.

Most people work in agriculture and livestock activities to earn their living. Recurrent droughts and irregular rainfall, however, have led people to engage in other work, such as trade and low paying seasonal jobs to provide for their families. Households spend 75% of their income on food.

As a result of chronic food shortages, many residents leave Kankossa for larger cities and other neighbouring countries in search of a better life. Men in particular will often leave their wives and children for several months at a time to look for casual labour and send money home to their families. This increases the burden on women left behind, as they become the sole caretakers for their families.

Thanks to the generosity of Canadian sponsors like you, life in Kankossa has improved. Your support will have a lasting impact for years to come. Let’s celebrate these accomplishments!

Education

School retention rate increased from 30% in 2004 to 93% in 2018
In 2018, 84% of students in grade 6 can read as compared to only 8% in 2004
10 literacy centers are operating in 10 villages enabling 392 children who had no chance to go to school to read and write
8 classrooms were constructed benefitting 1,959 school children

Health and Nutrition

The proportion of children who received complete vaccinations before their first birthday increased from 45% to 78% in eight years
7,174 children were vaccinated to protect themselves against preventable diseases
6 health facilities were built and equipped with latrines, water points, incinerators and wash basins
1,573 malnourished children were enrolled in nutritional programs and monitored to ensure they are growing healthy
Percentage of mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding stands at 94% in 2018

Child Protection

93% of young people feel that their community is a safe place
178 children received birth certificates, ensuring their access to basic rights and services like health and schooling
378 people learned about child rights and protection issues, helping ensure children’s safety and participation
12 cases of child abuse were reported and addressed during the year

*Results for this community updated for 2020

Explore Kankossa

current conditions

To protect the privacy of children, this map shows only the general area of the community, not the exact location.

Life cycle of a sponsorship community

Kankossa, is in Phase 3

PHASE 1: Building the foundation

With local leaders, we assess the community's needs and resources, plan projects to provide long term solutions. Sponsorship and development opportunities begin.