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.
Security Crisis in Mali
A deepening security crisis and ethnic conflict is unfolding in Central Mali, forcing children into vulnerable and unsafe circumstances. The activity of radical groups has rendered some areas inaccessible to both government institutions and humanitarian organizations, while conflict between animal herders—the
Peulh—and farmers—the
Dogon—has erupted over land ownership and rights.
Because of the conflict, an increasing number of children and families have been forced to leave their homes. At least 80 primary schools have been shut down by radical groups, forcing children to flee and become separated from their families. Crops have been destroyed, water and sanitation activities have halted and accessibility to some sponsored communities, including Canadian-supported
Seno and
Toroly, has been cut off.
World Vision is working with partners such as the United Nations and the World Food Programme, to address critical needs including food assistance, water and sanitation, child protection and peacebuilding. For children and youth separated from their families, homestays and classrooms have been established, while the distribution of necessities and trauma support are currently being addressed.
As a result of inaccessibility and growing security concerns,
sponsor visits to Seno and Toroly have been put on hold until further notice. Staff have also advised that the processing of sponsor correspondence and
Special Gifts will be delayed.
Staff are continuing to engage government authorities and partners to determine next steps and ensure that children and their families experience a swift and complete resolution to this crisis.
For more information on the situation in Mali, please call us at
1-800-268-4888.
Mali is a drought prone country and many residents do not have access to safe drinking water. We help prevent children in Mali from contracting waterborne diseases by providing safe water to hundreds of communities. With farming as the main source of income for more than 70 per cent of the population, we promote the use of drought-tolerant crops and other approaches to help families withstand droughts and floods.
To empower women and increase family incomes, we provide microfinance assistance and make savings groups available to women’s associations. Education for children in Mali is another priority. We strengthen schools and support teachers to help children build their literacy skills.