Nalanda is situated in the south-eastern part of Bihar state, about 90km from the capital city of Patna. Nalanda came to be recognised as a famous centre of Buddhist learning in India between the 5th century and 12th century. World Vision is focusing on Giriyak, an area comprising 43 villages and a total population of 75,000. The society is caste-based and many people have little or no access to resources.

Income generation and economic development

Subsistence agriculture is the mainstay of the local economy in Nalanda, but is insufficient to fulfil the nutritional needs of the families and provide adequate household income. So, people migrate in search of employment elsewhere. World Vision aims to improve economic development and nutrition by equipping community members to learn new skills. One focus area is the establishment of self-help savings groups to enable women to start small businesses.

Health

In Nalanda, a 64 per cent infant mortality rate is mainly caused by malnutrition, diarrhoea and the lack of vaccines for preventable diseases, such as measles and tetanus. World Vision works with the community to increase awareness and knowledge about maternal and child healthcare by forming community primary health committees and training community health workers.

Education

Inadequate school facilities, a lack of community ownership of education and long walking distances to school, are some of the major problems on the education front in Nalanda. World Vision and the community work in partnership to improve the learning environment and upgrade infrastructure. A special focus is on educating girls by addressing the issue of early marriage and making available scholarships for further study.

Sustainable development

With the financial support of World Vision New Zealand, World Vision India started researching the need for an ADP in Nalanda in 2007. World Vision’s partnership with the Nalanda ADP is envisaged to stretch over a period of 15 years. During this time, the community will work towards increased self-reliance. Once this objective has been achieved, World Vision will withdraw from the ADP and the community will take responsibility for its own development.

Inadequate school facilities, a lack of community ownership for education and long walking distances to school, are some of the major problems on the education front in Nalanda. World Vision and the community work in partnership to improve the learning environment.
Anish Premson

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