The Nawada district (pop. 1.14 million) is located in the southern part of India’s Bihar State, 110km from the capital city of Patna. World Vision is focusing on five areas of the Hisua region, as well as about 25,000 people in need in a neighbouring semi-urban area. The ADP will benefit more than 65,600 people directly and indirectly. The majority of people belong to the Musahar group (meaning ‘rat eater’), a formerly untouchable caste with little or no access to resources.

Income generation and economic development

The people of Nawada depend heavily on waged labour in the agricultural and non-agricultural sectors. They migrate regularly in search of employment elsewhere. World Vision and the community aim to improve the existing local economy through skills’ and vocational training opportunities, and entrepreneurship development, especially for women through the formation of self-help savings groups. Marginal farmers will be assisted with dry-land development, access to water and training in multi-crop production and animal husbandry.

Health

Some of Nawada’s major health issues include malnutrion (almost 60 per cent of children under 3 are underweight), a lack of awareness about the prevention and management of diarrhoea, malaria and pneumonia, and no adequate health facilities within 5km to 10km of the target areas. World Vision promotes the establishment of community health committees and clinics, and the training of village health workers. It also raises awareness about breastfeeding and immunisation, increases knowledge about HIV and AIDS prevention and care, and improves water and sanitation.

Education

A poor education system in Nawada has led to children dropping out of school. World Vision works in partnership with the community to improve the learning environment, form parent-teachers’ committees and raise awareness about the importance of education, especially for girls. World Vision plans to establish community study centres aimed at literacy education, and create various options for learning such as preschools, formal and non-formal education facilities, and vocational training centres for youth.

Sustainable development

With the financial support of World Vision New Zealand, World Vision India started researching the need for an ADP in Nawada in 2007. World Vision’s partnership with the Nawada 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.

World Vision plans to create various options for learning in Nawada, such as preschools, formal and non-formal education facilities, and vocational training centres for youth.
Kaikho Ashuni

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