The Mayurbhanj community programme
The Mayurbhanj community development programme is located in the
foothills of Similipal National Park in the northern region of
Orissa state. World Vision reaches 60 villages, with a combined
population of more than 30,422. World Vision's partnership with
Mayurbhanj started in 1995 and will be concluded at the end of
2012, as the community is almost fully equipped with the resources
and skills to take ownership of its own development. In the past
year, significant improvements were made in the final focus areas
of education, agriculture and water.
Issues covered: Education, agriculture
and water
Updates on World Vision's work
Education
- Throughout the programme, 3223 students were supported by World
Vision with school uniforms to help reduce school dropout rates and
improve enrolment. This step encouraged the district education
department also to support students with uniforms, especially the
girls, to encourage their education.
- 687 students attended career counselling sessions organised by
World Vision to encourage students who had dropped out of school to
return and help them think about their future.
Agriculture and water
- 150 farmers from 10 villages received training in goat rearing,
bee keeping and modern farming methods to help them improve their
families' nutrition and household income.
- 20 wells have been renovated and now provide 260 families with
clean and safe water within walking distance. Access to clean water
also helps reduce water-borne diseases like diarrhoea.
Life on
the ground in Mayurbhanj
Taking students into the 21st century
All students of Rangamatia High School now
receive computer training and great news is that school enrolment
has increased significantly.
Rangamatia High School is one of the oldest and most respected
high schools in Mayurbhanj. This school has been home to tribal
children in the Similipal forest for many years and has produced
numerous outstanding citizens in its proud history. To continue
building on the school's achievements, World Vision and the
community started a computer education project in 2007. With the
support of New Zealanders who sponsor children in the area, the
community appointed a teacher and each family contributed to his
salary. All students of the school now receive computer training
and the school enrolment has increased significantly. In addition,
parents and teachers are taking an active interest in the
children's education. Parents contribute tuition fees, and a
community management committee oversees the smooth running of the
computer centre. The Mayurbhanj community is delighted with the
school's progress and confident about the students' future.
India at a glance
India is the world's second most populous country and the
seventh largest country by area. Since the I980s, India has been
making unprecedented progress in its own history, but there are
still wide disparities in access to healthcare, education and
infrastructure. The number of poor living below NZ$2 a day has
increased from 421 million in 1981 to 456 million in 2005.
