Monday 5 January 2015

Latin America & the Caribbean (LAC)

The other region I am privileged to work in is, Latin America and the Caribbean. Here's a short intro to what we call LAC:

Our cause: Protected children promoting a more just and secure society.

Latin America and the Caribbean is the most urbanized region in the developing world, as three quarters of its population residing in cities and surrounding areas (World Bank, 2004).

UNICEF's "State of the World's Children 2005" reported that 44% of the population of Latin America and the Caribbean live below the poverty line, this rises to 56% among those under 19. About 27 million Brazilian children, who live below the poverty line, are in families with incomes below $100 per month.

The fight against poverty requires actions and solutions that should be implemented in all areas of society. Poverty can be reduced through policies that promote responsible government, support for micro, small-scale agriculture, income equality and access to credit, education and training. It should ensure equal opportunities for boys, girls, youth, women, the neediest communities and indigenous peoples.

World Vision seeks to improve the quality of life for children, families and communities through development and community organization in the region. Improvement of roads and housing, construction of plazas and parks recreation and drinking water facilities, drainage and irrigation, electricity facilities are achieved with the active involvement of the communities served.

World Vision's work in this region is divided into three clusters:
  • Central America: Mexico, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Cost Rica
  • South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Brazil
  • Caribbean: Haiti and Dominican Republic
At present, World Vision is working across a diverse and dynamic region to improve the lives of nearly 14.5 million of the most vulnerable children in Latin America and the Caribbean.