8 Reasons to Have Hope in 2018

Hope is infectious, even healing. But in a world that’s often dark, what is there to be hopeful for? Here are 8 reasons to have hope right now in 2018.

1. World Vision has partnered with the U.N. and other organisations to launch the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children.

Together, we will support the efforts of those seeking to prevent violence, protect childhood, and help make societies safe for children. By 2030, we hope to end abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence and torture against children.

2. We are working toward a more open, inclusive, and fair world for people with disabilities by 2030.

Individuals with disabilities can face a lot of barriers — in their living environment, in the form of outdated laws and policies, and in the attitudes and prejudices of people in their community. But now five of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals created by the United Nations address needs in sectors such as education, economic growth, employment, governance, and infrastructure. World Vision operates disability-specific programming as well as disability-inclusive programming around the world.

3. Innovative technology is transforming remote communities around the world.

Mobile technology and other innovations allow humanitarian organisations to work better and smarter, improving efficiency so more resources can help people in poverty and communities in crisis. World Vision is expanding its efforts to apply new methods and technologies for development work. Over the past five years, World Vision has launched 22 pilot projects in more than a dozen countries. These pilot projects provide a way to take innovative solutions developed at a grassroots level and test them for potential scale-up into vital programs like Last Mile Mobile Solutions — developed by World Vision and now being used by a dozen other organisations — which is revolutionizing how disaster survivors receive food, cash assistance, and relief supplies in their time of greatest need.

4. Extreme poverty is giving up ground.

In the last 20 years, the number of children dying around the world from things they shouldn’t — from hunger and poverty and disease — has dropped from more than 30,000 a day to just under 16,000. And the number of people living in extreme poverty, those living on less than HK$15 a day, dropped by more than 1 billion. Now the world’s nations have set an ambitious goal of eliminating extreme poverty by 2030, and we are joining them in this important work.

5. The standard for a basic education has changed from simply attending school to ensuring students can read, write, and do basic math.

World Vision’s programs prioritize equitable access for all and measurable learning outcomes, so we can ensure children have the education they deserve — and a solid start to reach their potential.

6. Restored relationships are possible — even in the worst of situations.

In April 1994, when Rwanda erupted into violence, neighbour turned on neighbour, family turned on family, and love turned to hate. The genocide turned friends, like Andrew and Callixte, into enemies.

After Callixte was part of a group that killed Andrew’s wife’s entire family, Andrew turned him in to the authorities. Callixte was imprisoned. Yet after going through training in peace and reconciliation, the two men are as close as brothers again.

7. Mothers around the world are tapping into their vast potential.

With World Vision's help, mothers around the world are growing, harvesting, and preparing food to make their children healthy and their communities more prosperous. We’re providing them with the economic tools and training they need to build a brighter financial future.

8. As one of the largest Christian humanitarian organisations in the world, World Vision has the infrastructure, experience, and partnerships needed to bring about lasting change.

Our staff worldwide — 95 percent of them working in their home regions — apply 67 years of field work to transforming lives. We work in more than 1,600 programme areas in nearly 100 countries. Our integrated model addresses the many causes of poverty, and our tailored approach is community-based and community-owned.

Saviour, You have prepared this good work for us to do. Thank You for the people who share their resources so we can help empower the poor. Show them what amazing things their gifts are doing in the lives of children in need around the world. Bless them as they bless the poor.

Published on 20 Jan 2018