http://meero.worldvision.org Latest news brought to you by World Vision's relief workers on the field. News that's so recent, you won't find it in your daily newspaper -- yet. en-us Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:58:14 +0200 info@meero.worldvision.org info@meero.worldvision.org World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:19:51 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1877&countryID=16 Some 2 million Iraqi refugees across the Middle East will spend a fifth World Refugee Day on June 20 far from home and even further from any prospect of return or a better life as their needs and rights continue to go largely unaddressed.
'Exposure to violence, instability and disrupted education characterise the childhoods of many of Iraq's refugee children – some of whom can no longer call Iraq home because of what they experienced there', says Siobhan Kimmerle, Programme Director for World Vision in Jordan. 'We must not turn our backs to their needs, which require long term interventions', she added.

Lack of prospects for Iraqi refugees to return because of instability, or to integrate into host communities, coupled with the effects of the global economic crisis, including rising food and commodity prices, are exacerbating their sense of vulnerability and displacement in countries like Jordan, which still hosts some 500,000 Iraqi refugees or 8% of its population, according to the UNHCR Global Report 2008.

Jordan's hospitality and generosity towards refugees has been significant, but so too has the strain on resources such as water, which is already lacking for its own population, as well as its already under-resourced health and education systems. Both the governments of Jordan and Syria claim that hosting Iraqi refugees has cost them up US$1 billion per year, according to the report 'Realizing protection space for Iraqi refugees: UNHCR in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon, January 2009'.

Despite hosting most of Iraq's refugees, neither Jordan nor Syria are signatories to the refugee convention. Iraqi refugees are therefore 'subject to the restrictive legislation applicable to foreigners, diminishing the likelihood that their basic rights are upheld', claims the same report.

Without access to a residence permit, refugees in Jordan can't work and their savings are quickly depleted. Many Iraqi refugee families in Jordan's second city of Zarqa, rely on supplementary food aid because their usual breadwinners can't find work or wages from the illegal casual work they resort to are low and irregular.

'Even with the food aid we do not have enough. I have a big family,' said Um Raed. 'It's not adequate, but it helps', added the mother of six. Her family was one of 1,250 families in Zarqa that received a monthly supplementary food ration from World Vision, funded by the Government of Germany.

'In our work with refugees around the world, World Vision prioritises the needs of the most vulnerable, especially children,' said Jeff Hall, Deputy Advocacy Director for World Vision's Middle East and Eastern Europe Region. 'We also take special steps to help the displaced live with dignity despite their rather precarious situation.'

Education for Iraqi refugee children in Jordan is also a significant need and key concern for World Vision, which is providing opportunities for informal learning, recreation and psychosocial support to children in the capital Amman, and the cities of Zarqa and Irbid.

"Iraqi children in Jordan are now permitted to attend any school but they are still competing for precious space in overcrowded classrooms, which impacts upon the quality of education children in Jordan receive. Students have also missed a lot of their schooling and need to catch up and then there are some families that can't afford the transport and school supplies or need their children to work to support the family', said Siobhan Kimmerle.

'World Vision is offering an education and recreation programme for 225 children in Zarqa, for example, because without extra tuition in Arabic, English and Maths, these refugee children would really struggle in school', she added.

According to a February 2008 study by the International Organisation for Migration, there is a growing need for psychosocial and psychological support for the refugee population in Jordan – a need that World Vision is trying to meet through recreation centres and Child Friendly Spaces that give children a safe and structured place to express themselves and experience a fuller childhood.

'Children need a place where they belong – for Iraqi refugee children in Jordan, home is a foreign concept – so these spaces and the opportunity to interact with other children are very important to their sense of wellbeing and development', explained Kimmerle.

World Vision's programmes are currently supporting some 4,000 Iraqi refugees in Jordan, half of whom are children. The organisation plans to provide assistance to around 15,000 refugees and impoverished Jordanians, but requires adequate funding to implement the activities focusing on food aid, education, psychosocial support and vocational training. World Vision's approach is designed to not only benefit the Iraqi refugees, but also the communities that are hosting them.

Relief and development projects across the Middle East, Central Asia, Balkans and Caucasus are also assisting thousands of refugees and displaced persons with a special focus on children.


Additional information

'At the end of August 2008 more than 300,000 people were registered with UNHCR in the countries surrounding Iraq. However, it is believed that a total of some one to two million Iraqis are living in these countries, mainly in Jordan and Syria. UNHCR is also involved with an estimated 2.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and some 42,000 refugees, including Palestinians, in Iraq. (UNHCR Iraq Situation Update August 2008)

'The largest displacement crisis in the Middle East since 1948, of approximately two million Iraqi refugees in the region, the UNHCR estimates that at present Syria hosts 1.2 to 1.4 million Iraqis, Jordan 500,000 to 600,000 and Lebanon 20,000 to 30,000.2 These countries have no specific legislation concerning refugees. ('Realizing protection space for Iraqi refugees: UNHCR in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon January 2009).]]> Despite now being allowed to attend school, some Iraqi refugee children remain out of school due to overcrowding or costs associated with schooling. Photo by Ashley Jonathan Clements. World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Thu, 25 Jun 2009 08:58:14 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1883&countryID=5 For almost 20 years the Disaster Preparedness Plans of the communities of Stepanavan Area Development Programme (ADP) have gone untouched, despite the recent history of earthquakes in this mountainous area. Perhaps just as alarming, no training programmes have been conducted for children and youth to increase their knowledge around disaster preparedness, first aid, and disaster response.
To help make these communities more prepared to face a disaster, World Vision Armenia joined with Lore Rescue Team and the Stepanavan branch of the Armenian Red Cross to run a Disaster Preparedness and Impact Mitigation project through the Churches in Partnership programme.

Children from 20 communities aged 14 to16 participated in training on disaster preparedness, first aid, and disaster response. 'The classes are very practical. We make the knowledge of children firmer through simulations. Now children know a lot about the risks their communities have and how they should act during the disasters', said Armen Arakelyan, president of Lore Rescue Team.

'I remember the devastating Spitak earthquake of 1988 when we lost many children because they were unaware of simple things and were unable to protect themselves. Many died not from appearing under the ruins but because of the dust. It would be enough to breathe through fabric and to stay alive. Now we can prevent', said Sergey Sahakyan, World Vision Armenia Humanitarian Emergency Affairs Expert.

Disaster preparedness plans initially drafted for the communities are outdated and only provide information related to the outbreak of conflict. Yet the mountainous terrain in this region is more likely to contribute to earthquakes, landslides, hailstones, strong winds, damaged roads and bridges. All of the preparedness plans developed are alike and do not reflect the unique needs of communities.

In addition to training programmes, Lore Rescue Detachment conducted risk assessments for all Stepanavan communities. Based on the assessment, Disaster Preparedness Plans are developed that include short and long term plans of action. The plans also explain the role of World Vision during the disasters.

'In the developed community it is easier for the villagers to confront disasters. We will continue implementing mini projects in the communities that will empower the communities to reduce their vulnerability', said Lianna Sargsyan, Stepanavan ADP manager.

'Apart from the natural disasters there are so many manmade hazards that do not have instantaneous effects but create serious difficulties. One of them is the garbage; we pour it into the rivers and gorges. Plastic bags and garbage are everywhere and we are unable to control the animals that feed next to the garbage. Communities are ready to struggle but we need help from professionals,' said the head of Gargar Community Karen Zalinyan.

Community members relayed their appreciation of seeing their children participating in simulations and learning from professionals how to be prepared for hazards and to give first aid. Special handbooks were distributed to children of different age groups to help them learn through games and puzzles.

'There are some rescue and humanitarian organisations that have the knowledge of disaster preparedness and response but we will not be able to reduce the risks and vulnerability unless we have not passed the knowledge to the communities. There are some cases that do not require big investments but can decrease the risks', added Sergey Sahakyan.]]> Head of Lore Rescue Team presents the Disaster Preparedness Plans to community leaders World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Mon, 22 Jun 2009 12:26:57 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1881&countryID=16 When social workers from two Palestinian refugee camps in north Lebanon first learned about World Vision’s new Caring for Caregivers project, they had trouble believing that the project was about meeting their needs and not just another technical training.
'We worked and lived [at the camps] under a lot of pressure, and we always thought 'who would possibly think of us?'' said Fatmeh Shahine social worker at the Najdeh non-governmental organisation (NGO). 'When we were informed about the idea, we couldn't believe that such a project came true. [So far] we have cried, laughed, played, explored our strengths and weaknesses and enjoyed trust and comfort.'

World Vision officially launched the Caring for Caregivers project Wednesday in Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp, to meet the needs of a group of people often overlooked when it comes to addressing the stress created by conflict.

'The NGO I work for tries to support us a lot, but what we actually needed is a project like this, that eases our built up pain,' said Ilham, another social worker.

A World Vision assessment conducted after months of fighting in Nahr el Bared Palestinian refugee camp which displaced thousands of people to the nearby Beddawi camp, showed that children and youth displaced by the conflict suffered from high levels of trauma because of the war. In addition, parents, teachers, and social workers have said that they were facing high levels of daily stress because they had to meet their own basic needs and those of the refugees.

'People who care for others affected by trauma often experience the same hardships themselves,' said Zeina el Khoury, coordinator of the Caring for Caregivers project. 'They suffer from the same physical, psychological, and social impacts of war and share similar hopes, fears and questions. Without a clear vision on what care to give to humanitarian actors, there is the risk that the ability to care for the community will be overwhelmed by the demands of different stakeholders. The more we nurture this culture of caring, the safer the community is.'

Very little effort has been made to meet the specific needs of caregivers from the two camps affected by the fighting, said el Khoury. Most psychosocial interventions focused on recreational activities promoting child protection, she said.

Caring for Cargivers also aims to reach as wide a cross-section of humanitarian actors from the two camps as possible. All 30 local NGOs and associations active in both camps were invited to take part in the project, said el Khoury.

In the first phase of this three-year project, World Vision will work with around 65 humanitarian actors from 25 NGOs to teach them how to express themselves through methods such as writing, painting and acting. Afterwards, the project will work with the directors of the NGOs to boost their managerial skills and enhance their organisations' structures.

This project is funded by World Vision Australia and is being implemented in partnership with the Palestinian Child and Youth Institute.

-Ends-]]> Caregivers guessing what project was meant to meet their needs. Photo by Patricia Mouamar World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:30:56 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1880&countryID=15 We, United Nations and non-governmental humanitarian organisations, express deepening concern over Israel’s continued blockade of the Gaza Strip which has now been in force for two years. These indiscriminate sanctions are affecting the entire 1.5 million population of Gaza, and ordinary women, children and the elderly are the first victims.
These indiscriminate sanctions are affecting the entire 1.5 million population of Gaza, and ordinary women, children and the elderly are the first victims.

The amount of goods allowed into Gaza under the blockade is one quarter of the pre blockade flow. Eight out of every ten truckloads contains food but even that is restricted to a mere 18 food items. Seedlings and calves are not allowed so Gaza's farmers cannot make up the nutritional shortfall. Even clothes and shoes, toys and school books are routinely prohibited.

Furthermore the suffocation of Gaza's economy has led to unprecedented unemployment and poverty rates and almost total aid dependency. While Gazans are being kept alive through humanitarian aid, ordinary civilians have lost all quality of life as they fight to survive.

The consequences of Israel's recent military operation remain widespread as early recovery materials have been prevented from entering Gaza. Thousands of people are living with holes in their walls, broken windows and no running water.

We call for free and uninhibited access for all humanitarian assistance in accordance with the international agreements and in accordance with universally recognised international human rights and humanitarian law standards. We also call for a return to normalized trade to enable the poverty and unemployment rates to decrease.

The blockade of the Gaza Strip is creating an atmosphere of deprivation in Gaza that can only deepen the sense of hopelessness and despair among people. The people of Gaza need to be shown an alternative of hope and dignity. Allowing human development and prosperity to take hold is an essential first step towards the establishment of lasting peace.


Spokesperson:

Christopher Gunness
UNRWA Spokesperson
Orange: +972-(0)54-240-2659
Jawwal:+972(0)588-942-8034
Office: +972(0)2-589-0267
c.gunness@unrwa.org

Signed By:

Action Against Hunger
Acted
Acsur-Las Segovias
American Friends of UNRWA
American Near East Refugee Aid
Asamblea de Cooperacion Por la Paz
Austcare
Biladi
CARE International West Bank and Gaza.
Centre on Housing Rights and Evictions
DanChurchAid
Defense for Children International
Enfants du Monde-Droits de l'Homme
International Relief Fund for the Afflicted and Needy - Canada
Japan International Volunteer Centre
Life Source
Medecins du Monde France
Medecins du Monde Spain
Medecins du Monde Switzerland
Medical Aid for Palestinians
Movement for Peace
Mujeres por la Paz y Acción Solidaria de Palestina
Norwegian People's Aid
Norwegian Refugee Council
Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights
Oxfam International
Paz Ahora
Peace and Solidarity Haydée Santamaría, Cultural Asociation
Premiere Urgence
Relief International
Spanish Committee of UNHCR
Spanish Committee of UNRWA
Swedish Organization for Individual Relief
Terre des Hommes Italy
United Nations Development Fund for Women
United Nations Relief and Works Agency
War Child Holland
World Vision International]]> Boys play in a wrecked car in Gaza - there are few safe places to play and import restrictions mean new playgrounds can't be built. Photo by World Vision staff. World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Fri, 19 Jun 2009 07:15:02 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1879&countryID=0 Insufficient access and availability of quality water and high poverty levels in Jordan are inextricably linked, found a rapid water assessment commissioned by World Vision in six of the kingdom’s governorates in May 2009. Programmes addressing water scarcity and increasing its availability at the household and community level can assist in poverty alleviation, the assessment by the Interdisciplinary Research Consultants (IdRC) of Jordan revealed.
Programmes addressing water scarcity and increasing its availability at the household and community level can assist in poverty alleviation, the assessment by the Interdisciplinary Research Consultants (IdRC) of Jordan revealed.

Ranked among the 10 most water deficient countries in the world, scarce water resources and other natural resources have been contributing factors to debt, poverty, and unemployment in Jordan, according to the assessment. It also cited that poverty amongst children is higher than poverty amongst the overall population, according to the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (April 2007).

Projected increased water shortages, unless addressed through serious water management measures, compounded by a fast growing population with a history of hosting displaced populations, not only threaten the country's economic and political stability, but also make the recurrence of conflict over water, almost inevitable.

'By gaining information regarding access to water and water consumption practices in these six main governorates, where the majority of the population resides, World Vision is able to design and implement relevant water programmes that will directly impact poverty – particularly targeting those most in need', said Siobhan Kimmerle, Programme Director for World Vision in Jordan.

'Experience shows us that there is a significant correlation between water access/availability in rural areas and other important aspects such as health, food security, local economy, and education', Kimmerle added.

A number of representatives from two communities in each governorate were selected through Community-Based Organisations to participate in focus group discussions conducted in each of the 12 communities as part of the World Vision study.

Among the findings, a limited number of water supply hours (as low as two hours per week) impact households, business and services, daily shares of water sold are more than 50% lower than the World Health Organisation recommendations*, there is no balance between water supplied and population and living conditions are worsened by lower than standard daily water supply quantities per capita.

While existing water programmes are providing significant assistance to improve water demand management, revealed the study, there is opportunity and demand for synergies and additional interventions – specifically working with rural communities to increase water availability at the community level and working with rural dwellings to increase water availability at the household level – both in ways that improve livelihood opportunities for the most vulnerable.

Recommendations for possible World Vision projects to increase current water supply on the community level include rehabilitating springs, Roman wells and reservoirs and using community reservoirs for rainwater harvesting. On the household level interventions could focus on construction of rainwater harvesting cisterns, construction of water recycling systems and modifying household water fixtures, like guttering and other water saving devices.

The proposed interventions will focus on utilizing the available water for improving food security and household livelihood security through initiatives such as low external input sustainable agriculture for rural and peri-urban communities and potentially, vertical farming for the poor urban households.

'World Vision Jordan would like to work hand-in-hand with communities on these water projects to help them maximize the use of the additional water supply – not just for the benefit of families today but for future generations', concluded Kimmerle.

-Ends-

Further information:

*Daily shares of water sold : 61 to102 l/c-d (WHO minimum recommended = 273 l/c-d)

A study conducted by the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation (April 2007) revealed:

• Nearly 14% of the population suffers from an extreme lack of the basic necessities
  
• Number of poverty pockets has increased from 20 to 42 pockets
  
• An estimated 880,000 live below the poverty line (defined as a monthly income of JOD 26 per person, equivalent to US$37 or $1.22US/day.
  
• Poverty levels of 80% have been reported in certain areas of the Kingdom
  
• Poverty amongst children is higher than poverty amongst the overall population
  
• The proportion of families with a monthly income less than JOD 15 reaches 70% in some of the Kingdom's poverty pockets
  

]]> Projected increased water shortages could threaten Jordan's economic and political stability and increase the likelihood of conflict over water. Photo by Ashley Jonathan Clements. World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:42:31 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1878&countryID=10 More than 300 children from 12 rural communities in southeast Romania’s Ialomita County competed in several sports contests during the recent World Vision Sports Cup. For these children, aged nine to 14, many of them from poor families, the event was a wonderful opportunity to exercise their talents, socialise, communicate and increase their self-esteem.
For these children, aged nine to 14, many of them from poor families, the event was a wonderful opportunity to exercise their talents, socialise, communicate and increase their self-esteem.

'A project like this underlines three important aspects: the successful existing partnership between schools, local authorities, community members and World Vision Romania, the importance of school as an institution within the community and last, but not least, the excellent opportunity to promote children as the image of our schools, through this kind of initiative', said Mrs. Mihaela Baciu, school principal from Manasia village.

Initiated in 2008, 'World Vision Sports Cup' brought together children, teachers and community members from 12 local communities and World Vision Romania's – Ialomita Area Development Programme (ADP), located about an hour away from the Romanian capital Bucharest. The competition aimed at creating a tradition in supporting children in need from rural areas and it encouraged and promoted team spirit and fair–play among them.

'For me a competition means to win and be proud that I am able to win. Although I was nervous in the beginning, now I have more confidence in myself', said 11-year-old Elena T, a fifth grader who took first place in a game of rounders, and second place in athletics.

The lack of extra-curricular activities is a widespread problem in rural areas and World Vision is striving to create extra-curricular opportunities for children through events like the Sports Cup. In the absence of these kinds of activities, children often spend their time helping their parents with chores or simply mingling around the village lanes, with no purpose and no opportunity to learn something new or use their spare time in a fun but fruitful way.

Students therefore participated with a great deal of enthusiasm and competitiveness in athletics, a game of rounders and football matches. Finalists were awarded cups, medals and various sports products by the project team in a closing ceremony.

Sports Cup and other events that promote physical activity are also needed more than ever given that rates of child obesity are on the rise with recent studies showing that in Europe, 1 in 5 children are overweight.]]> Children enjoy competing in World Vision's sports event. World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:48:24 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1876&countryID=15 Five months after a ceasefire was declared in the Gaza strip little has changed for fishermen who struggle to eke out a living because of restrictions, lack of equipment and threat of unprovoked attacks.
Just a summer ago, fishermen such as 56-year-old Kamal Al Ankah were getting back on their feet with the help of organisations like World Vision, which ran a job creation programme and provided fishing nets after Kamal's equipment was destroyed by the Israeli navy.

But during 'Operation Cast Lead'; the Israeli military offensive which began in December last year, Kamal's community was badly affected and his 25-year-old son Dheep was later shot in March while fishing off the coast of northern Gaza.

'I benefited from the World Vision programme but now we need help to live,' said Kamal, as he sat beside Dheep in Beit Lahiya's Kamal Odwan hospital. 'I was going to the sea with my son to fish and try to make a living, but now we can't. All I can say is thank God Dheep is off the ventilator machines.'

The bullets missed Dheep's vital organs and bones but he has some nerve damage in his arm. He is now considering alternative sources of work, but with unemployment levels at around 45 per cent and 85 per cent of the Gazan population dependent on food aid, prospects are slim. 'What can I do? This is what happens to fishermen in Gaza,' said Dheep. 'If I don't find another job, then I will go back to the sea. I don't know if there is anything else I can do.'

'Dheep has no choice but to be a fisherman,' added his 18-year-old wife Aida. 'He has to go to the sea because we have to eat and drink.'

The situation for fishermen has worsened sharply since the Israeli offensive, named 'Operation Cast Lead' earlier this year. Fishing limits have been further restricted and there have been more unprovoked attacks on fishermen. 'We feel as though the Israelis want to make us suffer even more after the war,' said Dheep. 'Before the war, the situation was better. We would fish within the fishing limits and they wouldn't shoot at us – only if we drifted across the limit. Now they shoot all the time, and without reason.'

'Everything was destroyed in Beit Lahiya during the Israeli offensive', said Kamal, whose family sheltered in schools throughout the shelling. 'When we returned to our home, all the windows were shattered and there were five bombs in the grounds around our house. The Israeli navy keeps confiscating our fishing equipment and ripping up our nets. We want a solution but we don't know how, or what or when. How long can this go on?'

World Vision has begun a new early recovery project funded by the Disaster Emergency Committee in the UK, which will assist some 85 fishermen either by providing them with nets, rehabilitating their nets and boats or employing them through a job creation project. More than 600 family members will benefit from this support.

-Ends-]]> Fishermen like Nabil As’Sultan and his sons will receive help from World Vision to get back to sea. File photo by Sarah Malian. World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:50:04 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1875&countryID=11 World Vision Georgia's microfinance organisation CREDO has launched a new type of payment system for clients in Georgia, enabling them to make loan payments at no charge via Payment Machines called ‘PayBox’, located in shops, streets and villages across the country. Designed to increase convenience and save time for clients, the new system also means significant cost savings for CREDO, as well as increased cash flow and efficiency of its operations.
This newly adapted method of payment is already in use in Georgia with people using these machines to pay mobile phone bills, Internet and utility expenses 24 hours, seven days a week.

It means easier payment, because people are no longer required to travel great distances to make payments and are not confined to bank working hours.

'PayBox Technology means savings for clients and CREDO. For clients it is time saving with repayment points closer and they can repay at their convenience. For CREDO it means cost savings; repayment data from PayBox will be automatically imported to our loan tracking system', emphasized Ljiljana Spasojevic, CEO of AzerCredit Azerbaijan and Credo Georgia.

The whole system of repayment will be simpler and more user friendly and it is particularly convenient for village residents who will no longer have to travel to the cities to make a payment, saving them valuable time and resources.

'It is good I can make payment everywhere. Machines are located close to my house so I do not need to wait in long lines and it does not require travel to the city. I am happy that I can make payments on non-working days too', said Eva Gvajeva, CREDO client.

Thousands of PayBoxes are located across Georgia, consequently, easing the repayment process at any geographical location.

All clients will receive SMS (instant messages on their mobile phones) with information about the new payment system. CREDO will also distribute brochures with a detailed explanation of the procedures involved in this new service. In the meantime loan officers are already personally informing clients that they can make payments via this service.

'CREDO has decided to become more focused on rural lending in the future. PayBox Project is one of the first steps in that direction. With this new technology we will enable clients in rural areas, where banking services or branches do not exist, to access our products', added Ljiljana Spasojevic.

-Ends-]]> Payboxes mean easier payment, especially for those in rural communities who no longer have to travel to large centres to make loan payments. World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:47:27 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1874&countryID=18 World Vision is among nine major international aid agencies* whose aid effort of reaching more than 1 million people, of 3 million displaced and affected by fighting in Pakistan’s Swat valley, is under threat due to a lack of funds. The agencies face a shortfall in excess of US$42m.
The aid agencies, including World Vision, also said Thursday that the plight of Pakistani people and ways to alleviate their suffering must be first on the agenda when top EU officials meet Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari for the first-ever EU-Pakistan summit on 17 June in Brussels.

One month on from the start of its emergency response, World Vision has only received a fraction of the $13 million it needs to reach 300,000 of the displaced people taking refuge in host communities in Buner, Swabi and Mardan districts. Some agencies risk having to downsize their relief programmes or close altogether if funding isn't received soon.

"Pakistani families are sharing their homes, food, clothes and water with those fleeing violence. They are poor already and are making themselves poorer in the process," said Graham Strong, World Vision Pakistan's Country Director. "We urgently need funding in order to scale-up our response and prevent a greater humanitarian crisis. While we wait for funds, vulnerable people are struggling to meet their very basic needs."

World Vision's assessment of the crisis found people are in great need of improved health services, hygiene, education, water, shelter and sanitation facilities.

The organisation will soon receive food and US$398,000 cash from the World Food Programme, which will benefit 195,000 people in Mardan district until December, but World Vision has not yet received any other funding through the UN funding mechanism.

With limited private donations, the agency has been able to reach 3,500 people with health kits, mattresses and essential household items.

-Ends-

*Agencies include ActionAid, CAFOD/Caritas, Care, Concern Worldwide, Islamic Relief, Merlin, Oxfam, Save the Children and World Vision.]]> This girl is one of many that has found refuge with her family in the home of a stranger. Photo by Chris Webster. World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:05:41 +0200 http://meero.worldvision.org/news_article.php?newsID=1870&countryID=10 Romanian tax payers were encouraged to take advantage of the country’s two percent law in recent weeks, where they can allocate two percent of their annual income tax to humanitarian work. The tax deduction benefits individuals as well as those across Romania – particularly children - that benefit from the work of non-governmental organisations like World Vision.
'Let's learn with 2%!' was the slogan World Vision promoted across the country through promotional materials, outdoor events, television and radio promotion to raise awareness and funds, in partnership with volunteers and highschool and university students.

'The campaign targeted our donors and also the people that had not made use of the 2% law until now. We aimed to convince them to embrace the cause we promote – better access to education for the children in rural areas. It is important for us to learn the practice of giving for the less fortunate and we believe that this campaign has been an important step for Romanian civil society', said Adela Simionescu, Marketing and Fundraising Manager for World Vision Romania.

Statistics on education became more than alarming this spring, following the publication of a study conducted by the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research which revealed that more than 50% of children from rural areas failed to proceed onto high-school education in 2008. The percentage doubled from 2007, when 25% of adolescents dropped out of school at the end of the eighth grade.

Poverty is cited as the main contributor to the drop-out rates because parents simply cannot afford the costs of keeping children in highschool in the city.

World Vision Romania's 2% campaign featured a powerful awareness component and highschool and university students played a key role in four major cities across the country: Bucharest, Iasi, Cluj and Craiova, attracting wide media coverage. Students came together in public places simultaneously, sat down on the asphalt and read the old books that they held for 10 minutes – in silence.

'I am here because I am thankful for the chance of being able to go to school. I know that many other children like myself do not know whether they will continue their education starting from next fall...', said one of the high school students, participating in the event.

'Education shouldn't be optional. Children from rural areas deserve the chance to go to high school as much as we do', stated another participant to the journalists.

At the country level, World Vision Romania already offers support for 365 students from rural areas to continue their highschool education through its ongoing programme entitled,'I want to be in the 9th grade'.

The funds raised this year will be used to help around 185 children from rural areas continue their highschool education. The amount raised in the campaign will be made available by the Public Finance Administration in early 2010.

In 2008 World Vision Romania's 2% campaign raised some 26,000 Euros from more than 24,000 Romanians countrywide, according to the data offered by the Public Finances Administration.]]> High school and university students sat on the asphalt and read from old books in silence World Vision MEERO, http://meero.worldvision.org