At the recent Area Programme closure celebration, a mixed mood prevailed. The experience is usually similar for almost all area programme closure events. The community is typically both excited by transformation stories and concerned about World Vision's departure. The participants' mixed emotions are evident; they appreciate the achievements made in partnership with World Vision over the past 15-20 years in an area, yet they worry about the organization's departure. This sentiment is a recurring theme during our Area Programme closure celebrations. While the atmosphere is filled with excitement, celebration, and inspiring stories of transformation, there is also a palpable fear among community members that they may lose the benefits of World Vision's presence. However, it's important to clarify that when World Vision phases out its operations in an area, it means that the empowered community structures established by World Vision continues to run the development initiatives. Over the years, we have implemented various interventions encompassing WASH, Education, Child Protection, Resilience and Livelihood, Community Engagement and Sponsorship, Faith & Development, and Gender Equality and Social Inclusion. We have confidence that these achievements can be sustained and well-maintained, ensuring the continued socio-economic development and well-being of the most vulnerable children and their communities. In close and continued collaboration with the Government of Rwanda, participants should always be assured of a continued presence of World Vision because of the facilities, knowledge and skills left among them. They are like babies that have been weaned, a mother does not just leave the baby and go but together with the help of the family, the baby continues to grow until they get into a state of independence and that is exactly what World Vision is doing in the areas of operation even after phase out. Let’s take Nyarutovu Area Programme (funded by World Vision US) as an example; For the past 20 years (2003-2023), World Vision has enabled transformational development in all its areas of operation in three sectors namely; Nemba, Gakenke and Karambo. This journey of transformation has seen the community members and participants attain access to clean water at 97% expected to rise to 100% by end 2023. This is as a result of the five water supply systems constructed in partnership with the Government of Rwanda-where World Vision contributes 60% and Government 40% of the total cost. This has enabled 25,268 people access clean water within 30 minutes round trip of their homes. For hygiene and sanitation purposes in order to improve the health of the community members, 4,749 handwashing facilities were constructed at health facilities, in addition to latrines, Menstrual Hygiene rooms among others. In Resilience & Livelihoods; we see a 98% of Farmers increase production from selected livestock and also exploring value addition in order to increase output for income generation. 7,267 farmers have also been trained in new farming technologies, 7,818 supported with improved seeds and 17,904 facilitated to access financial services among others. In Education and Child Protection; 98% of boys and girls enrolled in primary school, 3,262 were trained in teaching methodologies, 28,635 children benefitted from World Vision’s Unlock Literacy interventions, 30 Early Childhood Development classrooms were constructed, 3,718 children were legally registered and much more. World Vision's accomplishments are extensive, driven by our holistic approach that addresses the emotional, psychosocial, and physical well-being of participants throughout project implementation. Our close collaboration with various stakeholders, including the community itself, Government, private sector, Faith-based organizations, and other NGOs, plays a pivotal role in achieving these results. This collaborative effort ensures that even after World Vision phases out its operations, the transformation of the community remains on course. Achievements are handed over to the Government, and community members actively engage with local leadership to ensure ownership and sustainability of these accomplishments in the area. To further reinforce this sustainability, World Vision has established essential structures, such as Water User Committees and Savings for Transformation groups. These groups work in tandem with local leadership to oversee the maintenance, reporting, and timely repair of facilities, creating a robust mechanism for their upkeep. Additionally, community members have undergone sensitization programs to underscore the significance of these achievements, fostering a sense of ownership among them. These concerted efforts are geared towards ensuring that World Vision's mission in the areas of operation is not only upheld but also paves the way for a sustainable future for vulnerable children and their communities, even after the phase-out. The author is Innocent Mutabaruka, Integrated Programmes Director, World Vision International.
