We are a group of four researchers from the Huaphanh province / Xamnuea district in Laos who conducted a quantitative study on the impacts of climate change and disasters on children in our communities. In recent years, our communities in the high mountains have faced many natural disasters.

In this issue of the West & Central Africa Newsletter, we highlight the remarkable progress accomplished across our programmes throughout the year 2024, looking back on the trials and celebrating the triumphs.

According to the UNICEF Menstrual Hygiene Management national report, in Ethiopia, on average, one in 10 girls, or 11 %, miss school for reasons related to their period. In some rural areas, missed school days are even higher.

World Vision Rwanda marks 30 years of impacting lives and empowering communities through several interventions and a commitment to the well-being of every child. This milestone anniversary book captures an extraordinary journey of hope, collaboration, and impact, illustrating how partnerships with communities, donors, and the government have led to massive impact across the country.

Since May 2024, over 400 Ukrainians have been attending language classes funded by Aktion Deutschland Hilft (ADH) and implemented by World Vision’s partner WeWorld aimed to help participants integrate into the local society and open new opportunities, such as finding jobs or learn Romanian or English languages.

Marliz Morales explains how an online platform helps children to build psychosocial skills and be more resilient in their increasingly digital world

World Vision Iraq supports nine year old Rayan with access to washing facilities within her home.

Türkiye hosts the world’s largest population of persons under temporary and international protection, with over 3.65 million Syrians under temporary protection. As of May 2023, Türkiye was hosting 3.4 million Syrian refugees of which nearly half are children and 46% are women and girls. The country has seen significant increases in commodity prices, particularly food and energy, alongside inflation and the depreciation of the Turkish lira, leading to poverty rates surpassing pre- 2019 levels. These socio-economic challenges have put a strain on community relations, consequently inciting growing anti-refugee sentiments. The approach to the 2023 elections has seen refugee issues becoming a focal point of political discourse, prompting the government to consider adopting more stringent policies.

In Rummaneh, a conservative area district of Anbar, 248 kilometers from the capital of Baghdad, Iman, a 45-year-old divorcée and mother of one, opened an all-women (and women-led) enterprise named Rummaneh Tailoring Atelier.