Development Starts from Basics
After hours of traveling on the bumpy roads, the group finally arrived in a village in Wuding, Yunnan. Dressed in traditional costumes, welcoming villagers greeted the group with pleasant smiles. Traditions are well kept in the village, while its development had been overlooked due to its geographical remoteness.
Children unleash their creativity when decorating a box with beautiful stickers at a handcrafting workshop organise by sponsors.
The village has transformed over the years bringing better life quality to the people. During the trip, we have seen the community fastness in their traditions, which inspired us that modern development could coexist with traditions preservation.
Sponsors teach as guest tutors during their visit to a local school.
A Road for Connection
World Vision frontline staff recalled their first visit to the village, when there was no road access from the outside. They had to climb the mountain and searched for the village within the thick forest. Villagers said that for years they have been longing for a road to transport to town easier.
Beside easier transportation, a proper road means having connection to the outside world. With expanded horizons, villagers would be more mobilised to facilitate on the development of education, health and sanitation in the community. Therefore, construction of roads was a priority mission for the village.
After road construction, other infrastructures were established, including day care centres, libraries, and other child friendly facilities for children, so parents could farm during the day. World Vision aims to help the community to grow persistently through providing agricultural training, such as introducing the use of organic fertilizer, diversified production technologies and other marketing models.
Newly Designed Class Structure for Better Learning
Children's capacity building is also vital to community development. To engage children from different tribal background in class, World Vision introduced the Montessori education approach to the classrooms and provide training for teachers. With the use of music, dance and other teaching tools, children are now able to stay calm and focused and are enjoying class more.
The village has transformed over the years bringing better life quality to the people. During the trip, we have seen the community fastness in their traditions, which inspired us that modern development could coexist with traditions preservation. It is our belief to achieve sustainable community development by facilitating the community to break through constraints and execute their talents to the fullest by implementing new ideas and technology.
