Start date: October 1999
Expected end date: September 2013
Support office: World Vision Australia
Location: Quang Nam Province, Tien Phuoc District

Program background

Tien Phuoc Area Development Program (ADP) is located in Tien Phuoc, a poor mountainous district situated northwest of Quang Nam Province. It has a population of about 74,510 people, consisting of more than 15,693 households. The Kinh people make up most of the population, with Kors being the only present ethnic group, making up 0.5% of the population.

Most households live by animal raising, rice farming and gardening, however harsh weather conditions, lack of arable land, and inadequate farming techniques have contributed to food shortages for 2-3 months a year. Limited access to health-care services, inadequate sanitation facilities and a lack of clean drinking water results in many people suffering from preventable diseases. Schools are often under resourced, lacking classrooms and essential equipment like desks and chairs.

Program description

Tien Phuoc ADP is an integrated, long-term program working closely with local partners to directly support more than 38,000 people combat the effects of poverty and improve their standard of living. Interventions focusing on agriculture, income generation, education, health-care, childcare and protection, economic assistance, disaster mitigation, rural infrastructure and capacity building are tailored specifically to the communities needs. This holistic approach encourages community participation and ownership, builds a firm foundation for the program’s sustainability and addresses the root causes of poverty.

Program development

Health

• Annual health-checks are provided to primary school children, monitoring their development and overall health. Follow-up treatment and care is provided when necessary. Additional assistance is provided to children with a disability or serious diseases to cover medical costs.
• In collaboration with other agencies, a HIV/AIDS prevention and awareness raising campaign has been launched for youths, encouraging lively discussions and information sharing, ensuring the district’s HIV/AIDs prevalence remains low.
• Construction of household latrines, open wells and gravity-fed water systems has improved hygiene and sanitation practices, and has increased access to clean drinking water for community members.

Agriculture

• Agriculture training in disease prevention, proper use of insecticides and fertilizers, and new farming techniques has provided farmers with the necessary skills to improve their crop yields, in turn, increasing their incomes and providing families with nutritious food.
• Households receive small loans to start their own small gardens, improving their capacity to earn a living, and increasing the amount of nutritious food available.

Education

• Children in difficult circumstances receive scholarships to attend school and are provided with school uniforms and textbooks, alleviating the financial burden from their families.
• Construction of classrooms and the provision of essential equipment such as desks and chairs provide safe and effective learning environments for kindergarten, primary and junior secondary students.
• Teachers receive training on new teaching methods, increasing their professional skills and improving the quality of education taught at kindergarten and primary schools.

Capacity building

• Hamlet facilitators receive professional training to improve their management skills and increase their capacity to organize and facilitate program activities. This participatory approach ensures community members are actively involved in the program, helping to create community ownership and sustainability of program interventions.
• Training for district officers and commune leaders on gender issues helps to promote the importance of women’s rights.

Disability

• Children living with a disability are assisted to access rehabilitative services, supporting them to re-integrate into their community.