World Vision’s work in Yongsheng jumpstarted in 1996 after a severe earthquake hit Lijiang, which called for immediate emergency relief. In 1998, Yongsheng became the pilot county to start an ADP, benefitting 15 villages from 3 townships.

The largely agricultural communities that populate Yongsheng County grappled with poor soil and weather conditions that led to low crop yields. Lack of access to markets in this mountainous region hindered trade and exacerbated the poverty there. Often plagued by disasters such as floods, drought, hailstorms and earthquakes, Yongsheng’s poverty rate stood at 20% when World Vision started working in the
area in 1998.

The arduous mountainous terrains also made it difficult for children to attend school. As a result, children often dropped out of school to find manual work to supplement their household income instead, typically in the field or farm. Thus, economic difficulties and low levels of education significantly affected the communities’ ability to break out of the poverty cycle.

Over the years, World Vision conducted interventions in healthcare, water and sanitation, education, child rights and protection, female empowerment, disaster management, economic development and environmental conservation.

As the ADP matured, our initiatives and goals evolved and expanded to impact more children and families. Through close partnerships with local authorities, community members in Yongsheng ADP have been empowered to exercise self-reliance. World Vision is now in the process of phasing out of the community and ensuring that community members are equipped to continue their transformational development.