World Vision was involved in flood relief operations in Assam, India, in 1993-94. It was realised that the dire needs of the local people had to be addressed and in 1996, work began to bring transformational development to this remote part of India. The target area is the Sissiborgaon Development Block in the district of Dhemaji, and more specifically, the Sisi Tongani Tribal Block, which is the poorest and worst flood-affected part of the district.

The main economic activities in the area are cultivation of rice and cash crops, rearing of animals and fishing. Every year, Dhemaji experiences flooding as the Brahmaputra River overflows due to snowmelt from the mountains in the north. For the communities who live on its banks, this compounds their already impoverished conditions and the situation deteriorates from year to year.

In terms of education, the literacy rate of around 30% is much lower than the state average of about 66%.

In addition, the poor health status of the people is another factor that hinders their progress in development.