Special needs children

Sioma is located in the Western Province of Zambia. It is made up of dense woodlands, riparian forests, shallow wetlands, and settlements.

76.7% of the population in Sioma live in poverty with lack of access to basic needs, income and employment opportunities. Majority of the population are small-scale farmers and fishermen. However, the area is often affected by drought and floods resulting in loss of livelihood. However, the area is often affected by drought and floods resulting in loss of livelihood. 

School infrastructure and teaching resources are lacking resulting in low quality education for children. There is overcrowding in classes, high teacher-pupil ratio. Pupils have to learn under trees and sit on the floor in the classrooms. Children have to walk long distances to schools. Thus, about 25% of children between 7 and 9 years are not attending school due to parents’ concerns for their children’s safety.

Healthcare access is another major challenge, as the people in the community often have to travel long distances—up to 29 km—to reach healthcare services, due to insufficient health centers, staff, and equipment.

In Sioma AP, only 49% of households have access to a clean and safe water supply. Many people rely on streams and shallow wells for water. However, these water sources are contaminated. Families are susceptible to water-borne diseases due to contaminated water sources and open defecation.

World Vision started an AP in 2014 after a thorough assessment of Ende in 2012. Measured against standard indicators of economic development needs, Ende emerged as an area where the vulnerability of children needed to be urgently addressed. 

In Ende, traditional attitudes towards children are harsh and unsympathetic. They are viewed as free labour and are often denied their right to study so that they can work to supplement the family income. Cases of physical and sexual abuse are not taken seriously and are unreported or left unsolved, affecting and scarring children emotionally and mentally. 

In terms of healthcare concerns, the main issues that compromise the health of children are the lack of access to clean water, the prevalence of unhygienic behaviours and poor sanitation systems. Approximately 40% of the community practices open defecation as there are no proper toilets. 

Also, Ende's economic development falls behind national statistics. Their main source of income is agriculture but the productivity of existing farming methods is low due to a lack of understanding, poor management, pests and diseases.