The Organisation established in Ghana by an American Evangelist and Journalist, Bob Pierce, in 1979, provides a wide range social support services to vulnerable children and deprived communities.

 The interventions cover support to sanitation and hygiene, child protection, education and health facilities, as well as the nurturing of the spiritual wellbeing of the people.

It currently operates in 34 districts in 16 administrative regions in Ghana and supports more than 65,000 vulnerable children.

At the durbar, which doubled as a Thanksgiving Service, in Accra, Mr Dickens Thunde, the National Director of World Vision Ghana, said the Orgnisation started work in Ghana in response to the economic and social challenges prevailing at the time.

It has since remained committed helping communities to overcome poverty, promote social injustice, and inspire Christian values among the people.

The event held under the theme: "World Vision Ghana: Celebrating our Promise to the Ghanaian Children", brought together government officials, representatives of civil society organisations, students, the Diplomatic Community and development partners.

Over the past 40 years, Mr Thunde said, World Vision had constructed more than 3,000 mechanised boreholes to provide clean water to millions of children and communities; provided health centres to improve the quality of healthcare services and school blocks to enhance education delivery.

"Our organisation has also supported the eradication of guinea worm infestation, provided funding for the treatment of neglected tropical diseases such as Filiariasis, Yaws and Ochocerciasis, formed 5,225 microcredit/savings transformation groups to aid members to access credit facilities and strengthened the capacities of faith-based organisations to nurture the spiritual wellbeing of the people," he said.

The testimonies and goodwill messages from grateful beneficiaries were screened to the audience. 

Madam Carla Denizard, the West African Leader of World Vision, for her part said, the Organisation operates in 100 countries worldwide with about 37,000 workers; offering US$2.5 billion humanitarian support annually to children and communities.

In the next five years, the Organisation would support more than five million vulnerable children, which required the need to diversify its resources and grow diverse leadership to accomplish its vision, she said.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, who chaired the function, said children were the future leaders of the nation and called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders to make their future brighter.

Mr Baba Mahama, the Board Chair of World Vision Ghana, underlined the need to explore multiple funding sources to galvanise its operations and donated US$10,000 as the Board's contribution to the cause of the Organisation.

The Winneba Mass Choir presented melodious gospel and choral music while the dance troupe from the National Dance Ensemble displayed exquisite dance performances to entertain the gathering.

The celebration was spiced up with the cutting of a 40th Anniversary Cake, amidst display of fireworks at the main auditorium of the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons.