Educational programmes against poverty
On the Arabian Peninsula, we are working in one of the poorest countries in the world, which, according to the UN, has become one of the most serious crises worldwide due to bombing and civil war. A devastating famine affects more than 80% of the population, mainly children and women. Several million internally displaced persons have lost everything. Families struggle for survival, sources of income are rare, supplies are desolate and international aid is often blocked by warring parties. The inadequate drinking water supply causes numerous preventable illnesses, including cholera.
In cooperation with local partners and authorities, we provide essential drinking water and food aid, emergency medical care, shelter for displaced persons, and education and training for children, young people and women. Promoting women in particular helps to secure the livelihoods of their families. Many of the children and young people supported come from marginalised minorities such as the descendants of African slaves. These groups face social discrimination, but education gives them opportunities to pursue more reputable professions. Moreover, attending school protects children from being recruited as child soldiers by militia groups.
An additional focus of SwissRelief is on peace and reconciliation work, as well as on building trust between parties in conflict in order to create hope. This also includes leadership training to provide the next generation with leadership models that emphasise non-violent conflict resolution rather than aggression. SwissRelief is also involved in trauma management courses.
