ACTIVITIES

To stimulate lasting and sustainable change in rural areas, Menschen für Menschen works on the principle of “integrated rural development projects”. Together with the local people, who contributed high levels of commitment and effort, activities from various areas that are necessary for sustained development were implemented and linked together:

• WATER
  Together with the local people Menschen für Menschen built wells, well tappings and reservoir tanks for rain water. The farmers were trained on how to keep the water clean and how to look after and maintain the facilities. The local people were also educated on important aspects on improving hygiene.

• HEALTH
  Menschen für Menschen built health centers, trained medical staff, initiated vaccination programs and introduced simple operations, improving the basic medical care available. The foundation also carried out education programs on HIV / AIDS and advised people on preventative healthcare.

• AGRICULTURE
  To fight against erosion, Menschen für Menschen helped the farmers build terraces and reforest the land. Training programs taught the farmers new techniques that helped them increase their crop yields and improve the productivity of their livestock.

• EDUCATION
  Almost half of the entire population of Ethiopia cannot read or write. By building schools, training teachers and running literacy campaigns for adults, Menschen für Menschen helped to improve the situation.

• PROMOTING WOMEN’S RIGHTS
  Menschen für Menschen was involved in various activities focused on improving living conditions for women and strengthening their position in society. These included: vocational training courses, training in housekeeping and hygiene and credit programs that that help women find a way to live independently.

• INFRASTRUCTURE
  In the remote, rural areas, many small villages are very hard to reach. By building roads and bridges, Menschen für Menschen helped the people living there to connect with the rest of the world.