Gambia
Improving elementary education
In The Gambia, a lack of basic education is a key driver of intergenerational poverty. Violence within the family and by teachers is widespread and, combined with very low educational standards, jeopardizes children’s well-being. Through a comprehensive approach that involves parents, teachers, and children, we are working to promote non-violent education and improved learning in primary schools in the severely affected West Coast region.
Background
Violence against children is widespread in The Gambia. In the particularly hard-hit West Coast region of Africa’s smallest mainland country, over 80% of children surveyed by ChildFund reported that their teachers use physical violence in the form of beatings. This violence, whether perpetrated by teachers or within the family, poses a significant threat to children’s well-being and their academic progress. In particular, the development of social and emotional skills suffers as a result. But in many cases, children’s basic reading, writing, and math skills are also inadequate.
This cycle of violence and inadequate education is a key factor in the intergenerational transmission of poverty. This is because education not only opens up better career prospects but also strengthens social and civic participation. Where these opportunities are lacking, social inequalities become entrenched over long periods of time. To break this cycle and bring about sustainable change, it is necessary to address the issue on multiple levels simultaneously and to involve the family and school environments as well as the children themselves.
Häufig gefragt
What does ChildFund Germany stand for, and what is the goal of its work?
Our goal is to bring about lasting improvements in the future prospects of children in need, their families, and their entire communities. Through our commitment to these children and families, we aim to make a positive difference and create lasting improvements, always guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This enables them to exercise their rights, overcome poverty and dependency, and lead independent and self-determined lives.
How can I be sure that my donation actually reaches its destination?
The efficient use of the donations entrusted to us is our top priority. To ensure that our aid is used in a highly targeted manner, we rely on close collaboration with local partner organizations in all the countries where we operate, so that our assistance meets the specific needs on the ground. Furthermore, all our support is guided by the principle of helping people help themselves. This ensures that the people in our projects benefit from long-term and lasting changes and, in the long run, no longer depend on aid but can live independently and self-determinedly. Our transparent and responsible handling of donations is also confirmed by the DZI Donation Seal, which we have been awarded continuously since 1995 by the German Central Institute for Social Issues.
How does ChildFund Germany work?
Our work is made possible by three sources of funding: sponsorships, other donations, and public funds. Our projects funded by sponsorships are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
In all projects, ChildFund plays two specific roles: First, raising funds so that the project work can be implemented at all. And second, bringing together and building bridges between those who provide money and expertise and those who lack these resources. The goal is to maximize mutual benefit from the collaboration and to advance our projects in the most effective way possible.
What kinds of projects does ChildFund Germany carry out?
Our projects, which are funded through sponsorships, are designed for the long term. They are characterized by particularly close collaboration between our partner organizations in the respective project country and the local communities.
The donation-based and publicly funded projects have a shorter duration. Due to the limited timeframe, these projects require more intensive planning and support on our part.
What regions and issues does ChildFund Germany focus on?
We operate in various countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Eastern Europe. Our work focuses primarily on education, nutrition, livelihood support, and child protection, as well as humanitarian aid in emergency situations. Issues such as health and climate protection are also central to many of our projects.
How can I support ChildFund Germany?
There are many different ways to support our work. From a one-time donation to a regular donation as a “Future Donor” to becoming a sponsor, you are free to choose the form of support that best suits you. Long-term and particularly sustainable support can also take the form of a foundation or a bequest. We also offer a range of customized support options for businesses and schools.