Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine
Student-run social enterprises
In the Eastern European countries of Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine, one-third of all young people are at risk of youth unemployment. Limited job opportunities and few chances to develop and utilize their skills force young people entering the workforce to seek work in overcrowded cities or abroad. By establishing student-run social enterprises, we help young people strengthen their professional skills and introduce them to social entrepreneurship. This enables them to take control of their own futures and, thanks to improved prospects, bring about social change.
Background
In recent years, youth unemployment rates have risen in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly accelerated this trend, and Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has also severely limited the career prospects of many young people.
The weak economies in Eastern European countries are leading to a vicious cycle of emigration and a shortage of skilled workers. Employment opportunities are limited, and school education often fails to meet employers’ requirements. Many young people must therefore search for suitable work in overcrowded cities or abroad after graduating from school. Thus, the lack of prospects and limited opportunities for further training creates a spiral of brain drain, which in turn exacerbates economic and social problems in these regions. This phenomenon is also known as “brain drain.”
Unlike in many other countries, the concept of social entrepreneurship is scarcely implemented in Eastern European nations. Concrete implementation strategies and plans are still being developed. This approach uses entrepreneurial activities to implement innovative and long-term solutions that stimulate positive social change. For young people in particular, this is a valuable concept for practically advancing their professional careers.
We are committed to supporting young people in Armenia, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. We promote the development of social entrepreneurship and empower them as active drivers of social change in their communities.
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.