Our cooperation with the European Union

Our EU grant-funded projects must conform to strict funding and implementation guidelines. The application process, but also the projects’ monitoring, reporting and accounting require a close and trusting cooperation with our local partners and a high level of project expertise on all sides. These actions thereby foster mutual learning, accountability and capacity building and make a valuable contribution to the continuous process of quality development to which Kindernothilfe and its partner organizations are committed. The EU is an important institutional donor to Kindernothilfe. Its support enables us and our partners to design initiatives whose outreach, scope, thematic approach and envisioned impact extend those of purely donation-funded projects. Generally, these projects center on lobby- and advocacy activities that aim to influence policy making and to remove structural barriers to development and to the enjoyment of child rights. Although these kinds of projects do not easily attract the interest of the general public, they are an essential pillar in Kindernothilfe’s rights-based approach to development and a centerpiece of Kindernothilfe’s strategic orientation.

• Project example Philippines

  With this much recognized four-year project, Kindernothilfe’s local partner Ilog Kinderhome Foundation succeeded in increasing the social, economic and political capital of 6,000 indigenous people in five municipalities in the province of Antique through the implementation of Kindernothilfe’s Self-Help Group Approach. The model has proven effective in giving poor and marginalized people a stronger economic, social and political voice as well as influence. Learning local governance principles and negotiating with the local barangay took a bit of time, but it was worth it in the end. Indigenous groups, who prior to the project had kept to themselves and did not articulate their difficult situation, have now built the capacity to represent their own interests. To further develop self-sufficiency, this project has included education in financial literacy and encouraging a culture of savings. The project has succeeded in harnessing the support and encouragement of the provincial and local government units. “I was really happy when Antique became a designated area of the indigenous people” says Vice Mayor Aser Baldajay of Lauuan who is passionate about the changes. “It made a big difference when the Ilog Foundation committed to working with our indigenous tribes and making them aware of their rights and ancestral lands. The partnership with the tribes has drawn more attention to their needs. To name an example: Streets have to be paved to give indigenous people access to urban centers where they can sell their produce.”

  The success of the project has brought hope to the people in Antique. Their strength as a community has given them a confidence they never thought possible. They have become united. And in this unity they have become empowered.

• Project example Guatemala

  Through its programme “Non-state actors and local authorities” the EU supports a Kindernothilfe project of our partner organisation CEIPA in three regions of Guatemala. The project is changing the living conditions of approx. 35,000 children and young people in 18 communities.

  Young people are learning how to participate as active citizens and become directly involved in local politics. This leads to more tax money being spent on creating a child-friendly society in their area. As a result, more taxes are invested so that youth can grow up in a secure and nurturing environment. Training is now available at the partner organisation’s vocational centres and graduates earn enough income to support their families.

  Adults, including media representatives, participated in training to better acquaint themselves with the rights of children and youth. This has led to a stronger commitment to advocating for their rights.