BØRNEfonden is an independent development organisation funded by private sponsorships and business partnerships. 

Together, they assist almost 60,000 children and youth in creating their own future in Togo, Mali, Cape Verde, Burkina Faso and Benin. BØRNEfonden was founded in 1972 and has since grown to become Denmark’s largest development organisation measured in private funds.

•BØRNEfonden has an annual turnover of more than $35,5 million (USD) 

•They are focused on long-term development work and social sustainability through local partnerships and cooperation 

•BØRNEfonden works in four key intervention areas: Education, children’s health, income generating activities and children and development.

BØRNEfonden works to improve the living conditions for children and young people in the poorest countries in the world. They work to enhance the opportunities of poor people to a healthier and safer upbringing and a brighter future.

BØRNEfonden’s work is shaped by the different needs children have growing up. For the youngest children BØRNEfonden works to improve the health condition and to establish a safe and stimulating environment. This is achieved – among others –by organizing courses for mothers in healthy nutrition, building kindergartens and ensuring access to clean water.

As the children grow older, BØRNEfonden makes sure they can attend school. Moreover, they build class rooms and toilets at the schools and they raise the quality of the education by providing training for the teachers.

When the children complete their basic school education, BØRNEfonden works to strengthen their specific skills. They help them enter vocational training programs or to get an apprenticeship in the crafts industry. Also, they provide training in generating an income in agriculture or in work with livestock.

Parents, local authorities and members of the local community all participate actively in BØRNEfonden’s work.

BØRNEfonden is committed to working in a community for a period of 15-20 years, after which all facilities will be handed over to the local authorities and citizens of the local community.

In each of the five countries where BØRNEfonden works (Burkina Faso, Togo, Benin, Mali and Cape Verde) there are about 25 development units. Each development unit employs around four staff members, and the unit is run by an unpaid committee of 10-12 members, who are all elected democratically by the local community.