Vision and Mission

Vision

Inspired by their founder Karlheinz Böhm, their vision is a world in which the divide between rich and poor no longer exists. With Ethiopia as a model, they want to set an example by supporting the local population to create favourable conditions for their country in the future.

Mission

Menschen für Menschen Switzerland stands as a partner to the people of Ethiopia. Many Ethiopians still live in unfavourable conditions. Environmental degradation, population growth, increasing urbanisation, globalisation and climate change are impacting living conditions in shorter spaces of time. Moreover, as a result of dynamic economic development in Ethiopia, urban areas – particularly rural centres and towns – are becoming increasingly important. While this development can be associated with huge problems, it also offers opportunities for the Ethiopian people. They take account of the different livelihoods and economic interdependencies in their work. Their approach is not just selective; it takes place within a holistic context. Projects factor in and bolster the entire value-chain – starting from the food-producing farmers and agricultural cooperatives via the carriers, traders and craftsmen right to the person selling the product in the cities. By integrating the different focal points and economic activities we ensure that the development has a positive and sustainable impact.

They cater for basic human needs such as access to water, sanitation facilities and good basic health care. They improve the quality of education and training for children and young people. In the towns, destitute people gain the opportunity of vocational training, increasing their chances on the job market. They enable people to secure an independent livelihood in both rural and in urban areas. Menschen für Menschen Switzerland thus remains true to its guiding principle: helping people help themselves.

Their Values

• Humanity: Their projects are aimed at those in need, irrespective of religion, gender and ethnicity. They promote the development of a humane and just society.
• Monitoring: They have an accurate overview of all the plans, progress and expenditures of their projects at all times. They are therefore capable of constantly controlling budgets and schedules and adjusting them as necessary.
• Transparency: They provide information on the use of donations to their donors and the public. They use the donations entrusted to them prudently and have expenditure reviewed by an external auditor. They ensure that donations are used efficiently in the implementation of projects.
• Measuring effects: They regularly evaluate projects with quantitative and qualitative methods. They immediately integrate the findings into ongoing projects and refer to them in future planning.
• Further development: They consider themselves to be a learning organisation. Their work is influenced both by their own experiences and constantly changing circumstances in the country. These changes are taken into account in their planning and implementation on an ongoing basis.
• Partnership: They maintain close relations with their local partner organisations. Their work is characterised by mutual trust, transparency and common goals.