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Working principles

We are committed to sustainably improving living conditions together. This creates possibilities for a more hopeful future for everyone.

Help where the need is particularly great!

Crises, emergencies and disasters wherever we look. Help now where the need is greatest.
A girl from Bangladesh wearing a purple headscarf looks at the camera.

Basis

For human rights.

Our commitment to development cooperation is based on mutual respect and understanding for the needs of low- and middle-income countries. By focusing on basic health, livelihood security, income generation and education for sustainable development, we strive to achieve common goals of social justice. We work in partnerships to strengthen health and education systems and promote democracy, human rights and good governance.

Principles

Perspectives that work.

We align our global work with principles that are based on our values and meet the latest standards of international development cooperation. The focus is always clear: the people we work for and with, as well as their sense of hope for the future.
  • Self-help

    We enable personal involvement.

    Our aid projects are always designed to help people to develop their full potential in a self-determined way - even beyond the end of the project.

  • Situational reference

    We provide individual support.

    By working with local partners on-site, we provide high-quality support based on local expertise and at favorable, country-specific conditions. We stay closely connected to the situation and adapt our aid projects flexibly to changing circumstances.

  • Holistic approach

    We provide comprehensive and reliable support.

    Providing access to education is one thing. Ensuring that children can actually attend school because they don’t have to spend all day fetching water is another. That’s why we always take all aspects of life into account.

  • Sustainability

    We focus on long-term impact.

    Where we choose to get involved is a carefully considered decision. We stay on-site as long as needed to ensure the best possible impact. This long-term commitment builds trust and guarantees sustainable results.

  • Cultural connection

    We value all people and their local culture.

    We support all people regardless of their sexual orientation, religion, political views, ethical background or culture. We actively incorporate local cultural conditions into our aid projects in order to work with people, not for them.

Partnerships

Achieving more together.

We are actively involved in various networks to facilitate knowledge and expertise transfer and provide mutual support. Our collaboration with the Cooperation Community (KoGe) is particularly close. As a network of like-minded organizations rooted in faith and human rights, we set up a shared program phase for 2021 to 2024: “We promote peaceful, just, and inclusive societies where every person exercises their rights and lives with dignity.” This KoGe program receives funding contributions from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
KoGe logo
Program partnership

Cooperation community KoGe

As part of the Cooperation Community (KoGe), we are connected with eight other aid organizations, jointly running a project program active in 41 countries worldwide.

Integral logo
Emergency aid coordination

Integral

Together with 20 other Christian aid organizations worldwide, Integral facilitates knowledge transfer and coordinates international, cross-organizational emergency relief projects.

Experts with heart

Behind our forward-thinking projects is a team with extensive experience and deep expertise in development cooperation and working alongside our local partners.

Get to know the team
A small child from Peru with an ena staff member.

Impact

Make the most possible happen with every donation.

150,385 Participants in international cooperation

By 2023, our projects will not only have reached a total of over 150,000 people, but also their communities.

16,412 studentsin primary and secondary school

Over 16,000 children and young people were able to attend primary or secondary school last year thanks to our projects.

18 years ZEWO seal of approval

Since December 2006, we have held the ZEWO quality seal, which certifies the transparent and effective use of donations.

Possibilitieschange lives

A man from Peru working with a core drilling machine.

Your donation for our global projects

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Publications

Learn more.

Would you like to get to know us better? We have compiled interesting background information and materials for those interested and for media professionals.