Despite global cutbacks in development cooperation, there were still some rays of hope last year. Child mortality reached its lowest level in decades, while global access to clean drinking water has steadily increased in recent years. The Salvation Army Switzerland’s international development projects have played their part in these changes.
Our work improved the living conditions of 300,000 people around the world. We are facing strong headwinds, though, and the challenges remain stark. It is therefore all the more important that we stand together and continue to show solidarity.
We must show our support to people like Olga Maria Castillo in Nicaragua, Nsumbu Njawu in the DRC, and Adriana, whose story you can discover in a video report from Swiss national television (SRF).
The Salvation Army’s project in Brazil featured on the SRF television programme ‘mitenand’.
Experience a project firsthand
Jean Mutombo, Head of Development Cooperation for the Salvation Army in the Democratic Republic of Congo, explains in this video how the project works and the important relationship between caterpillars, bees and the villagers' lives.
Our work in figures
17,000
pupils at schools in Zambia participated in one of over 500 events on hygiene as part of our WASH project. The WASH projects facilitate access to fresh drinking water and improve public health. The children are less vulnerable to illnesses such as diarrhoea and miss fewer days of school.
82%
of participants in our project in the Philippines improved or even doubled their incomes within just six months thanks to cheap loans, savings groups and new business ideas. We supported a total of 56,911 people worldwide with income-boosting activities and related courses and expertise.
3’510
People in the Mirpur 11 district of Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, received free access to medical care and dental treatment last year. Among them are many people with leprosy and tuberculosis. The majority of those affected belong to the Muslim Bihari minority.
60,000
people in Kenya, Zambia and Zimbabwe received emergency supplies such as food, hygiene products and medicine through our emergency aid projects. In 2024, drought and flooding caused a humanitarian crisis in large parts of southeast Africa.
73%
of the population in communities where we run related projects are now more politically active. In countries such as Haiti, Bangladesh, Pakistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the projects helped people to have their say and get involved in politics, as well as learn more about political rights and processes.
24,916
vulnerable or disadvantaged people were given support in making their voices heard, including people with physical disabilities and learning difficulties and members of the indigenous and LGBTQ+ communities. They were, for example, assisted with requests to the local authorities regarding the right to water and sanitation, individual rights and welfare benefits.
2024 report for 'education worldwide' sponsorship
The Salvation Army’s Joyville children’s home in the Philippines can accommodate up to 23 children. Some 21 children found a temporary home there last year, receiving comprehensive support with their development. Joyville transported the children to and from their obligatory schooling in its own vehicle, and they had access to books and help with their homework. The children attended a workshop to learn about their rights and went on a joint excursion to build their social skills and get a welcome change of scenery.
We also carried out renovations on the Joyville buildings and repaired the school’s water tank.
"I arrived at Joyville in April 2023. My parents had separated and my mum went to a women’s shelter. The day I arrived changed my life forever. Joyville is more than just a place to live. I've experienced so many positive changes in my short time here. I have friends and a family here who understand me. We laugh together and help each other. I’m free to grow and I’m back in school. I get everything I need here: good food, clothes and a safe, comfortable place to sleep. Thanks to all that, I can focus on school and my future."
What was achieved with the 2024 donations?
The funding allowed us to maintain and run the children’s home and ensure the children could attend school. It covered personnel costs and helped pay for the children’s school supplies, as well as ensuring they received regular, high-quality medical and dental care.
Outlook for the future
We are currently preparing for the next project phase, setting goals and measures for the coming four years based on the latest results. The aim is to meet the children’s needs while responding to emerging changes and challenges.
In addition, we want to obtain a certification for the children’s home in order to boost local fundraising efforts. We are also looking into purchasing a new vehicle, as the current van often breaks down. This is punishable by a fine in the Philippines, and also means we can’t fully guarantee the children's safety.
Other themed sponsorships
The Salvation Army offers three other themed sponsorships in addition to the one for children and families: clean water for Africa, education worldwide, and knowledge and education in Haiti. The themed sponsorships allow us to put your donations to work in an ongoing and sustainable manner.
