Our humanitarian aid: act quickly, have a lasting impact
Earthquakes, tsunamis, droughts or floods: disasters wreak destruction on what people have taken generations to build. In such cases, the victims require immediate, effective support. But alleviating acute distress is only the first step of our humanitarian aid. We also enable people to overcome hardship in the long term and prevent new crises.
The primary goal of our humanitarian interventions is the survival and protection of children: because children suffer from disasters in a very particular way and are, therefore, in need of particular support. To provide support as efficiently as possible, we ensure that those, who are directly affected, are involved in the planning and implementation of measures from the outset and work as part of a network of experienced partners.
Emergency relief and children’s centres
Emergency relief begins as quickly as possible in the aftermath of a disaster. The people affected receive food, clothing, emergency shelter and whatever else they need to survive. We pay particular attention to the special needs of children and to ensuring that the help does reach them.
For example, with respect to food: while adults can get by on rice and water for a long period without harm, children require high-energy food in order to survive emergency situations without long-term damage to their health. Special measures are also necessary to protect children against violence and illness in the warren of emergency shelters.
To ensure that children receive the best possible support during and following disasters, we work with “children’s centres”: specially created spaces – often within emergency shelters – where children can receive protection, food, schooling, medical and psychological care and have the chance to play.
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Reconstruction
Following disasters, we also support the reconstruction of buildings – educational institutions in particular. The sooner children have the chance to return to school, the sooner they will be able to lead a regular life again and build a better future for themselves. All of our reconstruction measures are carried out in close consultation and planning with the state authorities of the country concerned and with the involvement of the people affected.
Partnership and professionalism
In the event of a disaster, Kindernothilfe works with experienced local partner organisations. They know the culture and people well and are aware of any specific problems and needs. And: local organisations are there, on the ground, for the long term, even after the crisis has disappeared from the public eye. Partners’ proximity to the people in the disaster area fosters mutual trust.
Effective co-operation with other aid organisations is also important for the success of humanitarian operations. That is why, among other things, we work in close co-operation with local partner organisations.
Effective co-operation with other aid organisations is also important for the success of humanitarian operations. That is why, among other things, we work in close co-operation with local partner organisations.
Prevention and sustainability
Even while we are dealing with the initial crisis, we are already making the necessary preparations for subsequent sustainable development projects. The people affected should be enabled to get back on their own two feet again as quickly as possible instead of relying on long-term external support. We, therefore, help them take on responsibility for their own food and livelihood security. We also support the development of health and educational institutions, which the people and state authorities can maintain independently in the long term. Supporting this kind of development is also a key aspect of disaster prevention. Such things as earthquakes or crop failures have a particularly severe impact on people, who, because of poverty and a lack of opportunities to participate, are vulnerable and unprotected.