Acting fast and sustainable

The Alliance Development Works (Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft)

In 2006 medico, Brot für die Welt, Misereor, terre des hommes and Welthungerhilfe formed the Alliance Development Works ( Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft or BEH in German): It has since been joined by other German partners including Kindernothilfe, Christoffel-Blindenmission, Eirene and Weltfriedensdienst.

Their joint aim is to provide immediate and long-term assistance in emergency situations and disasters simultaneously by supporting experienced indigenous partners. In addition the public should be informed in a professional and engaged manner of the background to the emergency and the opportunities for overcoming poverty and misery.

During the disasters in Haiti and Pakistan, this tried and tested method of cooperation again proved successful both in the field and back at home. The spontaneous, widespread civic solidarity, the high standing of the organisations in the alliance and the support of the German ARD TV network led to an extraordinarily high level of donations.

The alliance ensured that it was reported in a transparent way with several press conferences and comprehensive documentation of the wide variety of remedial actions at www.entwicklung-hilft.de.

The Alliance’s director Peter Mucke emphasized what the member organisations had in common despite the difficulties that are unavoidable in countries like Haiti and Pakistan: ‘With our approach of interlinking emergency relief, preventive measures and development we aim to strengthen stand-alone civil society structures over the long term. That is not something you can do in one year.’

Published: 15. September 2011

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