EEF Guidelines

Education is our key concern

Through our efforts children and young adults from the poorest of backgrounds are given access to education. And, having an education, they are in a better position both to determine the path their life will take and to have an effect on their surroundings. Having a good foundation of knowledge helps them to get ahead, but only covers part of their needs. For this reason we try, while respecting the local context, to create opportunities for holistic development which promote social competence and creativity as well as allowing space for play and fun.

Local initiatives

First and foremost we listen: all our projects are based on initiatives from people already involved in projects in the countries in question. They already have experience, can take responsibility and have had some success to show for it. As a flexible and egalitarian partner we support these people who have committed themselves to the education of children and youth with due respect for pupils and for pupils’ rights as human beings.

Personal relationships

As a small association, we focus on partnerships with projects that are of manageable size. Small organisations are less prone to corruption. In addition, we build up professional structures, maintain a close relationship with the local project leaders and visit the projects once a year. In this way we stay close to things as they happen and can keep procedures lean, guaranteeing an efficient use of funds. All projects place highest value on transparency, trust and honesty and foster an affectionate approach to the children.

Sustainable structures

The children should also continue to receive help after we have moved on. Cooperation with a project should not lead to permanent dependence on our support. Therefore, from the beginning, we think about the time after our partnership has ended and plan, with the project leaders, ways and means of continuing their work on a stable organisational and financial basis when our period of support has come to an end.

Open to innovation

The world can now look back on several decades of development aid and cooperation; many things need not be reinvented. We welcome contact and exchange with experts in the field and also continue to study and learn, so that past mistakes will not be repeated. At the same time, we keep our eyes open and are prepared to try out new things. This may well involve the risk of failure, but might also mean functioning as a pioneer for models that could eventually be adopted by others.

Quality

Our statutes are binding: we are politically and denominationally neutral and pursue our goals according to the principles of the UN Human Rights Charter. All people involved have signed a pledge to uphold our policy of child protection. The business manager adheres to the guidelines for transparent fundraising set up by the professional association Swissfundraising. With regard to content, we are active in the network of Swiss charities that support education projects in developing countries (www.reseau-education-suisse.ch).

Motivation

The board and all other helpers work for the EEF on a volunteer basis because they are convinced that education represents one of the most important resources in the development of a human being. We are parents ourselves, or have had experience in developing countries, and know that sometimes it takes very little to give a child a decisive chance. Sometimes it takes a second try. We are happy to provide the stamina necessary for this; we carry out our work with optimism and joy.