4 Afghanistan: village children get their first school 9 Clean water and better Mission east hygiene save children’s Number 1 / May 2006 / lives in

FOCUS Spotlight on 2005 ˆÃȜ˜Ê >ÃÌ ‡ÊÛ>ÕiÃʈ˜Ê>V̈œ˜ 

Contents

7 Tsunami – disasters 12 – disabled demand immediate children get equal rights response In 2005, Mission East contributed The tsunami killed more than to the introduction of a new law 200,000 people and destroyed which ensures that all children with millions of people’s lives. Through disabilities have the right to equality our international partners in the of educational opportunities and Integral Alliance, Mission East was which promotes inclusive education. able to respond to the catastrophe Read about seven-year-old Zara who immediately. discovered the joy of attending school 4 and about her mother, who has re- Afghanistan – still in 8 Tajikistan gained pride in her daughter. desperate need of help – moving forward Poverty is still desperate in Afghanistan Many villages in Tajikistan are kept in 14 Local partners – one of the six poorest countries a vicious cycle of continuing disease Read about Mission East’s local in the world. 2005, however, was a combined with the lack of sufficient partners in Bulgaria, and milestone for Mission East’s work in and nutritious food. Mission East Romania Afghanistan. The high child mortality helped 41 villages to break the poverty rate dropped in a large number of cycle and take development into their 15 Support Mission East villages, where Mission East provided own hands. clean water, better sanitation and improved hygiene awareness. Also, 10 – creating better thousands of children now have their living conditions in a hot first ever schools and a road was spot built, which connects thousands of Despite violence and insecurity there is people to the surrounding world. a sensation that things are progressing in northern Iraq, where Mission East has re-housed displaced households.

Front page photo: Mission East Head Office in Hellerup, Board is a Danish international aid organisation. Managing Director, Dr. Kim Hartzner Thomas Ploug We exist to deliver relief and development Vice Managing Director Peter Samuelsen Kenneth Whitelaw-Jones The children of Samandab will assistance to vulnerable communities with a Communications Director Ida Thyregod Robert Kelley now have a real school. Up until primary focus on Eastern Europe and Asia. Journalist Morten Østervang Turi Nørholm now they have been taught in Based on Christian values, Mission East Personal Assistant to Managing Peter Bernhard cold tents. Many girls did not aims to support the most vulnerable, Director Henrik Gunnertoft attend school at all. With making no racial, political or religious Bookkeeper and Office Assistant Tina Bartels Editorial staff the new buildings most distinction between those in need. Kim Hartzner girls and boys will receive Mission East currently operates in Mission East Office in Brussels, Belgium Morten Østervang primary education and thus Afghanistan, Armenia, Iraq and Tajikistan, Operations Director Mags Bird and we co-operate with local partners Finance Director Peter Drummond Smith Graphic design break the cycle of illiteracy. in Bulgaria, Romania and Nepal. Project Support: Richard Peppiette www.munchogmunch.dk 71 percent of Afghanistan’s The assistance offered by Mission East is Desk Officers:John Karren population cannot read. supported by a range of private and public Alex Ramos-Peña ISSN 0908-2042 donors such as the Danish Ministry of Saskia De Smet Foreign Affairs, EU and the United Nations.

Mission Øst · Postboks 149 · Skt. Lukas Vej 13 · 2900 Hellerup · Tlf. +45 39 61 20 48 · Fax +45 39 61 20 94 · Giro 773 1566 · CVR 1472 3692 · [email protected] · www.miseast.org e d i t o r i a l 

Counting on your support

In 2005 Mission East helped 250,000 have strengthened our cooperation In this magazine we look back. needy people. This was only with 10 organizations around the However, a lot of new things will possible thanks to your support. world. This enables us to react fast happen in 2006. We will strengthen when catastrophes hit. our work in Armenia to give the You are now holding the first often stigmatised disabled children edition of this year’s Mission East It is still the long-term work of a better start in life. We will magazine. Like last year, we have helping people out of poverty improve living conditions in even chosen to look back at what we that dominates Mission East’s more villages in Afghanistan and achieved with your support in work. We operate in some of the help villages in Tajikistan fight the 2005. Many faces have made an most vulnerable and forgotten natural disasters that keep them By Dr. Kim Hartzner, unforgettable impression: the girl countries of the world like in poverty. None of this is possible Managing Director Mission East in Afghanistan, who will now Nepal, Afghanistan, Armenia without your support. In 2005, attend school for the first time, and Tajikistan. Who ever hears Mission East saw an increase of 20 the boy in Indonesia who is the about Tajikistan in the media? percent in its number of supporters only survivor of a family, but who Who knows that 80 percent of for which we are grateful. We hope thanks to assistance from our the population lives under the we can count on your continued international partners after all has country’s poverty line? Mission support – and that together we can a chance to build a future. East is currently helping 41 assist even more needy people in villages in Tajikistan to break the 2006. Last year, one disaster over­ cycle of poverty. shadowed all the others. As you can read in this magazine, 2005 was a milestone for our work Thank you. Mission East was able to respond in Afghanistan. In the magazine immediately when the tsunami you can read about the impact hit. Thanks to our international of Mission East’s work on infant alliance Integral, Mission East was sickness and mortality in villages, able to respond alongside other and about Samandab village, Kim Hartzner, relief organisations. In 2005, we which now has its first school. Managing Director  a F g h a n i s t a n

Afghanistan – still in desperate need of help

It has been five years since the war Fewer children die in Afghanistan ended. But the need One of the problems being for help is still desperate. In 2005 addressed is the high child Mission East’s efforts have improved mortality rate. According to the living conditions for thousands of WHO one out of four children people in north-eastern Afghanistan. in Afghanistan dies before the age of 5 because of unsanitary It is now five years since decades conditions, lack of access to clean of war in Afghanistan finally water and because the population ended. During these five years has never received information many Afghans have experienced about hygiene. In the villages, substantial progress. 2005 saw the where Mission East is operating, establishment of the country’s first only very few children now die democratically elected parliament. from preventable waterborne Women were eligible for election diseases. and, in the province of Herat, a woman received the highest In 2005, six new schools were built number of personal votes. A in Takhar province. Previously remarkable event in a country the children were taught in tents, where only five years ago women which were useless in winter. were not allowed to work or go to Many girls were kept at home. The school. new schools mean education for thousands of children, including Unfortunately, the country’s girls. desperate poverty still dominates society. Afghanistan continues to Roads provide a better future be the 6th poorest country in the Mission East’s assistance to villages world. Security is fragile, child in Chaal district was possible mortality high and income low. In the remote villages where Mission “According to WHO one of out East is operating many struggle to four children in Afghanistan make ends meet. dies before the age of 5 because of unsanitary conditions, lack In 2005 Mission East has worked of access to clean water and towards improving the rural because the population has population’s wellbeing by creating never received information access to clean drinking water, about hygiene. In the villages, Every fourth child in Afghanistan dies promoting hygiene, building where Mission East is operating, before the age of five. Some of the major ­sanitary facilities, and improving the only very few children causes are polluted drinking water and bad hygiene. Mission East’s wells and health livelihoods of villagers through now die from preventable

education saves children’s lives every day. income generating activities and waterborne diseases.” food production. 

The north-eastern part of Afghanistan is mountainous and hard to access. Mission East’s new road has connected 45,000 people to the surrounding world. through the completion of a 43 sometimes fragile. Our office in ahead in 2006, which will kilometre road through this poor Baharak was attacked in May by a contribute to lifting the Afghans and previously isolated district. mob of people protesting against out of poverty for good. As a result, more than 45,000 the alleged desecration of the people are now connected to the Quran at the Guantanamo base. surrounding world. They can Luckily, our employees escaped, sell their goods in the nearby frightened but unharmed. Achievements in 2005 town, they can reach the hospital, • 1,300 latrines, 500 in Badakshan the children can access schools Caution is a part of our daily • More than 6,500 people and aid organisations can reach ­routine. We are in close dialogue trained in hygiene them. Two years ago we started with authorities and the population • 6 schools built ­constructing the first 20 kilometres, to ensure support for our projects. • 16 water systems built financed by the Belgian Government All projects are carried out in • 20 wells dug via Tearfund Belgium. This year ­collaboration with the local • 4,000 women assisted in we finished the last 23 kilometres, community in order to focus on establishing kitchen gardens By Mark Grewcoe, financed by the Humanitarian the most pressing issues at hand • Irrigation canals repaired former Country Director Afghanistan Aid Department of the European and to involve the Afghans in the • 23 kilometres of road built ­Commission (ECHO). ­creation of their own future. • Cash-for-work program created Photos: Mission East’s work for more than 3,000 people. employees in Afghanistan Security fragile There is still need for help. In the The security situation for coming issues of the magazine we Mission East’s employees remains will tell about the new projects  a F g h a n i s t a n

The girls now have their own school building. For many girls this is the first time ever they can go to school. Many girls were not allowed to go to “tent school'”.

“In a culture where women are shielded from curious eyes, the schools enable female teachers to teach. 350 girls can now ­attend school.” Village gets its first school

For the first time the children of The village of Samandab is set Cold winter in tents Samandab can attend school in in a magnificent location on For the boys the schools are also real classrooms instead of tents. a plateau beneath the Hindu an improvement. For many girls, this will be the Kush mountains in Northern first time ever they go to school. Afghanistan. Two schools are “In winter it is cold and in the the most prominent buildings spring it rains. The students

UZBEKISTAN TAJIKISTAN in the village. The head teacher got distracted,” explains the Gulam and Abdul, 5th FAIZABAD Wazir Shah Rahimi is standing head teacher. The school can grade, have just finished by the entrance, his eyes smiling. accommodate more than 1,000 the last day of school and KUNDUZ will return to school in MAZAR-I-SHARIF BAHARAK The village has just got new and students. TALOQAN spring again. Now they KABUL much-needed school buildings for will go home and help both boys and girls. Outside two boys from the 5th their parents collect Afghanistan wood, get water and grade have completed their exams KANDAHAR look after the animals. PAKISTAN Girls in school for this year. Abdul Karim, who Even though girls were allowed to is 14 years old, explains that it By Charisse Louw, attend school after the fall of the is hard to follow classes in tents. Information Officer Taliban in 2001, it often did not “Now it is easier because we are for Mission East in Facts happen. Female teachers refused not cold.” His friend Gulam Faruk, Afghanistan • 71 percent of the population Photos: Charisse Louw to teach in open tents. This is why who is 13, adds: “My favourite is illiterate (UNDP). the schools, which Mission East subjects are geography and maths. • In 2005 Mission East built six has build with funding from the I want to be an engineer.” school buildings in villages. Danish Government, are crucial. Previously, there were no In a culture where women are The boys walk off in the winter sun, school buildings in Chaal shielded from curious eyes, the holding their notebooks, they will district because they had all schools enable female teachers to return in the spring as 6th graders. been destroyed during the teach. 350 girls can now attend conflict between the Taliban school in this village. Read at the back of the magazine and the Northern Alliance. how you can support the schools. t su n a m i 

In a few minutes, the tsunami destroyed everything. Through its international partnerships, Mission East was able to respond immediately. Tsunami – disasters A fisherman returns to demand immediate the sea Fishing had been 35-year old response Wardi’s life-long job. Until the tsunami hit. Mission East responded straight provided support to some of the away when the tsunami hit. Through organisations carrying out this Photos: World Relief “My boat and everything I owned our international partners in operation. was destroyed”. Integral we can respond quickly and efficiently to disasters. Integral is still working in the area Wardi did not lose his family. to restore people’s lives. In Banda And thanks to a new boat project In few minutes, the tsunami Aceh schools and houses are being he will be able to provide for his transformed the coastlines in built. Fishermen have been helped ­family again. Mission East’s partner Thailand, India, Indonesia and to build boats. Agriculture has organisation, World Relief, has built Sri Lanka into a disaster area. been supported. As an alliance boats for fishermen whose boats Through our international which covers 75 countries and has were destroyed. That has given back partners in Integral, Mission East a total annual income of more livelihoods to 75 families. was able to react immediately. than 120 million euro, Integral “I have bought cooking Some of our 10 partner showed it could react quickly. “I have bought cooking stoves and stoves and clothes for organisations have many years of clothes for my children. These are my children. These are experience in the area and they led By the first things I have bought this Dr. Kim the first things I have a relief effort that provided tents, year,” says Wardi, who says he has Hartzner, bought this year.” medicines and clean water to the Managing been to sea nine times since he 35-year old Wardi,

needy. Mission East coordinated a Director received his boat one and a half Mission East A fisherman in Indonesia large fundraising campaign which months ago.  t a j i k i s t a n

Mission East makes sure that the local community is always closely involved Tajikistan – moving forward in all projects. The local In 2005 Mission East continued to a strong state. But today, the Tajik women. We also ensure that the community decides what their needs are. This focus on long-term development government cannot provide for all farmers receive good quality way the local community in Tajikistan. Mission East has the needs of the local communities. seed and improve knowledge of becomes better equipped been working closely together with They have to help support farming techniques to grow more to take responsibility for their future. the communities to help people themselves. and better crops take responsibility for their own development – a challenge in a Mission East is thus assisting It has taken quite a while country that was governed for a long the communities to be able to to promote the idea among period by a strong Soviet state. move forwards: the communities communities that they can and decide what their needs are should participate actively in When Mission East started working – from training in farming in Tajikistan in 1997, the need for techniques to building emergency aid was acute. A civil latrines and securing It has taken quite a while to promote war had left the country with a high access to clean water. the idea among communities that they unemployment rate, thousands of Mission East supports can and should participate actively in displaced people and a desperate them in that process and their own development and that free lack of food. Today, the situation is throughout the projects. ­emergency aid is not a long-term solution. relatively stable. We are currently working But the results are encouraging. in 41 villages with 48,000

This has made it possible to focus inhabitants. on long-term development, helping people to help themselves – and Development takes time their own development and that to be able to continue helping Mission East aims to help these free emergency aid is not a long- themselves after organisations families have better possibilities term solution. But the results are such as Mission East have left. for earning income and producing encouraging. We are certain the crops. Our programmes are also approach will mean development By Heather Robinson, Putting development into their designed to address the causes that continues to be locally-rooted Country Director own hands of illnesses and malnutrition and relevant. Tajikistan This is a challenge in a country which are prevalent, particularly Photos: Mission East that historically was controlled by amongst children and pregnant 

Clean water saves children’s lives

In the village of Kool, the local “The rest of us don’t have water. In community organisation decided summer we have to go up to one to install clean water. This month without water and have to changed life dramatically. walk 2-3 kilometres to fetch from the irrigation pipes where the water “Before we got access to clean is quite dirty,” says Shamolova water the children in the village Ratetat and adds: often had stomach problems and were sick. Some even died. Now “It gets very hot and we have to the children are healthy.” bring the children as somebody has to look after them. The children are For Bibrgul Yorova, a mother of getting sick when there is no water seven children, access to clean in the summer.” water which was installed recently changed life dramatically. The situation will soon improve for the people of Rohi Ohan. Before, the women used to walk Funded by private foundations, 200 metres to get water and get it Mission East will now begin to from a dirty irrigation stream. install drinking water systems.

“We had to let the mud filter down before we could even drink it or Poor health is poverty use it for washing.” Tajikistan is one of the poorest ex-Soviet countries. For Mission East supports the local every 100 children, 11-12 community organisation in Kool die before they turn five. and helps them decide which Kool Village is participating in a changes are important for the project supported by EU’s community and then to carry Co-Operation Office,E uropeAid them out. In Kool village it was and carried out by Mission East. decided that water is vital. The Local Community Organisations are tap that Bibrgul uses is shared involved in deciding on projects. between twelve families. There The villages co-operate with are fixed times when the water is Mission East in improving the running. access to clean water and learning how hygiene prevents diseases. After Kool village got access to Village needs clean water The local health clinics report a clean drinking water Bibrgul’s The community of Rohi Ohan dramatic decrease in illnesses. children are sick less often. which is not far away testifies to Mission East is now installing the importance of clean water. drinking water systems in Rohi Here only three streets have taps Ohan. This is supported by Konsul and only have water once or twice George Jorck and Hustru Emma a week. Jorck’s Fond and the Ysmenettes. 10 i r a q

Mission East has built 160 houses in northern Iraq. Iraq - new homes for a brighter future

2005 was a challenging year referendum, and most recently resources gives the family a small for Iraq – and Mission East’s elections to the national assembly. source of income to assist in their ­employees. Yet there was also There is a chance to build a ‘new’ re-establishment in the village. a sensation of progress. By the country, but this involves difficult end of 2005, new houses were decisions and sharing of power Mission East’s team in Iraq has completed for 160 families. and resources. had some challenges this year, not least involving keeping a close Iraq in 2005 continued to be a New houses for returnees eye on the security situation and challenging country. Beyond the In the Dohuk Governorate, responding appropriately. images on the news, focussing on Mission East has continued work flashpoints and violence, most of on resettlement programmes. The environment is a challenging the population are just getting on These aim to provide houses for one, and the world’s attention is with trying to live a ‘normal’ life. families who have been homeless often on the politics and instability. But the problems of the past are for many years and who have been Many donors and organisations not easy to overcome, and families living in collective housing, or work only at a distance, and the who were forced to flee from their sharing cramped accommodation transition nature of authorities homes and lands in decades past with relatives since fleeing their and society complicates coordination under the previous regime continue original homes. and assistance efforts. to need a lot of help in order to get back on their feet and have a By the end of the year, houses The close of the 2005 programme stable future. which were started last year were will represent the end of Mission completed in 10 villages in the East activities in Iraq. We have Still, there is a feeling of change Shekhan district. Households seen the potential of the people of in the air. On a national level, this returning to live in them will Iraq, and hope that they will be year Iraq has seen the development be given livestock to help get able to shape their country into a of constitution, a corresponding themselves established. Such ‘live’ peaceful and prosperous land. 11

/1, 9

"-1 "1 ,1 /,- -9, 1*,/ - ,

  À>µ 

-, -1 ‡,  17/ 2005 · By the end of the year we completed 160 houses, the construction of which was started in last years programme. · These are in 10 villages and will provide long term homes for displaced families. · Families moving into these houses received livelihood support (livestock)

Most Iraqis dream of a peaceful life. Qodrat and her family in Ekmala, who now have a house, are a step closer to that dream. A new beginning After decades in forced exile, many others, Qodrat fled abroad, Life is much better, but not easy. local people such as Kurds are to Iran. Although her husband works hard, now able to return freely to their sometimes the tomatoes he helps grow home villages. Often, however, She returned to her homeland in do not sell well. Mission East has now there is no home to return to. In 1992 only to find that her home provided the family with sheep, which Ekmala, Mission East provided in the village had been destroyed. will create a small income. 32 families with a new home. Like thousands of others, she and her family spent long years in Secure in new home Wahjin and Rojin smile shyly as cramped conditions, living with Qodrat’s life so far has been difficult. Wahjin and Rojin are content they bring a tray of cool drinks to the cousin of her husband. Until, As well as the trauma of being exiled with life in their new house. their guests. Last year, the two that is, Mission East came to assess from her homeland, she lost five girls moved with their family into the situation in Ekmala, tracing the children before her youngest, a boy their new home, which was built by families that wanted to re-establish was born. She called him Diar which Mission East. After years in exile, themselves there, and pledged to means ‘God has remembered’. She the family could finally return. help build 32 new family homes. hopes that he will have a secure childhood in Ekmala. While sipping the cool drink, Getting by their mother Qodrat tells us their The people who returned to As we talk, young Diar, sleeps story. Qodrat’s family was chased Ekmala are proud of their homes. peacefully. He obviously feels at away in the late 1980s under the The village is alive to the sound of home in the new house. And Wahjin By Mags Bird, notorious ‘Anfal’ campaigns, a children’s voices and the sight of and Rojin - what do the girls think? Operations Director, Mission East systematic attempt to depopulate women taking care of their homes, They giggle and try to look away the Kurdish areas of Iraq. Like gardens and families. from us. But their smiles say it all. Photos: Mags Bird 12 a r m e n i A Armenia – Disabled Children Get Their Rights

GEORGIEN Parents have learned to speak has been supporting provision out for the rights of their disabled of education to children with GYUMRI VANADZOR children – and in 2005 the right handicaps on their own terms AZERBAIJAN of children to education on their and, alongside this, has also YEREVAN own terms was fixed in law. supported their parents. SOT’K’ Armenia

ANGEGHAKOT’ For many years in Armenia it Expanding focus to disability TURKEY By Manuela Coletti, was considered shameful to and health KAPAN AZERBAIJAN Country Director Armenia IRAN have a physically or mentally In 2005 we have continued our Photos: Mission East disabled child. The popularly- work through a project seeking to held notion was that disabled create a more inclusive education Armenia 2005 children were not able to learn. system. We are also expanding our With support from Mission East However, since 1998, Mission East activities to address health-related the parliament has adopted problems for children that in legislation enshrining rights The parents now feel that they are many instances would otherwise of disabled children better able to speak out for the rights not receive the treatment they of their children. These parents are needed. Working in close co- 12 teachers trained to regaining their self-confidence and operation with government and a

train other teachers pride in their children. They see range of local organisations, our that their children are able to learn. combined efforts together make Training of 50 teachers in a a greater impact on a complex goal-oriented curriculum

Training in inclusive education of teachers at pilot schools

150 families have received social support

100 parents attended meetings at nine schools on a monthly basis.

40 parents have been trained. One parent from each pilot school was educated in management

Extensive media coverage of disability issues organised by Mission East and our partner organisation Bridge of Hope. 13 problem. Additionally, Mission East has helped 150 families for whom it is economically ­challenging to have a handicapped child to get appropriate support from the public authorities.

Parents’ Support Groups - something to be proud of One of the greatest successes in 2005 has been the Parent Support Groups. In these groups parents share experience of having a “I want society to disabled child and some of the parents have been educated in recognize my child” management, communication and networking. They now feel Interview with Karine Martirosyan, What advice would you give to that they are better able to speak mother of seven-year old Zara. other parents in placing their children in schools? out for the rights of their children. Zara is disabled and attends an These parents are regaining inclusive school where she is The child belongs to the world of their self-confidence and pride educated in a targeted curriculum children. Part of that world is school. in their children. They see that developed by Mission East. This Never cut her off from her world, their children are able to learn. has helped Karine gain self- just help find the best place for her. ­confidence – and her daughter has I am a parent like you; I share your The education system has also found the joy in going to school. thoughts, fears and feelings. From seen real progress. A milestone the time our child with a disability was the adoption of a law that How has the new curriculum is born we begin the battle to have secures the right to education helped your child? society value our children. We are for all. Mission East has been an It has strengthened her self- given diagnosis of our children’s active player in the preliminary ­confidence. When Zara started in disabilities along with a prescription work towards preparation of school she just sat and cried. Often for a devalued life: your child will the legislation. A large number I was close to giving up taking never learn, run, play and talk. of pilot schools are now using her to school. Her primary school This perception follows us from the curriculum Mission East teacher persuaded me not to service systems, to school and into has helped develop. This has She is accomplishing the give up, be patient. And my adulthood. As parents we want ­improved the educational approach goals that the teaching Zara did it. The first months recognition that our children are used, with a greater focus on staff and I have placed were hard. Now she likes to valued human beings. the child as an individual. before her. She is play with other children and achieving success in she learns by watching them. How did the Parent’s Support

In 2005 we have seen that it is her individual program. She learns a lot from seeing. Group program benefit you? possible to influence an entire She loves her school. When she started she did not. I have learned things that were ­education system as well as ideas truly useful from other parents and prejudices. In 2006 we will How do you feel that Zara is in the group. We realized our continue this work with even benefiting? strengths and have learned to greater intensity. In doing so, She is learning. She is accomplishing work with them. This program has we will strengthen our efforts to the goals that the teachers and I have changed the life of my child and ensure that disabled get the right placed before her. She is achieving my whole family. Now we believe treatment in the healthcare system success in her individual program. that our daughter is the biggest as well as in the area of education. She loves her school. gift from God. 14 t h e P A S T Y e a r

Activities in Mission East partner countries

U Bulgaria 2005 ROMANIA DONA Building a social centre which will provide:

SE

R • Soup kitchen and warm shelter

BI A Bulgaria • Health clinic and dental care SOFIA • Free recycled clothes and shelter for homeless children and elderly F. Y.

R .O. M In 2006 Mission East will continue TURKEY GREECE to support our local partner Bulgarian Church of God.

Nepal 2005 • Access to school for poor children • Helping orphans at the Eternity TIBET Nepal Orphanage • Creating smaller income generating KATHMANDU projects for people without BHAIRA˜HAWA˜ livelihoods, especially low-caste

INDIA In 2006 Mission East will continue to support our local partner NASSO (Nepali Avinash Social Services Organisation).

Romania 2005 UKRAINE • Giving free medical care and medicine HUNGARY M O L D to poor families, elderly, single- A V I A headed households, orphans CLUJ-NAPOCA • Helping to solving social problems, including supporting access to Romania legal and psychological advice BUCHAREST • Material assistance such as food, SERBIA toys, school books and clothes

BULGARIA In 2006 Mission East will continue to support our local partner Solia Sperantei. 15 A better start in life for disabled children

Mission East is initiating a which could give them a life system in the region. At the comprehensive programme, with potential for development, same time, health personnel which will improve conditions education and activities with lacking qualifications for proper for disabled children in the other children. screening and treatment will be Armenian region Armavir. trained to develop an efficient Because of widespread poverty The programme, which is practice for screening and and discrimination, many supported by the Danish referrals, so disabled children disabled children live in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will will receive the proper treatment. dreary and dire conditions. In contribute to the identification The project intends to develop a many instances, the children and proper diagnosis of the model of health care for disabled are kept at home. Many do not disabled children that are which can be replicated on a receive the medical assistance now kept outside the health wider scale.

Mission East strengthens effort in Afghanistan

Mission East has been ­water and other assistance as animals and others will receive As a part of the project, Mission granted 2.7 million euros by one of the few international assistance for beekeeping. This East will build a road, which the Danish Foreign Ministry ­relief and development will give the households access connects the remote district of to strengthen its efforts in organisations in this area. to food and also enabling them Mandara with the nearest villages. Afghanistan’s poorest and to make an income by selling This will provide temporary work most inaccessible areas.The Mission East now increases its the products. for many local people. comprehensive programme efforts in this area significantly. will improve living The comprehensive programme ­conditions for 30,000 people will improve food and health in the north-eastern part of conditions. Also, the programme Afghanistan. will create possibilities for the population to create sustainable Since the fall of the Taliban incomes through household regime in 2001, the extent of food production. the health and food problem for hundreds of thousands of The programme will secure people in the north-eastern ­access to clean water and part of Afghanistan has ­sanitary facilities in a large become apparent. It is an area number of villages. 10,000 which is difficult to access ­people will be trained in health because of mountains, and and hygiene issues. Also, Mission where international help has East will seek to improve local been scarce. Since the war, nutrition by setting up kitchen Mission East has provided gardens in a large number of livelihood support, clean households. Some will receive 16

You can help Last year Mission East extended and you have some form of urgent relief and long-term electronic banking. development aid to more than 250,000 people in Eastern The details of our bank Europe and Asia. Our work is only account are: possible due to the donations that we receive from private IBAN: DK6130003785046366 individuals and other donors. BIC: DABADKKK Mission East, Skt. Lukas Vej 13, Help us to help the most needy DK-2900 Hellerup Denmark by making a donation.

Please use the enclosed donation If you would like to make a slip or make a donation via donation to Mission East but Mission East’s website www. prefer not to do it online, we miseast.org. You can donate an would be more than happy to amount of your choice online, receive a cheque from you. using Visa or MasterCard. With your support, Mission If you live within Europe, you East can continue to transform can also make a donation to lives. us by bank transfer for free, as long as the donation is in euros Thank you!

Give a chair to the school children of Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, education furniture - chairs and tables - is a luxury. Only half of the to make the schools complete. children attend school and girls in particular are often Give a table or a chair to the excluded from the school school children of Afghanistan! system. Mission East has built 6 schools in Afghanistan for 50 Euros will buy a desk and both boys and girls, where chairs for two students. Just mark thousands of children learn to your donation “Afghan school”. read and write. Now we would like to provide proper school Thank you!