Extreme poverty is characterised by severe deprivation in multiple areas that affect families simultaneously. Progress made by a family in one area can therefore be undermined by setbacks in another. For example, micro-entrepreneurs who fall ill or have an accident may be forced to liquidate their business assets to pay for medical care.
At the social and economic level, our programmes aim to reduce family poverty by raising awareness of rights and of the services available and accessible to families, and by strengthening motivation. Particular emphasis is placed on empowering women, tackling domestic violence, and improving access to economic opportunities. We also help families to increase their income by providing training, assisting with job placement, and promoting self-employment through social microfinance. The vast majority of our beneficiaries are mothers.
In terms of health, we develop community-based health insurances, backed by medical and social support services, for the most vulnerable families, to improve their access to local healthcare. We also contribute to the fight against tuberculosis, which disproportionately affects disadvantaged families, and to strengthening the healthcare system by training health professionals.
In the field of education, we work to improve access to quality preschool and primary education for children in deprived areas, reduce school dropout rates, and enhance the educational resources available to teachers and parents.