30 Years PBF

Dear friends of the PBF Foundation

It is with joy and gratitude that we report here as a team on the experiences, challenges and progress of our work with the communities and individuals who deserve and whenever possible receive our support. Since the humble beginnings in 1994, we have made it our mission to reach out to the poor and marginalized communities. The Foundation continues to work boldly and strategically, critically analyzing the impact of its work on communities.

Objectives
We strive to address the root causes of poverty, deprivation, exploitation and abuse that hinder the exercise of civil and human rights and violate human dignity, especially of those living in remote villages and informal urban settlements (slums).

Progressive climate change, water scarcity, water purity, drought and natural disasters are becoming ever greater problems. Food shortages and hunger remain a serious threat to those already living in poverty. Specifically, our work is about

– Access to clean water
– Improved hygiene and sanitation
– education
– Respect and recognition for women and girls
– Protection and care of older people, the sick and people with disabilities
– Participation in the community
– health care
– Environmental protection
– Microfinance
– Agriculture and food security

Target groups
The main beneficiaries of our projects are the poorest of the poor. Sustainability and the holistic approach of the work we do have high priority.

How we work
Our approach is always adapted to local challenges and cultural opportunities. At PBF, this includes three basic guidelines:

– Women are the key positions for change
– Using communities for independent action
– Fostering effective links with local authorities

We are in close contact with people who are directly affected. By taking concrete action and working with local people, they become agents of change. They are encouraged and empowered to effectively exercise their rights, opportunities, and abilities.

Our local leaders come from among the beneficiaries themselves, which also means that we do not need to make special appointments. Through these people of trust, we get to know our target groups well and can maintain close contact with them.

For the projects we finance, we in turn work with carefully selected local experts. They have a good community-oriented approach, cultural competence and report reliably.

We also use social media channels to communicate quickly and interactively with people who are unable to use the usual means such as post or telephone.

This also enables efficient, unbureaucratic decision-making and helps to reduce administrative costs.

Effectiveness and success
For decades, we have focused primarily on community projects in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Benin, South Sudan, Rwanda and Sri Lanka, which are aimed at larger population groups.

In 2023, we were able to significantly expand our support and activities in favor of young people, especially women.

In 2022/23, we were able to reach the marginalized communities of Fuga and Manja in Ethiopia, who continue to suffer from inhumane discrimination and neglect. We support the schooling of children there, access to clean water and the provision of toilets and other sanitary facilities.

Important new projects 2023/24

1. the Laudato Si, community housing projectin Lalibela/Ethiopia was inaugurated on February 4, 2024 and handed over to 24 families
2. the roof of the PBF Memorial Clinicin Lalibela is already being built in February
3. further expansion of the Pearl pilgrims’ hostelin Lalibela is imminent
4. the renovation of the toilets and classrooms of the village school in Doanonear Durame/Ethiopia will be completed in the summer.
5. wheelchairs and family-integrated support for children with severe disabilitiesin Soroti/Uganda is a project with great expectations and tasks.
6. the Eco Farmproject on the Indian Ocean coast in Diani/Kenya promises a sustainable future.
7. the Bee and Tree – laudato si projects for the conservation and use of local resourcesin Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda both strengthen the ecological balance and enable sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping and tree planting.

We report on our work on our website as up-to-date as possible. The articles can also be posted directly on social media.

All these achievements could never have been realized without the tireless support of friends, employees and a large circle of private donors who have accompanied PBF over the past 30 years

We would therefore like to take this opportunity to express our heartfelt thanks.

The PBF teams responsible in Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda in January 2024