There are many NGOs working in Africa. Humanitarian associations have a strong presence in Ethiopia because the needs are great, but not only that. Ethiopia is home to the headquarters of the African Union (AU), making it the hub of diplomatic and humanitarian activity for the continent.
The origins of NGOs in Africa
NGOs appeared in the 19th century in Europe with the creation in 1859 by the Swiss Henri Dunant, following the horrors observed on the battlefield of Solferino. It was another war, the one in Biafra between 1967 and 1970, that saw the appearance of French Doctors. It marked the beginning of humanitarian action in Africa. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) was founded by young French practitioners following the crises in Biafra and Bangladesh.
The 1980s saw the creation of many NGOs working in Africa and the rest of the world. We can mention Action contre la Faim, Handicap International or Aide Médicale Internationale.
Typology of NGOs and Children in the Cloud
There is a wide variety of NGOs. Firstly in terms of size, between the large international NGOs and the small local NGOs. Between the two, which often work together in the field, there are small humanitarian associations such as Children in the Cloud, which raises funds in Europe, and particularly in Switzerland, for projects abroad, in this case in Ethiopia and Africa.
There are also different sectors of intervention. First of all, there is the humanitarian emergency, in theatres of war or disaster (MSF, for example). Other NGOs work to defend human rights (Amnesty International, for example). Other humanitarian associations working in Africa will have a religious or proselytising vocation, such as Secours Catholique or Islamic Relief Services. Finally, other NGOs will be involved in local development, such as Children in the Cloud and its construction of a school at Sona (Simien - Ethiopia).
Support our action!
Like any small Swiss NGO, Children in the Cloud raises funds from individuals and donor foundations. 100% of these funds (or almost!) go to Sona's school project, as our Foundation has no salaried staff in Europe and only works with volunteers who cover all their travel and other expenses. Thank you in advance for your support!