Programs: Social Programs

Malteser International's aim is to provide people in need not only with material and economical relief, but also to care for their social well being which is often rooted on a very individual level: psychosocial care, emotional support programs, awareness, health education, and counseling. Once the basic needs (for food, water and sanitation, shelter and basic health care services) are covered, we develop social programs to reduce vulnerability and poverty, helping the affected community develop its own survival means for the future.

Help For Body and Soul

17 dead, numerous wounded and half a dozen abductions: What happened in Kaniola in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo during an attack of armed groups belongs to every day life for the people living in this remote region. Again and again, rebels, soldiers or other armed groups attack the villages. Mama Sophie (name has been changed) is one of the countless victims of these assaults. They abducted and raped her. Several times. All at once and one after another. With their bodies and with objects. For three months. She gets pregnant. Then, finally, her husband pays the ransom. But this is when the gauntlet really starts. Because a man does not want back a woman that has been raped. She cannot count on comprehension in the village either. "They rejected me and claimed that I went to the forest with them voluntarily", Sophie says.

"Looking For Freedom"

"Here, it happens often that men reject their women because they have been raped," Ursula Mesmer explains. The Swiss nurse works for Malteser International and leads a programme for victims of sexual violence in the east of the country. Here, Malteser International supports more than 300 health centres where the people of the remote areas in the jungles get medical treatment. Victims of sexual violence also receive psychological help. As a lot of young women don’t have the courage to go to a health centre, Malteser International also trains volunteers that go to the villages and talk to the women. "A lot of times, these volunteers have been victims of sexual violence themselves and want to help others with their experiences."

Mama Sophie had a blessing in disguise. A neighbour temporarily took her in. Thanks to the treatment in the health centre her physical wounds disappeared and the psychological ones also heal little by little. By now she is living with her family again with her newborn son. "The counsellors made it clear to my husband that I did not go to the jungle with the rebels voluntarily and that I am not guilty for the rapes."

In 2003, Malteser International started this special program to provide psycho-social assistance to the numerous women and girls who were brutalized in the war. In cooperation with local NGOs, particular trainings are offered in order to sensitise staff on the issue. Still many women remain silent because they fear discrimination.

In the year 2007, more than 8,000 mistreated girls and women looked for medical and psycho-social aid in the health centres supported by Malteser International.

 

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• ProgramsEmergency Relief
• Health Services
• Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
• Water and Sanitation
• Nutrition
• Social Programs
• Livelihood
• Disaster Preparedness