SIMaid is committed to individual, community and societal change through community-based development.

    This is a process aimed at helping individuals better understand their own situation and what they can do for themselves.

    It is a process which can be a catalyst for physical, social, economic and spiritual change.

    For SIMaid, community development not only addresses needs in health, agriculture and skill training, it also deals with empowerment, taking charge of one's life, gender relations, family and community cohesion, social justice and spiritual needs.

    Community development is based on change from within and is not imposed on people. It takes into account cultural and societal values.

    By learning about other cultures and working in close partnership with local people, SIMaid staff are able to acquire additional skills needed for effective, long-term development.

    In this respect, both the basic and strategic needs of people and communities are addressed and we aim to see people assume their own development in a sustainable way.

    As development becomes more challenging in a rapidly changing world, there is a need to increasingly address socio-economic issues in the context of projects.

    For SIMaid and our partners, the challenge is to facilitate a process where men, women and children have the ability to think for themselves and have the freedom to take actions to better their own lives. Projects, therefore, may become part of that process, but are not the end result.


    You can help SIMaid help those in need by donating, sharing this site with your friends and linking to us on Facebook and Twitter.