OUR AIC ACTIONS
AIC volunteers at grassroots level work locally to meet real needs on the ground. Our projects are mainly in the fields of education, health and social inclusion.
AIC actions are undertaken by local AIC volunteers, in response to the situations of poverty they encounter in their own communities. Belonging to an international network encourages exchanges of experiences and best practices, creates synergies and promotes mutual support, leading to a global approach to the fight against poverty.
70% of the beneficiaries of AIC’s work are women and their children. As women are the worst affected by poverty and injustice, AIC Solidarité considers it is they above all who can build a fairer world.
Features of AIC actions
- Priority for education and training: AIC believes that education is key to preventing and fighting poverty. Education is not simply the vertical, passive transmission of knowledge; it means learning from others, just as much as teaching others.
“Through teaching one learns, through learning one teaches.” (Paulo Freire).
- Developing local strengths: convinced that each person has within them the capacity to find solutions to their own problems, AIC volunteers seek to encourage participation by the beneficiaries, so that together they can do what is needed to get out of poverty.
- Emphasising local and team working: locally-based AIC volunteers are the most familiar with the economic, political, social and religious circumstances of their communities and they are organised in groups to implement actions effectively.
- Giving full attention to the person: volunteers develop personal relationships with those they support, taking into account their material, human and spiritual needs, and respecting their cultural identity.
- Creating social bonds: the causes of poverty are not just economic. Poverty is also manifested in isolation for individuals. One of the aims of AIC’s work is to try to encourage the creation of social bonds, helping people to feel part of a community.
On the ground
AFRICA
TSIRY – Education
Country: Madagascar, South-East region
“Now, I am able to read and write. It’s so nice to feel valued and to be considered as a full citizen!” Since 2010, 5509 adults – mainly women – and 2180 children have taken part in the literacy program run by the AIC volunteers in the south-east of Madagascar.
This project aims at the development of the human person in all his or her dimensions. It also aims to promote a change of attitude in society in general, notably through an awareness of the importance of working in collaboration and in networks to enable the development of all. Read more
SUPPORT THIS PROJECTLATIN AMERICA
‘Organic gardens: Treading gently to take care of our Common Home’ – Sustainable Development
Country: Peru, Naranjos
This project aims to improve the health of residents in the Naranjos region of Peru, by giving them the opportunity to grow and consume organic vegetables. Local organic gardens contribute to protecting the environment by avoiding the use of agrochemicals. Growing vegetables locally also reduces transport-related CO2 emissions as well as food costs. The project was awarded AIC’s Dominique Prize for Sustainable Development in 2022. Read more
SUPPORT THIS PROJECTASIA
Trees to prevent soil erosion – Environment
2016 -2021: ‘Yes to creation, all the way!’
Country : Philippines, Sta Rita, Pampanga
25 years ago, Mt. Pinatubo erupted and lava flowed down to low-lying regions, covering large areas in Zambales and Pampanga. Buildings were completely or partially covered. Mega dikes were built to contain the flow in a particular area to prevent it from engulfing everything. Read more
SUPPORT THIS PROJECTEASTERN EUROPE
“Oasis of Peace” – Education and Health
Country : Ukraine, Kharkiv – East of the country
“My dream is that there are no more misunderstandings or wars between countries; that politicians discuss things, rather than send out soldiers; that there are no more bombs; that Ukraine becomes a peaceful country”. Words of one of the children at the Oasis of Peace centre. Read more
SUPPORT THIS PROJECTMIDDLE EAST
“Eating Healthily”
Country: Egypt, Cairo
The aim of the project is to improve the living conditions of ten women in the Beaulac district of Cairo, through an income-generating activity. The women prepare healthy dishes full of fruit and vegetables for 1000 pupils and 50 teachers at the “Collège Saint Vincent de Paul” secondary school. These dishes allow pupils and teachers to eat in a healthier way, and the profits generated give the women beneficiaries an income to support their families. Read more