M.A.I.S. - Movimento per l'Autosviluppo, l'Interscambio e la Solidarietà
Via Saluzzo 23
Torino
Italy
- Environment/Sustainable development
MAIS implements projects promoting social and economic democracy, in cooperation with institutions and other organizations and socio- economic development of involved people, with special regard to craftsmen, children and women. It promotes local capacities and resources. It encourages an exchange of practical knowledge inside the countries in which it works.
The main activities are: (1) Realization of development projects in developing countries, about these thematic areas : fostering and promotion of human rights, with specific attention to native people’s, children’s and teenagers’ rights, (focusing especially on gender problems), rural development, preserving in particular the ecological aspect. (2) The role of M.A.I.S. concerns the co-management of development projects in collaboration with local partners during all stages of the action (preparatory phase, implementation and management, monitoring and evaluation). It enables and support the spreading of the know-how and the capacity-building process of in-country organizations, institutions and individuals, through an horizontal logic, promoting technical, socio-cultural interchanges and networking. (3) Selection, training and provision of volunteers and NGO staff for the co-management of the project, endowment of technical assistance, employing primarily the human resources from the NGO. (4) Information and education concerning development of Italian citizens, in the schools. Informal education to street children in developing countries. (5) Interchanges between “North” and “South of the world” realities, besides “South-to-South-cooperation”, as a methodology and contents on mutual development. (6) Fundraising. M.A.I.S. is currently working in: Latin America: (Brazil, Guatemala, Nicaragua), Africa (Egypt, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal). 2) Experience in the Sector and in the Geographical Area of the Proposal • Experience in the Sector of the Proposal: 1.“Improving quality of life and working condition for children and families in Old Cairo, tannery area” (EGYPT) (a) The object and location of the action General Objective: Improving quality of life and working condition for children and families in Old Cairo, tanneries area. MAIS supports local NGO Abu El Soud, in the tanneries area of Old Cairo, to develop and establish sustainable services to the community to improve working condition of children and quality of life of poor families. The services include: • Literacy classes • Vocational training • Basic health awareness and care • Nutritional awareness and care This will help the community to sustain the difficult transition in the area, due to the displacement of the tanneries, and enhance local working prospects for the children and young adults. The families in general also will be supported to adopt a healthier and more hygienic attitude toward their children. (b) The results of the action The project has started in October 2004. The association has been supported to select and train personnel and to create services for the local families. The premises have been renovated with offices, laboratories, classes and a clinic. The participation in the program has been very successful. At the moment 80 children and 28 adults are enrolled in the literacy program. 52 children are participating in the vocational courses, and 95 applicants were selected and attended the computer courses. 113 children receive nutritional supplements. Nurses are offering door to door visits in the area in order to spread awareness of the new health services.