Sustainable development can only succeed if the right framework conditions are in place, if the people affected support them and if they are managed locally. To achieve this, Helvetas works on a long-term basis with partners who share the same values. Every organization, every company and every authority contributes its strengths, because they know the local challenges and needs best.
Our vision is a world in which all people have a fair chance to overcome hunger, poverty and injustice, to use natural resources sustainably and to take care of the environment. To achieve this, we focus on helping people help themselves and on strong, reliable partnerships.
Involving local expertise...
Development cooperation is only successful and sustainable if international NGOs such as Helvetas work with people, organizations, authorities and companies from the respective countries on an equal footing. They have in-depth knowledge of the context of a country, are familiar with the challenges and needs, and enjoy the trust of the population. Together with them, we identify challenges and develop solutions.
We assess the chances of a collaboration’s success through clear criteria. These include a shared vision, shared values and knowledge of how a potential partner is structured and organized. These criteria also help us to identify potential risks and ensure ethical standards
...and strengthening capacities
At the same time, we invest in building the skills of local partner organizations. This enables individuals, organizations, industry associations and interest groups to initiate development policy changes. Our training courses impart specialist knowledge on financing and infrastructure. They also promote interdisciplinary skills, for example in the areas of networking, leadership and change management.
Initiating or helping to shape developments that are managed locally has long been a matter of course for Helvetas. The exchange between our country programs is also important for Helvetas. This promotes mutual learning. We strengthen the capacity of employees and partners so that they can share their knowledge and find creative and effective solutions together.
Our advisory services team guides development cooperation actors on how to collaborate effectively and on an equal footing with local partners.
How we implement our projects
Doing the right things right
Continuous learning and innovation are important, as is knowing what works: We measure the success of our work in order to learn from experience, to manage and develop projects in a targeted manner, and to be accountable to donors and partners.
Every year, external experts also examine the long-term impact of selected projects. Since comprehensive impact studies are very expensive, not all projects can be scientifically evaluated. However, Helvetas takes care to make a thematically and geographically balanced selection and gives preference to projects for which there has been little research to date.
Dialogue and advocacy
Sustainable development requires the appropriate framework conditions and a holistic, systemic approach. This is why Helvetas is also involved in dialogue with governments, civil society and companies.
We support local actors in effectively representing their concerns — for example in relation to land rights, access to water, or better management and use of funds. Where necessary, we get directly involved or use international human rights mechanisms to promote political change in favor of disadvantaged groups.
Publications & further information
Publications
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Partnership and Locally Led DevelopmentPDF (0.69 MB)
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Collaborating with the Private SectorPDF (1.57 MB)
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Capitalization of Experiences of the Local Market Development Project in Kyrgyzstan: 2005-2015PDF (3.18 MB)
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What we leave behind – Findings from the After Departure Visits in Lesotho, Cameroon and the PhilippinesPDF (2.14 MB)
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Empower Farmers – Build Capacity of Service ProvidersPDF (0.36 MB)
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Learning and Innovation Team: How we can help youPDF (1.18 MB)
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Learning & Innovation at Helvetas, 2021-2024PDF (1.49 MB)
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Learning & Innovation at Helvetas, 2021-2024 - SummaryPDF (0.93 MB)
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Guideline for WebinarsPDF (3.09 MB)
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Guideline: How to do Video Interviews for Knowledge SharingPDF (2.93 MB)
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Manual-ITS-Online EventsPDF (4.08 MB)
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Helvetas Knowledge and Learning Strategy 2015-2019PDF (0.52 MB)
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Working Area Knowledge And Learning Strategy 2015-2019PDF (0.81 MB)
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Working Area Leaflet Knowledge and LearningPDF (2.04 MB)
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Learning Through Storytelling and Video - Manual for trainersPDF (0.98 MB)
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Learning Through Storytelling and Video - Manual for traineesPDF (0.34 MB)
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Learning Expeditions: A Concept NotePDF (0.44 MB)
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Aggregating Evaluation Findings for Joint Reflection and LearningPDF (0.68 MB)
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Reflecting on the Nature of Information, Knowledge and LearningPDF (2.43 MB)
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Facilitating Online Communities - Quick ReferencePDF (0.6 MB)
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Basic setup and tips for small hybrid eventsPDF (0.14 MB)
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Advanced setup for hybrid eventsPDF (0.04 MB)
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Impact Study Report: Trail Bridge Sub-Sector Programme (TBSSP) July 2024PDF (3.99 MB)
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Participatory Teaching Improves Learning Outcomes: Evidence from a Field Experiment in TanzaniaPDF (0.57 MB)
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90,000 young People enter the Labour Market and gain ConfidencePDF (0.86 MB)
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Access to Quality Water for Villages and Schools in Rural BeninPDF (0.96 MB)
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Farmer-to-Farmer Approach in NepalPDF (2.93 MB)
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Saving Time and Improving HealthPDF (0.52 MB)
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Clean Water With Solar EnergyPDF (0.55 MB)
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Standing on One's Own Two Feet - Rural Education in KyrgyzstanPDF (0.36 MB)