Overview
Concern works as both a fast response emergency agency and a facilitator of long-term development projects. Concern recognises that there is a strong link between poverty and the impact of emergencies and maintains a clear mission to respond to emergencies alongside its established development work.
Concern focuses on five key programme areas: education; emergencies; health; HIV and AIDS and livelihoods. Concern works with governments, both central and local, to ensure that programmes fit into national plans where possible. Concern believes in working directly with local people, and in partnership with local bodies and other international agencies, to develop the capacities of people as it provides relief and assistance.
Local development
Concern strongly believes that employing local professionals – nurses, civil engineers, agriculturalists, teachers and administrative staff – as well as a small number of essential international staff, is key to ensuring the long-term sustainability of its programmes. To this end, Concern works through existing structures, such as health and education services, to supplement them where they are weak or do not exist.
Campaigning
Helps raise awareness of pressing social and political issues, gather support and influence policy change.
