BMZ and foundations launch initiative for rural youth

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and leading German private foundations have launched TEAM UP, a so far unique initiative. The “Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevölkerung” (DSW), the Hanns R. Neumann Foundation, the Siemens Foundation and the BMZ have joined forces to support young people in rural areas in East Africa in improving their living conditions. An initial pilot programme in Uganda is to reach out to more than 50,000 young women and men aged between 15 and 30 years and their families.

Sufficient income to secure a livelihood, access to family planning and improved water management – these are the goals of TEAM UP. At the same time, the initiative seeks to encourage youths to gain influence on decisions towards a healthy and self-determined life and have a say in political processes. TEAM UP is financed half by the foundations involved and half by the BMZ. A total of six million euros has been provided for the first three years of the pilot project in Uganda.

More future for rural youth – women to take their own decisions on family planning

Maria Flachsbarth, Parliamentary State Secretary at the BMZ, welcomes the initiative and says: “If we join forces, we can achieve more and provide true opportunities for the future. Those who have found employment can feed their families and recognise prospects at home. At the same time, we have to empower girls and women to take decisions on how they want to plan families. It has become clear that investments in health and prenatal care for women have led to a significant decline in the birth rate.”

Michael R. Neumann, whose family is the founder and donor of the Hanns R. Neumann Foundation, adds: "Interdisciplinary co-operation between three private foundations with the same overarching objective but different fields of activity is the innovative and forward-looking feature of this project.”

With TEAM UP, the private foundations, their local partners and the BMZ can combine their respective strengths, concentrate their innovation potential and thus reach out to more people. The initiative has been conceived for the long term, is to be regionally extended and is open to further partners.

TEAM UP seeks to record clear results and learning achievement right from the start. The pilot programme is therefore additionally being accompanied by an external, scientific evaluation institute.

(BMZ/wi)

More information:

Link to BMZ-Website/team-up (in German only)