DWS Country Programs
Angola
A hungry young boy in the eastern province of Moxico, Angola. |
Angola is one of the least developed countries in the world with 70 percent of the population living in extreme poverty. Since the end of the civil war in 2002, four million internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and demobilized ex-rebel soldiers with families have started to return to their home areas. 350,000 refugees remain in neighboring countries with 123,000 expected to return in 2004. The long war had a devastating impact, with schools, health posts and churches in ruins. Most basic services are absent and the returnees come back to nothing. A lingering consequence of the war, landmines, presents a serious challenge to local population and communities.
The LWF/DWS Angola program started in 1986 in response to the country’s relief and rehabilitation needs brought about by war. During the prolonged civil war, LWF carried the main responsibility of assisting more than 100,000 displaced people in the eastern provinces of Moxico and Lunda Sul. The current program priorities are reconciliation, recovery and food security for returning and war-affected populations. The program also includes preventive health care, including HIV/AIDS prevention, improvement of farming methods, protection of the environment and peace building.
Reconciliation
Mine victim Glaudet Lomba, 24, (center), at Camp Chicala in Moxico Province. There are over 10 million unexploded landmines in Angola. |
In 2003, the program carried out a major peace-building program in close collaboration with the local churches. Training was provided for 100 peace promoters recruited from the local churches. A training program was started for human rights counselors who then counsel and give advice to people whose rights have been violated.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The DWS program emphasizes food security for returning populations, uses micro projects to restore animal farming in villages. It works in collaboration with DanChurchAid to clear landmines that have prevented DWS from reaching needy populations. Rehabilitation gives priority to building capacity, civil society and peace; increasing food security; and improving the environment. Activities include the rehabilitation of schools, health posts and water systems in all return areas, income-generating projects and assistance to traumatized children.
Community Building
To promote sustainable development, the aim is to mobilize communities to take an active part in both the recovery and development efforts. In 2003, communities undertook rehabilitation of roads and schools.
For more information please contact:
Mr Duane Poppe, Program Officer
Local representative
Mr Andre Cangovi Eurico, National Coordinator
