Strengthening the coping capacities of people

Woman in Mosambique carrying water can on head

The international cooperation of the German Red Cross encompasses humanitarian assistance in crises, conflict and disaster situations, reconstruction and rehabilitation measures and long-term development cooperation. In the various phases and in key areas of its international cooperation the German Red Cross is following one overall objective: to strengthen the resilience of people.

By strengthening their resilience, people are better able to cope with acute shocks or prolonged stress – as a result of crises, conflicts, or natural disasters – adapt, and recover quickly. The aim is to support the most vulnerable people: those in extreme poverty, women, children, the elderly, and those with disabilities.

Woman in Mosambique working in garden — If livelihoods – such as sources of income like agriculture – are secure, people are more resilient to crises.

First responder team — Better preparation for disasters, for example by first responders, also contributes to resilience.

Man builing a house — Building safe shelters in the Philippines

Woman sewing — Promotion of micro-enterprises in Bangladesh

Ethiopian woman using a new well — New well in Ethiopia

In its activities the GRC consistently works closely together with the respective national Red Cross or Red Crescent Society and pursues a holistic approach that includes the various areas of life. Thus the undertakings to strengthen resilience include core areas such as water, sanitation and hygiene, health, shelter and livelihoods, as well as disaster preparedness and climate change adaptation. All activities, whether short-, medium- or long-term measures, are tailored to local conditions. The core objective is to sustainably strengthen self-help capabilities at local, regional and national levels. At the same time, the GRC works to promote the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Your kindness can change lives.

GRC projects always have the objective to strengthen the resilience of the most vulnerable people and the National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to enable them to better cope with crises and disasters in the future.

Donate for people in need!

Improving Livelihoods

The central objective of the German Red Cross is to comprehensively secure the livelihoods of vulnerable people and communities through adequate access to income and resources.

Three boys at a water dispenser in Africa

Water, sanitation and hygiene

Clean water and hygiene are essential for our health. With dozens of projects in various countries the German Red Cross is committed to improve water supplies, sanitation and hygiene, thereby reducing the outbreak of diseases.

Healthcare

In cooperation with the national Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies on the ground, the German Red Cross is committed to humanitarian healthcare and the prevention of health crises.