"In Peru and Bolivia, the health systems have collapsed. This has serious consequences also for the beneficiaries of Mission 21's project work. Students who have just taken an exam or their family members are dying," says Katharina Gfeller worriedly in an interview with reformed. Hunger has also become an acute problem in these countries. Mission 21 had already invested in food security before the pandemic through its project work in Peru and Bolivia. Now these projects are to be expanded, because food is becoming increasingly scarce. One problem for Mission 21 and other development organizations, however, is that donations are also slumping as a result of the pandemic. Especially now, when the need of many people worldwide is increasing.
"We generally expect a decline in donations in the coming years, as the pandemic crisis has economic consequences in Switzerland as well," says Katharina Gfeller. However, Mission 21 remains present and active on the ground. For example, since the beginning of the pandemic, Mission 21 has supported the Corona measures and emergency aid of its partner churches and organizations. For example, the Presbyterian Church in South Sudan distributed hygiene items and food to people affected by severe poverty.
In the interview, Katharina Gfeller also discusses the Black Lives Matter movement, which has become strong in 2020 and draws attention to racism. For Mission 21, partnerships at eye level are important and central. A diversity of perspectives and voices are important for sustainable development cooperation. Katharina Gfeller emphasizes, "In the coming years, we will work with our partners to make their participation even more active."
â–º Read interview from refomiert.
