English - About us NETZ Partnership for Development and Justice What is NETZ? NETZ has worked since 1989 in development cooperation with local NGOs in Bangladesh. We do not prescribe solutions against poverty, but instead support the initiatives of the underprivileged and their true will for change. NETZ and their partners in Bangladesh aim to build on people's creativity: together with the poorest of the community our partners develop programes, which should lead to practical solutions to the urgent problems they face. Where does NETZ work? This South Asian country has an estimated population of 133 million. 50% live below the poverty line and malnutrition is widespread. Particularly children are malnourished - 8% of the children die before their fifth birthday. However, medical care and education have recently been improved, aided by the work of local NGOs. The birth rate has been falling in the last few years - and these positive trends can be continued through further development programmes NETZ assists change for society's most neglected: children, widows, landless families, small farmers and fishermen, allowing them to find ways to live with dignity. The socio-cultural environment of Bangladesh means women are the most disadvantaged - and NETZ actively focuses on women's needs. How does NETZ work? First the Children So far NETZ and our partners have enabled 18,905 children to get a school education. Thirty eight schools are now established and classes are taking place. Working with our local partners means these scools are not reliant on foreign donors and are more sustainable. With Hammer and Sewing Machine 1,904 disadvantaged young people have already completed vocational training through NETZ supported programmes. Of these 75% are working in their learned profession. Rice every day 45,225 women and men have received credit from NETZ to help support their own enterprises. Getting access to credit and specific training (e.g. agricultural methods) they now can generate their own income. Health 426 tubewells and 4,370 latrines have been installed to date by NETZ partners and their beneficiaries. This ensures that clean water is available and sanitary hygiene is safeguarded, thus protecting health from waterborne disease - a major problem in Bangladesh. Trees: Protect & Plant 908 families are now using specially developed cookers that consume 50% less wood. 455,134 trees have been planted in the village areas - initial grants came via NETZ, now the nurseries are in profit. In Storm & Flood Bangladesh is a land that is prone to natural disaster - flooding and cyclone. Following such emergencies NETZ is quick to implement relief, distributing food, clean water and medicines. 3,868 families whom had lost everything have since built themselves new homes through NETZ assistance. To Develop Justice NETZ believes poverty is a violence against people. NETZ and their partners try to combat the causes together with the people. Women, the landless, and minority groups learn their rights, join together in groups and lobby to pursue their own interests, getting legal advice and assistance to further their cause. NETZ supports freedom of expression of disadvantaged people - in particular women, the non-violent solution of conflicts, the peaceful cohabitation of Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Buddhists in the community, the cultural identity and self-determination of minorities, the realisation of human rights in the villages. NETZ Partnership for Development and Justice Moritz-Hensoldt-Straße 20 35576 Wetzlar Germany fon +49 (0) 6441 - 26585 fax +49 (0) 6441 - 26257 e-mail: info@bangladesch.org