OUR WORK
Through community development education, Emerge works alongside community leaders and families to provide clean drinking water, food, preventive health care, agricultural support and educational resources. By promoting access to education, community members discover and develop their own vision, skills and resources to move from dependency to a self-sustaining future. This community transformation offers hope, dignity and interdependence within the community, equipping the people to invest in the progress and well-being of their lives.
El Salvador, Central America: There are dire food insecurities and joblessness within the impoverished communities where the El Salvador Emerge team ministers. Food and water distribution, clothing and basic necessities are a priority during the current relief efforts due to the COVID crisis. A rabbit and poultry project began in May to supply protein for the more marginalized of the community. Education in animal husbandry, agriculture and nutrition will follow as well as economic development, microfinance and small business microenterprise.
Djibouti, East Africa: Education equips children for the future and encourages the next generation of leaders. Emerge workers in Djibouti are engaged in primary school education, including children’s health-related subjects. Education among the adult population addresses the arid, dry climate of the country: agricultural practices for food insecurity; good nutrition; and food-related micro-business as well as water harvesting, storage and purification. Post-drought relief efforts are focused upon immediate needs of shelter construction for displaced people, latrines, mosquito nets and potable water distribution. Vocational life skills, women’s cycle of life and holistic health are taught at a community level.
Somaliland, East Africa: Since gaining its independence in 1991, Somaliland continues to work diligently at restoration of peace and progress. Across the board, the common need voiced is that of water. Emerge workers are addressing that need through water harvesting, storage and purification. Community water clubs have begun to encourage local ownership and sustainability of water sources. Working alongside national partners, trained well diggers and water well hand pump repairs further increase potable water sources. Health lessons related to clean water and water-borne illnesses are taught in community as well as hygiene and good nutrition. Training in drought-resistant agriculture and the introduction of drought resistant seed and farming practices are taught in rural areas. As a result of the years of civil war, the need for trauma counseling, occupational and physical therapy has begun by trained Emerge workers.
Portugal, Europe: In Portugal, there are many barriers which keep people from experiencing a flourishing life. These obstacles impact the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of individuals and in turn, their community. Emerge workers desire to purposefully walk alongside community members seeking a more abundant life, helping them to identify those barriers as well as the resources available to address them.