Problem
Many physically disabled people in rural villages in Eritrea without direct water access are heavily dependent on help. Water often has to be fetched from distant sources – a task usually taken on by the children. As a result, these children frequently cannot attend school. At the same time, due to their physical limitations, it is extremely difficult for those affected to engage in trade: they have no way to transport their products or goods to the market. Dependence on others and lack of mobility severely restrict their lives and prevent independence.
Solution
For more than eight years, the Eritrean Association for Physically Disabled People in Stuttgart e.V. has been supporting the Donkey Initiative of the partner association ENWDVA. The goal is to provide physically disabled people with a reliable helper: a donkey.
The partner association ENWDVA decides in close consultation with the village community who receives a donkey. In addition to the animal, the recipient also gets a sturdy cart with an integrated large water canister. This allows people to fetch water themselves – they are no longer dependent on their children or neighbours. The children can now attend school regularly.
The transported water supply usually far exceeds personal needs. The surplus is sold in the village, generating first income. Many start with this, but soon further opportunities arise: with the proceeds they buy seeds, grow their own vegetables and transport them to the nearest market for sale with the donkey. This creates a cycle of self-reliance.
The allocation is done through an interest-free loan. Since only female donkeys are given, there are two flexible repayment options: the amount can be repaid interest-free – or the donkey foal is given to the association after birth to finance a new donkey for another person.
Benefits for the Physically Disabled
The donkey takes heavy loads off people, makes them significantly more mobile and opens up real new income opportunities:
- They fetch water themselves and relieve their children – who can now go to school regularly.
- Selling water and later vegetables or other products generates personal income.
- Financial independence quickly leads to greater self-confidence and courage: many suddenly dare to tackle projects they previously thought impossible.
- The home can be improved, quality of life increases noticeably.
- People no longer feel dependent and excluded – they become active members of their community again.
The project is a simple but very effective example of help for self-help: one donkey not only changes everyday life, but gives people back dignity, freedom and a future.