Algeria – An oasis of life and joy

Community center for Sahrawi refugees

The situation

In the middle of the desert, in south-west Algeria, more than 200’000 Sahrawis have lived in the world's oldest refugee camps for over fifty years. Apathy, hopelessness and resignation are increasingly taking hold of the population. The consequences include crime, various forms of abuse, neglect of the younger generation and illegal emigration via dangerous routes.

The refugee camps have a local government, police force, military, primary schools and basic healthcare. However, due to the desert location, a functioning economy has only been able to develop to a limited extent. We would like to help improve quality of life and counteract this negative trend by providing targeted programs.

Education and leisure activities for all ages

By establishing a community center, we aim to create a place where people can come together to share life's joys. The center will offer various leisure and educational activities for different population groups. In addition to the courses for adults and a program for children, there will be space for sporting activities. There are also plans to build a playground where people can meet new friends. For the younger generation, the most important thing is to learn a skill that will enable them to earn an income.

We intend to address this need by offering various courses. Many mothers have little knowledge about breastfeeding and therefore quickly resort to using powdered milk. We aim to address this issue by offering breastfeeding courses during pregnancy and providing support to new mothers in the months following birth. Through our leisure activities, we aim to bring joy and purpose to people's free time. Our educational programs should be forward-looking, encouraging new business ideas, nurturing talent and providing families with a financial foundation.

Organization and project launch

The project planning and fundraising are already well advanced, with construction of the building planned to begin in autumn 2025. The plan is then to hire a local manager and local employees. Assuming all goes according to plan, the first project year will begin in 2026, offering further education courses and leisure activities. These programs will then be continuously expanded.

Portrait Simon Mumenthaler

Simon Mumenthaler

Member of the board

"It is inspiring to see how the projects have a positive impact on the lives of disadvantaged people and how PartnerAid is bringing about real change through collaboration and partnering."

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