The International Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international movement that is represented in 130 countries. This brings considerable advantages to our work in international development cooperation.

Quickly understanding what’s really needed

We work on our projects in collaboration with the local Salvation Army in countries like Haiti or Zimbabwe. Salvation Army members on the ground are able to recognise requirements as they arise, for example when a village in Zimbabwe doesn’t have sufficient access to drinking water, or when children are forced to sleep on the streets in a major Brazilian city. Because it is anchored within the local population, the Salvation Army becomes a point of contact for project ideas in the local community.

Saving time and money

Because we are already present on the ground, we don’t have to set up time- and cost-intensive structures before we begin – this makes us unique. We can help right away. The Salvation Army is well known in the places it works, meaning it is trusted and enjoys a good reputation around the world.

Providing emergency assistance and looking to the future

Our international structure allows us to provide help immediately in a disaster. We make use of our extensive network and are usually among the first to provide emergency assistance such as food, water, clothing and tents. By building on this and working together with the local Salvation Army, we are able to develop projects for the future that will ease the suffering of local populations.

Transparency and accountability – more than just buzzwords

We work hard to ensure the Salvation Army is a transparent organisation characterised by accountability and good governance. For us, that means being receptive to those in need and making sure our projects offer the best-possible help to those affected.

To achieve these goals, we speak regularly with our partners to see which areas we can improve in, both within the organisation and in our project work. The feedback is implemented through specific plans of action, for example by improving our project guidance or the transparency of our financing. We also look at how people in need in the countries we work in can provide us with feedback on our support. Each of our new projects is carefully analysed to ensure that only the most suitable projects with the greatest chance of success are implemented.

Role as a pioneer and expert organisation

The Salvation Army is convinced that transparency strengthens trust, not least among sponsors and donors. Participation leads to responsibility. The Salvation Army has assumed the role of a pioneer in the area of transparency and accountability and is consulted by many organisations around the world in its capacity as an expert.

Creating acceptance and trust

The inclusion of the local Salvation Army and the population doesn’t just ensure that our projects are implemented where they are truly needed. Because people and communities on the ground can contribute during the development of a project, our support is also more likely to be accepted and the people affected are able to take responsibility for the project. These are important components of a successful international development collaboration. We are strongly committed to this process, and to creating the conditions necessary to help people help themselves in the long term.

Even when the project is finished, we don't just disappear

When a project is complete, the Salvation Army doesn’t simply pack up its tents and head home. We maintain a local presence through our contacts and infrastructure, and are able to continue following the success of a project as well as learning important lessons about how our projects can be improved in future. If an existing project isn’t achieving the desired effect or if unforeseen problems emerge, we are able to act quickly and directly.

Beyond answering basic needs

When people fall into poverty or hard times, they need more than just financial support. There are lots of things to take into account: education, health, work and spirituality are decisive factors in easing the hardship of the people concerned. It is an idea that is all too often overlooked. This is not the case at the Salvation Army.

The help the Salvation Army offers goes beyond answering basic needs. It stands up for education and mental health, helps marginalised people reintegrate into the community and works to support healthy relationships within families.

Preventing relapses

It is only by considering the person as a whole that we can develop projects that help them in the long term – for example by working to reduce the risk of a relapse. This allows the Salvation Army to help vulnerable people find a path back to a dignified life, as well as offering them support as they continue their journey through life.

Networking activity – joining forces in the fight against poverty and hardship

Networking and partnerships with other Swiss players in the development cooperation sector are of great importance to the Salvation Army’s international development work. The exchange of experience and the further professional training received by our staff benefit our work as well as the people we are helping.

The cooperation community of the “Bread for All” foundation

The Salvation Army has been a member of the “Bread for All” foundation’s cooperation community for several years now. This collaboration between aid organisations improves the quality and impact of the projects and programmes of participating partner organisations. The collaboration has greatly intensified in recent years. The Salvation Army’s International Development Office is an active participant in this learning community. It has been the community’s president since 2014 and is in charge of two of the group’s four focal points.

The cooperation community also receives public financing for its collaborative work and projects. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (the Swiss Confederation’s agency for international cooperation) supports the work of Swiss aid organisations through its financial contributions to the cooperation community.

Personnel collaboration in development cooperation

Another important partner in the Salvation Army’s development cooperation work is Unité, the umbrella association for personnel exchange in development cooperation. The Salvation Army has been sending people to its partner countries since its early days. Personnel working on our projects abroad strengthen our relationships with our partners, facilitate exchanges of experience and knowledge and build bridges between cultures.

Thanks to our cooperation with Unité, we can ensure that the quality and impact of our work abroad remain high. The Salvation Army has acted as vice-president of the umbrella association for several years.

Links:

The cooperation community of Bread for All and its partner organisations (german or french only)

Unité umbrella organisation

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation SDC

Volunteer to work abroad for the Salvation Army

Jacques Miaglia

Head of the Salvation Army’s International Development Office

“I believe that a better world is possible. Our work contributes to achieving this goal.”

Sarah Makanjera-Cox

Deputy Head of the International Development Office, also responsible for development projects

“I have always been passionate about fighting injustice. My work offers me the unique opportunity to bring about positive long-term changes in the lives of a large number of people in different countries. I enjoy working in a multicultural, highly motivated and well-qualified team. The atmosphere of mutual trust and the sharing of knowledge, as well as the productive collaboration, is something I value greatly – not only in the team or with our partners, but also with the people we support.”

Alberto Schumaker

Head of Programmes

“The Salvation Army works with those who have been left behind by society and fights injustice in 130 countries. This network opens up so many opportunities for us to establish effective partnerships and bring about real change for the benefit of people in need. All of this helps me tackle the challenges that are typical to our work and reminds me of the importance of continuing that work.”

Dr. Mirriam Cepe

Project Manager for Asia

“As a professional doctor, the opportunity to make a positive change for poor and marginalised people in Asia is something that appeals to me greatly.”

Cécilia Perren

Project Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean

“I find working in international development fascinating: we have the opportunity to share our knowledge as part of a team, as well as with our partners and the beneficiaries of our projects. This allows us to offer innovative solutions and new opportunities to vulnerable populations, who then have access to a little more justice and inclusion in their daily lives.”

 

Silvia Boarini

Project Manager for Africa

"This job gives me the opportunity to stay connected to the world and work with my colleagues towards sustainable development."

Major Peter Hauri

Project Manager for Latin America North

“What I enjoy about my work is the exchange of ideas and the opportunity to learn together - both in the North and the South.”

Major Jean Volet

Emergency Assistance and Reconstruction Projects

“I value the conscientious work done by our team. This work increases my awareness of human suffering, particularly in the aftermath of a catastrophe. I like to reflect on what we can do to help in these situations.”

David Bühler

Accounting and finances

"My work with Heilsarmee finds me with a foot in two camps: Finance and International Development.  Two worlds that don't always necessarily line up perfectly.  But nothing could be more satisfying than this challenge. Our team is awesome, our mission is huge, but our faith is bigger."

Stefan Häderli

Administration, support projects and communication

"I am convinced that a move towards sustainable development and a more just world can only take place through globally networked partnerships and freely sharing knowledge. My aim is to advance both in my everyday work."

André Chatelain

Product Manager for Communication

“My work offers me the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience for the benefit of others in an international team and environment. I see this commitment as a key part of my service to society. I think that easing the suffering of others is a compelling approach to this. The Salvation Army goes to great lengths to put this concept into practice.”