Annual Report 2017
Annual Report 2017
Annual Report 2017
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[ Page 5 ] .................................................................................................................................................3<br />
Editorial by the President .....................................................................................................................3<br />
Successful partnership needs dialogue at eye level .........................................................................3<br />
[ Page 7 ] .................................................................................................................................................5<br />
Editorial by the Director .......................................................................................................................5<br />
Working for more justice ...........................................................................................................5<br />
[ Pages 8-9 ] .............................................................................................................................................6<br />
International Relations ........................................................................................................................6<br />
[ Pages 10-11 ] ..........................................................................................................................................6<br />
Increasing violence and tensions were the hallmarks of <strong>2017</strong> ..............................................................6<br />
Incentives for extensive long-term support ...................................................................................6<br />
[ Pages 12-13 ] ..........................................................................................................................................8<br />
Nigeria ..........................................................................................................................................9<br />
Working for religions to live together in peace ..............................................................................8<br />
[ Pages 14-15 ] ........................................................................................................................................ 10<br />
Indonesia .................................................................................................................................... 10<br />
A talented craftswoman and teacher .......................................................................................... 10<br />
[ Pages 16-17 ] ........................................................................................................................................ 12<br />
Democratic Republic of the Congo ................................................................................................. 12<br />
Healthcare for the poorest in a neglected region ......................................................................... 13<br />
[ Pages 18-19 ] ........................................................................................................................................ 15<br />
Latin America .............................................................................................................................. 15<br />
Motivated to make an effort for society ...................................................................................... 15<br />
[ Pages 20-21 ] ....................................................................................................................................... 17<br />
International co-workers perform dedicated service on the ground .................................................... 17<br />
[ Pages 22-23 ] ....................................................................................................................................... 18<br />
Education Exchange and Research ...................................................................................................... 18<br />
[ Pages 24-25 ] ....................................................................................................................................... 18<br />
Religion and development: recognising the potential for peace ......................................................... 18<br />
[ Pages 26-27 ] ....................................................................................................................................... 20<br />
PEP! offers international assignments for young professionals .......................................................... 20<br />
[ Page 28 ] ............................................................................................................................................. 21<br />
Valuable documents now made accessible for research ..................................................................... 21<br />
[ Page 29 ] ............................................................................................................................................. 23<br />
Donations/<strong>Annual</strong> Financial Statement/Organisation ............................................................................ 23<br />
[ Pages 30-31 ] ....................................................................................................................................... 23<br />
Trimbach keeps up its tradition of social work ................................................................................. 23<br />
Small change leads to big results doing a 'good turn' through the gratitude box .......................... 23<br />
[ Page 32 ] ............................................................................................................................................. 25<br />
Your support benefits disadvantaged people .................................................................................... 25<br />
Thank you for making a change for the better possible! ............................................................... 25<br />
[ Page 33 ] ............................................................................................................................................. 26<br />
List of donations ..................................................................................................................... 26<br />
[ Page 37 ] ............................................................................................................................................. 27<br />
Commentary on the annual financial statement ............................................................................... 27<br />
Spending on programme work was stepped up ........................................................................... 27<br />
[ Page 39 ] ............................................................................................................................................. 28<br />
Organisation .................................................................................................................................... 28<br />
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[ Picture caption 2, title illustration]<br />
Bahati Mshani talking with school students (see page 30). Photo: Nicholas Calvin Mwakatobe<br />
[ Picture caption 2, top]<br />
Subjects for the <strong>2017</strong> autumn campaign (see page 33)<br />
[ Picture caption 2, bottom]<br />
Rattan weavers in Mandomai Photo: Ueli Knecht<br />
[ Picture caption 3, top]<br />
The <strong>2017</strong> symposium on "Values" aroused great interest. Photo: Lea Wirz<br />
[ Picture caption 3, centre]<br />
A woman carrying water in Kwango (DR Congo). Photo: Bernhard Zahnd<br />
[ Picture caption 3, bottom]<br />
A new honorary co-worker at Mission 21's autumn bazaar: Brigitte Tschan, who took over responsibility for the<br />
flower stand in <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
[ Picture caption 4 ]<br />
In Cameroon as elsewhere, dialogue at eye level is the keynote for cooperation. Former international co-worker<br />
Dr. Claudia Bender puts this principle into practice during her morning visit to the children's ward in<br />
Manyemen. Photo: Heiner Heine<br />
[ Page 5 ]<br />
Editorial by the President<br />
Successful partnership needs dialogue at eye level<br />
During my last assignment as a doctor in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), I came face-to-face<br />
with much distress. I was profoundly moved by the suffering of gravely ill patients and many of them were<br />
3
young people. I examined the patients thoroughly, ordered additional tests and then prescribed treatments.<br />
Many of them were able to recover, but others remained ill. In those cases, patients and nurses alike were<br />
disappointed. Then, when I realised that my prescriptions had not been followed, I felt anger and frustration<br />
rising within me.<br />
Hours later, when I was calmer, I heard a gentle voice within me recalling the words of Jesus: "I came not to<br />
judge the world, but to save the world." My mission is to help to the best of my knowledge and belief but not<br />
to know everything better than others, or to judge my co-workers. I want to pass on my expert knowledge not<br />
from on high to others down below, but in a spirit of service and assistance.<br />
Arrogance and a know-it-all attitude are the most common allegations levelled against foreign aid workers. For<br />
their part, they are under great pressure to report successful figures, prove that they have accomplished<br />
sustainable work, and achieve the goals they have been set. They often pass this pressure on to local specialists.<br />
When my wife and I travelled out to the DR Congo for the first time in 1985, we were given some useful advice<br />
which has remained important for us until today: keep quiet during the first year, ask questions in the second<br />
year, and wait until the third year to join in discussions and state your opinion. Even if it is not so easy to follow<br />
this advice in our times when everything moves at such a rapid pace, putting it into practice will show great<br />
respect for our partners and their culture. Relating to different cultures is not something that can be learned in a<br />
hurry and the same is true of local languages. This is precisely the challenge that confronts our partners<br />
overseas: they have to meet our requirements for drawing up accounting statements and documentation, or for<br />
submitting proof of work completed to mention only two examples. This is why successful mission work<br />
requires long-lasting relationships and partnerships.<br />
Do we have to adapt to the culture of our partner countries to the extent that we feel unable to mention<br />
shortcomings? If we adapt too much, and if we allow injustices such as corruption to be tolerated, we can<br />
easily become the accomplices of a ruling class. What is called for here is honest dialogue with great respect for<br />
our partners. All of us are moulded by our own cultures, and it is only through dialogue with other cultures that<br />
we can learn from one another and continue to develop.<br />
A delegation from our partner church in the DR Congo visited Basel in autumn <strong>2017</strong>. During open and honest<br />
discussions, we talked about the future of our work; we did not bypass sensitive issues, and we concluded an<br />
agreement on Mission 21's cooperation with our partners in the DR Congo. We discussed these subjects with<br />
one other at eye level, and we worked together to develop projects.<br />
Partnerships that have lasted for decades number among Mission 21's great strengths. In the future, too, we<br />
intend to be partners at eye level: we shall treat our own knowledge as well as our partners' knowledge with the<br />
greatest care; and we shall be partners who share the burden and tackle the challenges partners who can be<br />
relied upon.<br />
Johannes Blum<br />
President of the Board of Mission 21<br />
[ Picture caption 6 ]<br />
A woman hanging out washing in the camp for internally displaced people in Jos. Photo: Albrecht Ebertshäuser<br />
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[ Page 7 ]<br />
Editorial by the Director<br />
Working for more justice<br />
Mission 21's work focuses on people. The South American expression "buen vivir" (or "living well") is one way of<br />
describing this principle, or it could be equated with the concept of human dignity: what is important is the<br />
professional and uncompromising endeavour to bring about more justice and human dignity throughout the<br />
world. As an organisation, we work purposefully towards these goals on the basis of Christian values.<br />
Conflicts and injustices have increased throughout the world, and many people lack the basic necessities of life.<br />
Mission 21 joins with its partners in practical work to improve living conditions. As a new activity, for instance,<br />
our international Asian women's network enables experts all over the world to exchange ideas about improving<br />
living conditions for women and girls. This is an urgent concern, because violence against women and girls<br />
and disregard for their rights were difficult issues again in <strong>2017</strong>. Women's rights are enshrined in law in many<br />
of our partner countries, but the legislation is not implemented and there is no efficient monitoring their<br />
rights merely exist on paper.<br />
The successful outcome of our persistent work to combat human trafficking is that growing numbers of<br />
partners are launching efficient programmes to participate in this effort. They are carrying out educational work<br />
and implementing preventive measures. Labour migration is one of the principal options for survival, especially<br />
in situations of poverty that are seemingly hopeless. We carry out targeted educational and preventive work as a<br />
sustainable contribution towards ensuring that migration does not lead to a modern form of slavery for<br />
women in particular.<br />
Mission 21's youth development work bore visible fruits again in <strong>2017</strong>. At a ceremony in Geneva last autumn,<br />
former Mission scholarship holder Rebecca Dali was awarded the United Nations prize for exemplary<br />
humanitarian work in northern Nigeria.<br />
Mission 21 makes use of its lengthy experience to work specifically towards intercultural and interfaith<br />
understanding: for peace between religions (as in Indonesia, Malaysia and northern Nigeria, for example) or for<br />
peace between different cultures (as in South Sudan). Mission 21 also engages in advocacy activities to draw<br />
worldwide attention to these conflicts: events were held on 14 April, in remembrance of the kidnapping of 276<br />
schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok (northern Nigeria) and on 10 December, International Human Rights Day,<br />
to strengthen interfaith understanding. We draw attention to partner churches and organisations whose difficult<br />
situations are all too often overlooked.<br />
Time and again, we see how Mission 21 gets to the very heart of today's challenges thanks to its open culture of<br />
dialogue and commitment. All of this is only possible thanks to the enormous dedication and sustained work of<br />
our partners and co-workers, as well as the various bodies working within the Mission. But also, and in<br />
particular, it is thanks to the many donors who loyally support the work of Mission 21 and its partners. I offer all<br />
of you my sincerest thanks.<br />
Claudia Bandixen,<br />
Director, Mission 21<br />
((Signature))<br />
[ Picture caption 8 ]<br />
Karen Mamani (left) is able to study theology at the Latin American Biblical University (UBL) thanks to a Mission<br />
21 scholarship. She intends to take on a commitment to society after she graduates. Photo: Dorothee Adrian<br />
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[ Pages 8-9 ]<br />
International Relations<br />
A life in dignity for all people: this is the goal we seek to achieve through our work. Mission 21 endeavours to<br />
bring about life in peace, with adequate food, access to healthcare and education for all people, regardless of<br />
their religion, gender, and ethnic or cultural background. At our headquarters in Basel, we towards this goal in<br />
collaboration with our international co-workers on the ground in 20 countries throughout Africa, Asia and Latin<br />
America, and with over 70 partners in more than 100 projects.<br />
[ Picture caption 10, top]<br />
A weaver in Gohong making a basket. Photo: Ueli Knecht<br />
[ Picture caption 10, bottom ]<br />
Members of the congregation of the Church of the Brethren, Nigeria (EYN) standing in the remains of a church<br />
in Maiduguri that was burned down by Boko Haram. Photo: Jochen Kirsch<br />
[ Pages 10-11 ]<br />
International Relations<br />
Increasing violence and tensions were the hallmarks of <strong>2017</strong><br />
Incentives for extensive long-term support<br />
Living conditions deteriorated for many people in our partner countries last year, due mainly to<br />
sustained political and social tensions and violence. Women and children are the ones who suffer<br />
most. This is why they merit particular attention and support from us.<br />
<strong>2017</strong> was characterized by sustained and sometimes heightened violence and tension in many of our partner<br />
countries. But even when social rifts and conflicts are merely simmering under the surface, people's lives still<br />
become more difficult. On the one hand, this is a development that fills us with great concern. But on the other,<br />
it encourages and obliges us to offer even more extensive assistance to the people affected: as part of our longterm<br />
development cooperation programme, through emergency aid and reconstruction. We are working to<br />
bring about access to education and medical care on the basis of equal rights for women and men. We make it<br />
possible for them to get back on their feet in economic terms. And we empower them to demand their rights and<br />
to follow paths that lead to the peaceful resolution of conflicts.<br />
To make our aid even more effective, we are in the process of launching major projects to substantially improve<br />
people's living conditions in all the countries affected, covering all subject areas.<br />
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Asia<br />
Our partners in Indonesia and Malaysia are concerned that peaceful social cohesion across ethnic and religious<br />
divides is constantly becoming more fragile. One sign of this was the imposition of a custodial sentence on the<br />
Christian Governor of Jakarta for alleged denigration of Islam. At the same time, observers note that radical<br />
Muslim ideology is continuing to infiltrate mosques, schools and universities. Given this background, it is<br />
important for Mission 21 to systematically foster interfaith cooperation in the country as a contribution towards<br />
preserving an Indonesia that is democratic, pluralistic and tolerant.<br />
In addition to interfaith peace work, another key focus is the advancement of women. For example, great concern<br />
is being aroused by the migration of young women (especially from Indonesia) to work in other countries in Asia<br />
and the Middle East. They often become victims of human trafficking, violence and exploitation. Mission 21's<br />
new international action program helps to protect these women against exploitation and violence by providing<br />
them with information before they leave their own countries, and by offering legal advice and ongoing education<br />
in the countries where they work. Through our project for craftswomen in Indonesia (page 14), we also help<br />
women to earn incomes of their own at home as an economic means of preventing labour migration.<br />
Latin America<br />
In this region, the dominant activity in <strong>2017</strong> was the preparation of the new cooperation programme. From 2018<br />
onwards, all of Mission 21's projects in Latin America will be part of one single programme, but the work areas<br />
will be retained: work will therefore continue in the areas of theological and non-theological education and also<br />
in agriculture and livelihood security.<br />
The concept of a pan-continental programme also strengthens the theological element of our work. In a context<br />
where fundamentalist and conservative religious movements are gathering momentum, Mission 21's seven<br />
partner organisations send out strong messages to counter these trends: through their ecumenical approach,<br />
they help to overcome cultural and religious divides. Women and men are empowered to shoulder<br />
responsibilities in the church and in society, and to play an active part in social changes. In these ways, they can<br />
become effective champions of Latin America's disadvantaged and marginalised population groups in the long<br />
term (page 18).<br />
Africa<br />
Many of Mission 21's partner churches in Africa were confronted with major challenges again in <strong>2017</strong>. They<br />
themselves were impacted by conflicts in their own countries and at the same time, they had to play their part in<br />
overcoming the causes and consequences of the conflicts. South Sudan and Nigeria were hit particularly hard by<br />
war and violence. In these same countries, it became clear yet again that the church is an enormously important<br />
factor in broad-based and sustainable social development.<br />
For example, the Church of the Brethren, Nigeria (EYN) has been advocating peaceful coexistence between<br />
Christians and Muslims in north-eastern Nigeria for many years now. EYN staff and volunteers stepped up<br />
psychosocial support and counselling for traumatised women, men and children in <strong>2017</strong> (page 12). Trauma<br />
management helps people regain trust in their fellow human beings and confidence in their future. This makes<br />
it a core element of our peace promotion activities. The civil war in South Sudan has now been raging for five<br />
years. At this point in time, the churches are regarded as the only remaining institutions that can still set a peace<br />
process in motion. In <strong>2017</strong>, with support from Mission 21, the South Sudan Council of Churches (SSCC)<br />
launched an Action Plan for Peace that transcends ethnic divides.<br />
Mission 21 runs projects to promote the health of the population in all African countries. In Tanzania, we<br />
support two hospitals run by the Moravian Church. At Manyemen Hospital in Cameroon, experts and staff<br />
members from Mission 21 have made major contributions to healthcare not only in terms of medical care, but<br />
7
also by improving technical equipment. And in the DR Congo, major steps have been taken towards ensuring a<br />
reliable supply of clean drinking water for the clinic, schools and population of Matamba-Solo (page16).<br />
Jochen Kirsch, Head of International Relations<br />
[ Box 10-11 ]<br />
For many years now, international co-workers seconded by Mission 21 have been actively involved in various<br />
projects as specialists, at the explicit request of Mission 21's partner churches and organisations. They work as<br />
coordinators, theologians and technical experts, and also in other roles. Their efforts strengthen our<br />
organisation's international networking. At the end of <strong>2017</strong>, a total of 17 international co-workers were working<br />
for Mission 21.<br />
To read more about our international co-workers, turn to pages 20-21.<br />
[ Box, core theme 10-11 ]<br />
Project contributions: four key areas<br />
For educational projects 2,487,482 francs<br />
For healthcare promotion projects 848,335 francs<br />
For agriculture and livelihood security projects 903,067 francs<br />
For peace promotion projects 806,070 francs<br />
Christians and Muslims participating jointly in a literacy course. Photo: Jonathan Liechti.<br />
[ Picture caption 12, bottom ]<br />
Pastor Ephraim Kadala is committed to enabling people in north-eastern Nigeria to live together in peace<br />
regardless of their religious affiliations. Photo: Miriam Glass<br />
[ Pages 12-13 ]<br />
International Relations<br />
Nigeria<br />
Working for religions to live together in peace<br />
Calm has still not been restored in north-eastern Nigeria after conflicts that have lasted many<br />
years. Efforts for peace in this region have repeatedly been set back by Boko Haram, the Islamist<br />
terrorist militia. Nevertheless, there are some faint glimmers of hope on the horizon thanks to the<br />
organisations supported by Mission 21.<br />
On a November morning in <strong>2017</strong>, a massive explosion shatters the calm of the early hours in the town of Mubi,<br />
in Adamawa Federal State. A suicide bomber has detonated an explosive device during morning prayers in the<br />
Medina mosque. The building's roof collapses, debris is hurled through the air, and screams reverberate against<br />
8
the walls of the houses surrounding the mosque. As the dust slowly settles, the facts become clear: over fifty<br />
people have been robbed of their lives, and vast numbers of people have been injured in addition to those who<br />
were killed.<br />
Uncertainty instead of trust<br />
Last year, the Nigerian armed forces were able to push back the radical Islamist fighters of Boko Haram in many<br />
places. But this example shows that not only the Christian population of the region but also its Muslim<br />
inhabitants still have to live in fear and uncertainty. Like many others, Ephraim Kadala has had enough of tragic<br />
events such as these. Kadala is a pastor and peace coordinator in the Church of the Brethren, Nigeria (EYN), a<br />
partner church of Mission 21. In the area where he works, Christian and Muslim families have been living<br />
together at close quarters for many years. Their relationships used to be based on mutual respect: members of<br />
the two religions were often united in one family, and the communities regularly visited each other on religious<br />
holidays. As a result, mutual understanding was usually a key element of day-to-day coexistence.<br />
However, this peaceful cohabitation began to erode when fundamentalist ideologies fell on fertile ground (due<br />
in part to economic problems and the marginalisation of north-eastern Nigeria), accompanied by a massive<br />
increase in the violence and atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram. Kadala describes this development: "Even in<br />
small communities, there has been a sharp increase in fear and mistrust of one's neighbours." More and more<br />
often, people have had to ask themselves questions such as these: "Which side does the person I'm talking to<br />
support? Can I really trust him?"<br />
Recent approaches to rapprochement<br />
This situation is the focus for the efforts now being made by Mission 21's partner organisations, in which<br />
Ephraim Kadala plays his part. They have set themselves the goal of contributing to the latest attempts to build<br />
trust between the religions. One thing is clear to Ephraim Kadala: "If we are to overcome extremism, we must all<br />
move closer together!" An important instrument for this work is the Christian and Muslim Peace Initiative<br />
(CAMPI), set up in 2010, which Kadala has supported for several years. One element of this project is to offer a<br />
platform for dialogue. This creates opportunities for amicable discussion of issues that impact both religions.<br />
These regular meetings also help to clear up misunderstandings at an early stage, before they escalate.<br />
At another level, Peace Clubs set up in secondary schools arrange various activities that enable children and<br />
young people to strike up interfaith contacts on a positive foundation. Examples of activities include sports<br />
events, cleaning campaigns, cultural occasions or planting trees together.<br />
One outstandingly important aspect is the expansion of a network to provide psychosocial support for people<br />
who have suffered trauma due to the ravages of war. Thanks to this network, traumatised individuals can receive<br />
long-term support from a caregiver. This support helps them to regain control of their lives and enables them to<br />
develop prospects for their futures.<br />
Successes meet with international recognition<br />
The Mubi attack shows that the situation in Nigeria is complex and that the assaults, assassinations and<br />
abductions cannot be halted so quickly. Nevertheless, Mission 21's partners will not allow themselves to be<br />
intimidated by this challenge, and they are continuing to press ahead with their work. Workshops and other<br />
events focusing on non-violent conflict resolution were again organised in affected communities during <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
One milestone was the opening of a new local group for interfaith dialogue in Maiduguri, one of the region's<br />
flashpoints.<br />
Mission 21 is particularly delighted that the work of EYN and CAMPI is also earning international recognition.<br />
For instance, the 2016 Michael Sattler Peace Prize for efforts to mediate across religious divides was awarded<br />
jointly to Ephraim Kadala (representing EYN and CAMPI) and the mediator Hussaini Shuaibu, on behalf of all<br />
those who are striving to bring about peaceful relations between Islam and Christianity in Nigeria.<br />
Robin Hill, Public Relations Team<br />
9
[ Box 12-13 ]<br />
"Interfaith peace work in Nigeria"<br />
This project is part of the Nigeria cooperation programme (no. 162.1001). The main objective is to support the<br />
peaceful coexistence of the Christian and Muslim populations. On the one hand, various interfaith activities<br />
were organised for this purpose in <strong>2017</strong> while on the other, over 100 moderators have already been trained to<br />
provide psychosocial support for traumatised individuals in their everyday lives. In these ways, Mission 21 is<br />
supporting sustainable peace work. The "Interfaith Peace Work in Nigeria" project is assigned project number<br />
162.1007.<br />
[ Box, core theme 12-13 ]<br />
Project contributions for peace promotion<br />
Total: 806,070 francs<br />
In Africa: 420,511 francs<br />
In Asia: 385,559 francs<br />
[ Picture caption 13 ]<br />
Schoolchildren belonging to both religions should be able to gain positive experiences together again. Photo:<br />
Jonathan Liechti<br />
[ Picture caption 14 ]<br />
A weaver in Mandomai. Photo: Ueli Knecht<br />
[ Pages 14-15 ]<br />
International Relations<br />
Indonesia<br />
A talented craftswoman and teacher<br />
31-year-old Yusnela is a talented craftswoman: she combines traditional weaving with modern<br />
design to produce attractive bags that sell well. Mission 21 supports ongoing education for Yusnela<br />
and many other women in Kalimantan, Indonesia. This gives the women economic independence,<br />
and they also have money for their children's education.<br />
Yusnela lives in Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Her village is located between the towns of<br />
Palangkaraya and Banjarmasin. Many of the weavers in this district know Yusnela. This 31-year-old is truly multitalented.<br />
She can repair machinery or shoes, and she sews and manufactures her own handbags. Although she<br />
has taught herself many of these skills, the courses and workshops offered by the Kalimantan Evangelical<br />
Church (GKE), Mission 21's partner church, have also played an important part in her ongoing education.<br />
10
It is very important for women in Borneo to engage in other activities besides agriculture. Most rural families are<br />
able to feed themselves from the crops they grow on their land, but there is often no money to send the children<br />
to school or to meet other needs. For this reason, women work as cooks, breed chickens or use traditional<br />
weaving methods to manufacture mats and bags. They often engage in several activities at the same time. In<br />
some cases, their husbands' pay is not enough to feed the family while in others, women have to earn the entire<br />
income themselves after their husbands have died.<br />
New markets for traditional handicrafts<br />
Especially in poor rural areas, women marry at an early age sometimes while they are still minors. Instead of<br />
being able to attend school, they look after the house and the children. Many women take advantage of the<br />
excellent sewing, crocheting or weaving skills that they learned from their mothers or grandmothers. In Borneo,<br />
the art of weaving is passed down from one generation to the next among the Dayak and Murut ethnic groups in<br />
particular, and it forms part of their cultural identity. The women use natural raw materials such as bamboo and<br />
rattan to manufacture their products. Most of the mats and baskets that they are able to produce thanks to their<br />
handicraft skills used to remain in the family, and were rarely sold. Only a very few women earned money in this<br />
way, and even fewer had businesses of their own.<br />
But for several years now, these women have been receiving support from Mission 21 and its partner churches.<br />
In South Kalimantan, courses and workshops are offered by the GKE. At the GKE's sewing centre in<br />
Banjarmasin, women learn how to develop their weaving skills so that their products are bought at market. The<br />
weavers receive training in product development, and they also learn how to initiate business relationships. The<br />
sewing centre helps them to broaden their knowledge so they can increase their incomes, but they also like<br />
coming here to meet their friends and to offer each other support. The women gain more independence and<br />
self-confidence thanks to their new source of income.<br />
From weaver to teacher<br />
Yusnela belongs to this network. She also works with the woven materials that her parents and siblings produce.<br />
They gather the rattan themselves and prepare it for weaving by carrying out a complex process. Yusnela then<br />
combines the woven materials with leather or fabric to create artistically sewn bags. She is selling these<br />
successfully, especially at markets in urban areas. Traditional products are in demand there and people like to<br />
buy Yusnela's bags: "I started production three years ago, simply to try my hand at it. Then, so many orders<br />
flooded in that I just kept on doing it." Not only does Yusnela take advantage of her own knowledge: she also<br />
likes to pass it on to others. She receives financial support from the GKE both as a manufacturer and a teacher.<br />
Now she teaches other women in the GKE's workshops; they too are seeking additional sources of income,<br />
mainly so that they can earn money to enable their children to benefit from education. Yusnela has chosen a<br />
different path: she has used her own money to buy a house, which she plans to extend with a new workshop<br />
room. Alongside her life as a farmer, she definitely aims to step up her production of woven goods so that she<br />
can employ young people. She is setting an example for many others.<br />
Meret Jobin, Public Relations Team<br />
[ Box 14-15 ]<br />
The "Income for producers of handicraft products" project is part of the Asia cooperation programme.<br />
(Programme no. 225.1001).<br />
Mission 21 supports its partner churches in Indonesia and Malaysia with providing ongoing education for<br />
women so that they can earn incomes of their own while continuing to engage in subsistence agriculture. 443<br />
producers are currently active in 33 groups at 22 locations. At least eleven more groups (100 producers) are<br />
already working independently. They too are involved in ongoing education as the need arises. Because of landgrabbing,<br />
small farmers are losing their land and, therefore, the rattan which is the raw material for their<br />
weaving. For this reason, Mission 21 has integrated measures to safeguard sources of raw materials into the<br />
project. The "Income for producers of handicraft products" project is assigned project no. 200.1017.<br />
11
[ Picture caption 15 ]<br />
Yusnela sews attractive bags from woven rattan materials. Photo: Ueli Knecht<br />
[ Box, core theme 14-15 ]<br />
Project contributions for agriculture and livelihood security<br />
Total: 903,067 francs<br />
In Africa: 356,055 francs<br />
In Asia: 118,883 francs<br />
In Latin America: 271,256 francs<br />
Intercontinental: 156,873 francs<br />
[ Picture caption 16 ]<br />
One of the newly trained local healthcare workers. Photo: Raymond Rohner<br />
[ Pages 16-17 ]<br />
International Relations<br />
Democratic Republic of the Congo<br />
12
Healthcare for the poorest in a neglected region<br />
Mission 21 supports the healthcare service in the Kwango (Democratic Republic of Congo, or DR<br />
Congo). The need for this support is great: the Kwango region is neglected by the government, and<br />
is structurally weak. This has particularly drastic consequences in the healthcare sector, including<br />
high maternal and infant mortality rates. Mission 21 is now expanding its healthcare project, and it<br />
also intends to improve preventive care.<br />
"The Kwango is a region that has been forgotten by the government," says Alfred Mbuta, one of the two leaders<br />
of the Kwango Evangelical Community (CEK). The CEK is Mission 21's partner church in the DR Congo. Poverty<br />
is exceptionally severe here in the south-west of the country, where most of the people have to provide for<br />
themselves. "The state pays hardly any attention to infrastructure, the educational system or the healthcare<br />
sector. So what are we supposed to do? Fold our arms and wait for something to happen?" The church in the<br />
Kwango feels that it is under an obligation that much is clearly apparent from this energetic man's words.<br />
Life-threatening neglect<br />
Government neglect of the healthcare sector is having a particularly tragic impact: "There are far too few<br />
healthcare facilities, they are poorly equipped and extremely difficult to reach due to the appalling road<br />
conditions," Mbuta explains. The distance to the nearest healthcare facility is often a matter of life or death.<br />
Raymond Rohner, Mission 21's Responsible Programme Officer for the DR Congo, remembers an experience<br />
during his last official visit: "We were driving home in the car when we came across a group of people carrying a<br />
tiny bundle of cloth on a sort of stretcher," he recalls. The bundle turned out to be a five-year-old boy who was<br />
suffering from malaria. His family was in the process of walking all the way to the nearest hospital. "Fortunately,<br />
we were able to drive the boy there in our car," Rohner continues, "because he would never have survived the<br />
journey of so many hours on foot."<br />
Prevention at village level<br />
Most of the health problems and deaths in this region are attributable to four health conditions: malaria,<br />
respiratory diseases, diarrhoea and malnutrition. "So we have to focus our efforts on combating these four<br />
health problems in order to bring about a sustainable improvement in the population's health," Raymond<br />
Rohner points out.<br />
To achieve this, Mission 21 and its partners are stepping up their preventive and healthcare work in the villages:<br />
healthcare workers with local roots are being trained and equipped. They provide the point of contact for village<br />
residents, and they play a key part in communicating with hospitals, midwives and healthcare authorities. They<br />
also collaborate on vaccination and awareness-raising campaigns, and they ensure that important preventive<br />
measures are in place. The fact is that simple methods can be used to prevent the four most widespread diseases<br />
and health problems for example, by using mosquito nets in the correct way.<br />
No water<br />
no hygiene<br />
Another focus of the healthcare project is the availability of water so that hospitals can operate. "Running water<br />
is a rarity in the Kwango," Raymond Rohner explains. The region's health problems are closely related to this<br />
unfortunate situation because illnesses such as diarrhoea can be prevented by improving hygiene.<br />
Last year, Mission 21 began building a water supply system in the remote village of Matamba-Solo. It will<br />
primarily serve the hospital, but the village's entire population will also benefit. The project team travelled to the<br />
DR Congo for the second time in summer <strong>2017</strong>. The planned water pump in Matamba-Solo is due to be<br />
completed by the end of 2018, and it will then serve as a prototype for other villages in the region.<br />
No running water, a shortage of medicines, poor roads the healthcare programme in the DR Congo is<br />
confronted with some major challenges. Alfred Mbuta, co-leader of the CEK, comments: "The problems in the<br />
healthcare sector are actually far too big for us as a church." But giving up is not an option: "We want to tackle<br />
13
the problems," he emphasises. "To achieve this, we are working together with Mission 21 to place one brick on<br />
top of the other, and we refuse to let ourselves become discouraged."<br />
Mara Wirthlin, Public Relations Team<br />
[ Picture caption 16 ]<br />
One of the healthcare workers who can provide first aid and pass on information about prevention during their<br />
assignments. Photo: Raymond Rohner<br />
[ BOX 16-17 ]<br />
"Healthcare: basic care for the population"<br />
This project is part of the cooperation programme in the DR Congo (programme no.: 197.1001)<br />
The healthcare service is Mission 21's largest project in the Kwango and it is also especially important for the<br />
church. The project comprises 20 healthcare facilities, in addition to which it promotes health on a decentral<br />
basis with the help of trained local healthcare workers. All in all, as many as 85,000 people benefit from this<br />
project. Because this work is highly relevant as well as urgent, Mission 21 and its partner church, the CEK,<br />
initiated steps to expand the healthcare project during <strong>2017</strong>. Together with experts from Switzerland, a new<br />
long-term healthcare strategy was developed in spring <strong>2017</strong> to set targets through to 2030. A sub-project to<br />
improve the water supply to villages and hospitals in the Kwango is also attached to the healthcare project. Since<br />
2016, Mission 21 has provided support for this sub-project in collaboration with its supporting association, the<br />
Evangelical Mission in the Kwango (EMIK).<br />
The "Healthcare: basic care for the population" project is assigned project no. 197.1817<br />
[ Picture caption 17, top]<br />
Digging to build a well. Photo: Bernhard Zahnd<br />
[ Picture caption 17, bottom ]<br />
Giving birth in the DR Congo can often put life at risk. Everything went well for this young mother. Photo:<br />
Raymond Rohner<br />
[ Box: core theme 16-17 ]<br />
Project contributions for healthcare promotion<br />
Total: 848,335 francs<br />
In Africa: 835,435 francs<br />
In Asia: 12,900 francs<br />
14
[ Picture caption 18-19 ]<br />
Stills from the video portrait of "The Latin American Biblical University (UBL)" with Karen Mamani (third from<br />
left). Production: Mission 21/Dorothee Adrian<br />
[ Pages 18-19 ]<br />
International Relations<br />
Latin America<br />
Motivated to make an effort for society<br />
Karen Mamani regards theology as a door into the world and a key to social changes. This young<br />
Bolivian is a student at the Latin American Biblical University (UBL) in Costa Rica. This theological<br />
college trains individuals who are willing and able to trigger changes.<br />
Karen Mamani has spent the morning surrounded by long bookshelves, seeking out literature for her research.<br />
At midday, she steps out into the daylight. She picks an apple straight from the tree in the garden of the Latin<br />
American Biblical University (UBL), and starts to talk about her studies and her dreams. Both of them are closely<br />
linked. Karen Mamani's studies at the UBL in Costa Rica focus on the role of children in Biblical texts. After she<br />
graduates, her dream is to work in her homeland with children from difficult social backgrounds.<br />
Karen Mamani comes from La Paz, the Bolivian capital. She shares her dream and her determination to use her<br />
knowledge to contribute to a fairer world with her fellow students at the UBL, who originate from more than<br />
20 Latin American countries. Some of them, like Karen Mamani, are supported by scholarships from Mission 21.<br />
Of course, Karen Mamani could have chosen a different subject as the basis for realising her dream social<br />
work, for example. But she sees theology as the key to everything else. "God has the face of the children, the<br />
small farmers, the indigenous people and the Afro-Americans," she says. "I think of theology as a door behind<br />
which I shall find all these worlds."<br />
Learning goal: social justice<br />
The Latin American Biblical University in San José, the Costa Rican capital, is a government-recognised college<br />
which numbers among the continent's leading theological training facilities. Individuals are taught here so that<br />
they can trigger and help to bring about social changes. Issues related to social justice recur throughout the<br />
University's curriculum.<br />
Hansueli Meier, Mission 21's Responsible Programme Officer for Latin America, notes: "Religious<br />
fundamentalism is on the increase in Latin America, among Protestants as well as Catholics. Many churches are<br />
showing evangelical traits. They promise benefits to the individual if he or she practices the 'right' faith, so they<br />
are preaching a so-called 'prosperity gospel'. Only a few of them are standing up for the development of a fairer<br />
and more open society." At the UBL, 'fair and open' is understood for example as meaning a society where<br />
minorities are included rather than discriminated against.<br />
The students take the knowledge they have acquired back to their own countries. Among them is Julio Chacon<br />
Aquise, a student from Peru, where he leads courses in remote communities as part of a Mission 21 project.<br />
Hansueli Meier sees Julio Chacon Aquise as an example of the networking that UBL and Mission 21 carry out<br />
together. "The UBL stands for nuanced theological training and for the transfer of knowledge into society." The<br />
UBL is strengthening the network of theological training institutions on the continent and for Mission 21, it is a<br />
cornerstone of the entire field of theological education in Latin America.<br />
15
Taking action to improve living conditions<br />
Angel Román and Simone Dollinger now share responsibility for the UBL's network. Both of them were<br />
recruited by Mission 21 as international co-workers in <strong>2017</strong>. From 2018 onwards, Angel Román will be teaching<br />
at the UBL and will take on responsibilities for research and networking. Simone Dollinger coordinates the<br />
theological section of Mission 21's Latin America programme.<br />
Both of them are theologians: Simone comes from Switzerland while Angel hails from Guatemala, and they<br />
became acquainted while they themselves were studying at the UBL. Angel Román, who was awarded a<br />
scholarship by Mission 21 back then, comments: "I've done a lot of work with people from social movements<br />
whose faith motivates them to help improve living conditions. I wanted to focus on people's faith so that I could<br />
understand this motivation and make positive use of it." In keeping with the spirit of the UBL, Angel Román and<br />
Simone Dollinger have put what they have learned into practice outside of the University: for three years, they<br />
worked in development cooperation projects in Bolivia, where they joined with the people on the ground to fight<br />
for better living conditions. Now they are returning to the UBL: Angel as a lecturer, and Simone as a coordinator.<br />
Among the students they will meet there are Karen Mamani and Julio Chacon Aquise. Together, they will<br />
continue to explore the power of theology and the church to bring about changes in society. Like Karen Mamani,<br />
who is now on her way back to the library after her lunch break. She carries a stack of books to her desk and<br />
starts reading so that she can push open another door into the world.<br />
Miriam Glass, Public Relations Team<br />
[ Box 18-19 ]<br />
"Action in solidarity through networked continent-wide training"<br />
This project is part of the Latin America cooperation programme (project no. 400.1001)<br />
The Latin American Biblical University (Universidad Biblica Latinoamericana, UBL) in Costa Rica is one of Latin<br />
America's leading theological training institutions. Its principles are ecumenical openness, a commitment to<br />
peace, and sensitivity to Latin America's ethnic diversity. Through its students, the UBL's educational work<br />
benefits churches in many Latin American countries. Mission 21 supports the UBL by contributing to teachers'<br />
salaries and awarding scholarships. 180 students were registered in <strong>2017</strong>: they came from 20 countries and they<br />
belonged to 10 different denominations (83 women and 97 men). 13 students received scholarships from<br />
Mission 21 in <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
This project is assigned number 428.1205.<br />
[ Box, core theme 18-19 ]<br />
Project contributions for education<br />
Total: 2,487,482 francs<br />
In Africa: 899,777 francs<br />
In Asia: 794,939 francs<br />
In Latin America: 567,255 francs<br />
Intercontinental: 225,511 francs<br />
16
[ Pages 20-21 ]<br />
International Relations<br />
International co-workers perform dedicated service on the<br />
ground<br />
Mission 21 stands for a life in dignity in 20 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America. Skilled<br />
professionals work on the ground to achieve the goals of Mission 21 and its partners: international<br />
co-workers who are seconded from Basel or recruited directly in the country concerned to assist<br />
our partners and collaborate at local level. They usually take on commitments for several years<br />
for example, as theologians or technical specialists, social workers or coordinators. At the end of<br />
<strong>2017</strong>, a total of 17 international co-workers were working for Mission 21 at local level.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Gabi Baumgartner-Brandner and Tobias Brandner, Hong Kong<br />
Tanja and Bodo Giannone, Cameroon<br />
Daniel Gloor, Malaysia<br />
Uwe Hummel, Indonesia<br />
Yakubu Joseph, Nigeria<br />
Joyce Manarisip, Indonesia<br />
Emery Munfu Mpwate, Tanzania<br />
Togho Lumumba Mukong, Cameroon<br />
Karina Schumacher, Korea<br />
Jules Tsengele Ngoy, DR Congo<br />
Dorina and Mathias Waldmeyer, South Sudan<br />
Hildegard Willer, Peru<br />
Martin Witmer, Cameroon<br />
Claudia Zeising, Tanzania<br />
Various specialists also work for Mission 21 on the basis of temporary assignments. They are engaged as<br />
experts, and they travel repeatedly to our partner countries or provide support for our partners on the ground.<br />
[ Box 20-21 ]<br />
Daniel Gloor, Malaysia<br />
Daniel Gloor is a primary school teacher and he holds a doctorate in theology. Since 2005, he has been working<br />
on behalf of Mission 21 as a lecturer at the Sabah Theological Seminary (STS) in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. From<br />
2009 until 2013, he taught at the Latin American Biblical University (UBL) in Costa Rica, after which he returned<br />
to the STS. In <strong>2017</strong>, he made use of a five-month sabbatical to learn Arabic in Amman, the capital of Jordan,<br />
where he also garnered experience of Arab culture. By deepening his knowledge in this way, Daniel Gloor aims<br />
to give better answers to questions from his students in Sabah in the future.<br />
[ Box 20-21 ]<br />
Emery Munfu Mpwate, DR Congo<br />
Emery Mpwate works for Mission 21 as the HIV Coordinator for Africa. This Congolese healthcare and HIV<br />
expert has been supporting the HIV work undertaken by Mission 21's African partner organisations since 2005.<br />
He provides support for partner organisations in the DR Congo, Tanzania, Cameroon, Nigeria and South Sudan;<br />
he also offers ongoing training and contributes to continental networking activities.<br />
17
[ Box 20-21 ]<br />
Cecilia Castillo Nanjarí, Chile<br />
Cecilia Castillo Nanjarí, who lives in Santiago de Chile, worked as an expert on behalf of Mission 21 for a year<br />
starting in March <strong>2017</strong>. She provided support for the development of a new continental platform, and she<br />
coordinated the organisation and presentation of a workshop on Advocacy and Gender Equality in Lima. Her<br />
extensive expertise on gender issues and her networking experience benefited her greatly in this work.<br />
[ Picture caption 22-23 ]<br />
Anina Koch (right) completed an assignment with Mission 21's PEP! programme in 2016/<strong>2017</strong>. For one year, she<br />
provided support for work with orphans in Tanzania's South Province. She is pictured here with her colleague<br />
Topokigwe Shibanda. Photo: Nicholas Calvin Mwakatobe<br />
[ Pages 22-23, large photo ]<br />
Education Exchange and Research<br />
Mission 21 believes that its global programme and project work is inseparably linked to its educational work in<br />
Switzerland. Our educational offerings offer insights into interrelated global issues and cross-border<br />
experiences. The content is geared to Mission 21's core themes: healthcare, education, peace promotion, and<br />
agriculture and livelihood security. We empower and encourage people to stand up for solidarity, justice and<br />
peace. In <strong>2017</strong>, some 100 experts exchanged important knowledge about the subject of "Values" at our renowned<br />
symposium on interfaith peace work. Last year, a total of over 5,600 young people, adults and experts attended<br />
our courses and events.<br />
[ Picture caption 24 ]<br />
Uwe Hummel (l.) and Muris Begovic engaged in an inspiring dialogue, demonstrating that the exchange of ideas<br />
opens the way to new knowledge. Photo: Detlef Lienau<br />
[ Pages 24-25 ]<br />
Education Exchange and Research<br />
Religion and development: recognising the potential for peace<br />
Over 5,000 people attended our training courses and events in <strong>2017</strong>. We issued invitations to 27<br />
events, and we worked with groups at 150 gatherings in Basel or locally in Switzerland, as well as<br />
in southern Germany and Alsace. One particularly encouraging aspect was the enormous interest<br />
shown in activities that transcend religious divides.<br />
The February symposium was a highlight among these events, and it has now become established as a forum for<br />
interfaith peace work. "Which values are valid?" was the title for presentations by renowned experts on ways of<br />
constructively utilising the meeting of diverse cultural and religious values in Switzerland. Seyran Ates, an<br />
attorney from Berlin, Hans Georg Signer, the former Director of Education in the Education Department of the<br />
18
Canton of Basel-Stadt, and Mouhanad Khorchide, Professor of Islamic Religious Education from Münster,<br />
motivated the 100 or so experts who were present to participate in the workshops with great commitment.<br />
Common ground and differences<br />
On the basis of tried-and-tested cooperation with the Basel Interfaith Forum and the Katharina Group, Mission<br />
21 organised the closing event in the Week of Religions at the Oekolampad conference centre in November for<br />
the second time. "Religions Together for the Environment" was the title for discussions among representatives<br />
of five world religions, focusing on how religious communities can promote the love of nature and "march<br />
together towards a green future".<br />
Several times each year, we present conversations between figures from different religions and cultures in our<br />
"Dialogue International" series. In autumn <strong>2017</strong>, before an interested audience, our ecumenical co-worker Uwe<br />
Hummel from Indonesia and Imam Muris Begovic from Zurich held another discussion that transcended<br />
cultural and religious boundaries. The two speakers considered the figure of Abraham in the Bible and the<br />
Koran prompting the participants to think in depth about aspects of their own and others' images that are<br />
helpful in bringing about fruitful coexistence. We will understand one another better if we join together to seek<br />
what is valuable to us, and the purposes for which we live. Mission 21 believes that practising interfaith dialogue<br />
in a public context rather than merely talking about it yields exceptional opportunities.<br />
Religion and development<br />
We reached a wide range of interested participants through our courses and workshops. Many confirmation<br />
classes booked offerings on subjects such as "The World Needs More Friendship", "Fair Trade", "Reconciliation<br />
in Place of Hatred" and "The ABC of Intercultural Communication", as well as new topics such as "Seeking the<br />
Dream Career".<br />
Offerings for adults ranged from training for church staff and courses for priests to customised programmes for<br />
companies as well as major events such as the Foundation Day. Senior citizens often showed particular interest<br />
in courses on "Ageing in a Foreign Country" and "Rituals Across the Globe".<br />
The thematic area that is common to many of our educational offerings is 'Religion and Development', with the<br />
emphasis on different aspects in each course or workshop. Three core elements are involved here: the first is to<br />
determine how 'development' and 'development cooperation' should be understood, how development<br />
cooperation has developed historically, and how it relates to religion. A second element is discussion of the<br />
extent to which religion impedes or promotes development. In many contexts in the global south, development<br />
programmes are far more sustainable if they are approached holistically with the inclusion of religion as<br />
potential. Religious communities are part of the local population, and they are close to the grass roots; they have<br />
highly ramified structures, they share ethical principles and they enjoy credibility. The third and final element is<br />
the question as to where development cooperation is heading, and how programmes can be designed at the<br />
practical level.<br />
Thanks to dialogue with representatives of our partner churches and organisations, we can always refer to up-tothe-minute<br />
situations.<br />
Christian Weber and Detlef Lienau, Directors of Studies, Education and Exchange Team<br />
[ Box 24-25 ]<br />
In <strong>2017</strong>, Mission 21 reached a total of 5,649 women, men and young people through its events and courses<br />
For example, 927 individuals took part in 27 events for specialists and interested laypeople<br />
In addition, 3,942 adults attended the 130 courses offered by Mission 21<br />
19
[ Picture caption 26 ]<br />
Reto Schefer, Fabienne Reber and Immo Finze (left to right) took part in the PEP! programme; the skyline of<br />
Hong Kong, the city where they were posted, is visible in the background.<br />
[ Pages 26-27 ]<br />
Education Exchange and Research<br />
PEP! offers international assignments for young professionals<br />
Mission 21's Professional Exposure Program PEP! is the only programme of its kind in<br />
Switzerland. Under the auspices of the PEP! programme, young adults travel each year to<br />
Mission 21's partner countries, where they participate in work on projects and continue their<br />
education. Eight young adults were working on assignments in various countries again in <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
PEP! offers young people attractive opportunities to start out in international cooperation. It also provides a<br />
good basis for activities in this field in Switzerland. Through this programme, young adults who have completed<br />
their education or are in the final phase prior to graduation have the chance to contribute their specialist skills in<br />
a foreign context. As they do so, they also develop their abilities and acquire intercultural expertise. These young<br />
professionals assist the partner organisations with their project work. At the same time, the partner<br />
organisations support them as they gain their first experiences abroad in their specialist fields. This programme<br />
is offered to young adults aged between 22 and 30. Applications for places are submitted by the partner churches<br />
and organisations in each case, so they may vary from year to year.<br />
The young women and men attend courses to prepare them carefully for their assignments. In the countries<br />
where they work, PEP! participants are given support on the ground by mentors, and they also keep in regular<br />
contact with the Responsible Programme Officers in Basel. This makes it possible to respond promptly to any<br />
noticeable difficulties that are identified in the early stages. Naturally, the programme also includes debriefing,<br />
reflection and evaluation components.<br />
"Enriched and strengthened"<br />
In <strong>2017</strong>, Immo Finze worked with Christian Action's counselling service for refugees in Hong Kong. His<br />
summary of his experiences on the ground and with PEP! is positive:<br />
"I think that PEP! is a fantastic programme. It's very well organised, and<br />
grateful that I had the opportunity to spend eleven months in the counselling centre. I was able to broaden my<br />
horizons, and I learned many new things; I struck up new contacts and I got to know some wonderful people."<br />
Immo Finze completed his assignment as part of his final vocational training placement. He studied social work<br />
at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). This collaboration with the<br />
FHNW has been highly profitable for everyone involved, and the aim is to continue developing it.<br />
Anina Koch, a young ethnologist, went to Tanzania in <strong>2017</strong> to gain experience abroad. She joined in with the<br />
work on a project that supports orphans and their foster families. Her main role was to strengthen the local team<br />
in administrative and organisational work:<br />
"I experienced an intense year in Tanzania, with several highs and lows. It wasn't always easy, and sometimes I<br />
had to struggle my way through. Nevertheless, I look back positively on this year. It enriched and strengthened<br />
me. And there were so many lovely moments that I shall remember with pleasure."<br />
20
Be Young@Mission<br />
Exchanges among PEP! participants and with Mission 21 also continue after the assignments are completed.<br />
Varied experiences from PEP! assignments provide input for presentations and workshops. Former participants<br />
also become involved in preparing new candidates for their assignments. And in <strong>2017</strong>, the Year of the<br />
Reformation, the programme also included a special event: Reformaction, the major festival of youth staged in<br />
Geneva to mark the anniversary of the Reformation. Anina Koch and Immo Finze collaborated on a short<br />
information video for Mission 21 that was screened before 4,000 young people at the Reformaction event.<br />
Mission 21 was an official sponsor organisation for this major occasion, attended by large numbers of PEP!s<br />
together with other young adults who made up Mission 21's official delegation to the Reformaction.<br />
Barbara Moser, Director of Studies for Young Adults<br />
[ Box 26-27 information on video]<br />
Be Young@Mission<br />
The new video highlights opportunities for young people to take on assignments in Mission 21's international<br />
network. The video was premiered at the Reformaction event in Geneva in November <strong>2017</strong>. Mission 21 was an<br />
organising partner of this youth festival to mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. www.mission-<br />
21.org/young<br />
[ Picture caption 27 ]<br />
The photo shows Anina Koch, who participated in the orphans project in Tanzania's South Province as a PEP! in<br />
2016/<strong>2017</strong>. Reverend William Mashimbi (centre) is showing her an avocado plantation in Rungwe from which<br />
the church earns its own income. Photo: Nicholas Calvin Mwakatobe<br />
[ Picture caption 28 ]<br />
A Chinese film team shooting a documentary about the Swabian missionary Georg Emil Autenrieth in Mission<br />
21's archive.<br />
[ Page 28 ]<br />
Education Exchange and Research<br />
Valuable documents now made accessible for research<br />
Mission 21's research archive and specialist library took major steps into the digital future during<br />
<strong>2017</strong> thanks to support from a foundation, among other sources.<br />
Mission 21's public specialist library was used extensively in <strong>2017</strong>. With collections focusing on "Mission and<br />
theology throughout the world", "African studies" and "Development policy", the library offers a small but<br />
outstanding selection of specialist literature to students, researchers and the general public. For many years, the<br />
library's entire stock of books has been entered in the joint online catalogue of the Universities of Basel and<br />
Berne, which can be consulted at https://baselbern.swissbib.ch. From mid-2018 onwards, a new feature is to be<br />
introduced: online borrowing. This will usher in some major improvements for library users: they will no longer<br />
21
need to complete the handwritten lending slips, and they can go online to see whether a book has already been<br />
lent out.<br />
Preparatory work for the introduction of this service was the dominant activity in <strong>2017</strong>: barcode labels were<br />
added to over 25,000 books and brochures. Processing our collection of 'grey literature', as it is known, proved<br />
to be a particularly complex undertaking. Hundreds of brochures, pamphlets and special prints had to be<br />
examined and processed manually. The grey literature had previously been catalogued item by item, and then<br />
stored in boxes arranged by subject in the repository. An astonishing amount of material has been accumulated<br />
there since the 1950s. What we thought of as boring grey archive boxes turned out to contain some real<br />
treasures: "Awareness-raising in Switzerland", "South Africa and Apartheid", "School Education in Cameroon"<br />
and "South India/Partner Church": these are just a few of the keywords that indicate the varied range of subjects<br />
covered by the stock. Today we can say with some pride that this excellently catalogued collection of grey<br />
literature is unique in Switzerland's library and documentation landscape.<br />
Valuable resources safely preserved<br />
Last year, we finally completed a project in our research archive that has been a long time in the planning: the<br />
entire Committee minutes from 1815 to the present day were converted to digital form. This means that one of<br />
the archive's most important resources is now permanently safe, and we have been able to preserve the valuable<br />
originals. Another benefit is that the digital versions provide researchers with additional options for searching<br />
the documents. The digitization of the Committee minutes was financed by the Sophie and Karl Binding<br />
Foundation, to which our thanks are due for a handsome contribution. With the growth of networking, it is<br />
becoming ever more important for archives to make their documents available in digital form all over the world<br />
and especially, in our case, to people in Mission 21's partner countries.<br />
<strong>2017</strong> can definitely be described as the "Year of China" as far as our archive was concerned. We welcomed<br />
delegations from Hong Kong in January and June. There is growing interest in China in the work undertaken<br />
there by missionaries from the Basel Mission in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In October, a film team<br />
from Guangdong Radio and Television visited the archive in Basel as part of its attempts to trace the career of<br />
former missionary Georg Emil Autenrieth. The documentary film was first shown on Chinese television and was<br />
then screened at the Festival du Cinéma Chinois in Paris.<br />
Like the library, the archive was also host to numerous researchers from all over the world in <strong>2017</strong>. The subject<br />
of "Missions and the First World War" is the focus of growing attention. Another outstanding research topic that<br />
should be mentioned here is the University of Birmingham's long-term project on Knowledge Transfer in<br />
Mission Dynasties.<br />
Claudia Wirthlin and Patrick Moser, Academic Specialists in the Archive and the Library<br />
[ Box 28 ]<br />
As in previous years, Mission 21's library and research archive were important sources of information and<br />
exchange for researchers in <strong>2017</strong><br />
67 researchers consulted the archive and the library, sometimes for lengthy periods<br />
We recorded a total of 420 days of use in the Reading Room<br />
1,800 books were borrowed<br />
The Archive website, www.bmarchives.org, was accessed 32,280 times.<br />
22
[ Page 29 ]<br />
Donations/<strong>Annual</strong> Financial Statement/Organisation<br />
[ Picture caption 29 ]<br />
A group of weavers including Yusnela (second from the right) receiving a visit by a delegation from Mission 21's<br />
network. Photo: Ueli Knecht<br />
[ Picture caption 30 ]<br />
During the service, Lisbeth Oelrichs, a committed volunteer at Trimbach, explains the meaning and purpose of<br />
the gratitude box. Photo: Miriam Glass<br />
[ Pages 30-31 ]<br />
Donations<br />
Trimbach keeps up its tradition of social work<br />
Small change leads to big results<br />
the gratitude box<br />
doing a 'good turn' through<br />
The gratitude boxes have been around for decades. And, of course, the idea of sharing one's own<br />
good fortune with our fellow human beings is much older. These boxes are not only about<br />
collecting money. People who share out of gratitude grow beyond themselves. And they make<br />
valuable contributions to building up the community here and elsewhere.<br />
Saying thanks has beneficial effects. Anyone who can express thanks will see the good side of life. Take Lisbeth<br />
Oelrichs of Trimbach, for example. She has a heartfelt commitment to her church congregation. She joyfully<br />
recounts the many activities to benefit Mission 21 that have taken place in her parish, which belongs to the Olten<br />
church congregation. These include the annual St. John's Market and a monthly ecumenical lunch group that<br />
has been meeting for the last 23 years. There is also the offertory association and a men's group which bakes<br />
excellent braided butter-bread loaves and sells them at the Mission working group's stand.<br />
Lisbeth Oelrichs is responsible for the gratitude boxes. At present, there are 44 boxes throughout the parish:<br />
they are placed with church congregation members and in shops, where they are filled up with small change<br />
during the year. Some donors leave their change in the gratitude box when they visit the butcher, others might<br />
spontaneously pop their coins into the box when they visit friends and find that too much change is making their<br />
purses too heavy. Often, this is a deliberate act of gratitude or sharing: holders of a gratitude box put a few coins<br />
in it to help people who are living below the poverty line and have to survive on less than two francs per day.<br />
A tradition that is keeping up with the times<br />
The gratitude box can look back on a long tradition at Mission 21. In one form or another, these boxes have been<br />
around since the 1880s. Older people still remember the missionaries Hans Göttin and Ueli Zimmer, who gave<br />
thrilling first-hand accounts of their experiences in Sunday schools as they travelled the length and breadth of<br />
the country.<br />
23
Mission 21 maintains this tradition in a contemporary form. Nowadays, Mission 21 co-workers visit church<br />
congregations in Switzerland to report on current projects and collaboration with the partner churches in Africa,<br />
Asia and Latin America for example, when the gratitude boxes are opened together in a church congregation.<br />
Pia Müller, who heads the offertory association, was present when the boxes were emptied at Trimbach (Canton<br />
of Solothurn), and she reported on Mission 21's project for orphans in Tanzania. Trimbach parish decided to<br />
support this project in <strong>2017</strong> so, as might be expected, there was great interest in Pia Müller's talk. To packed<br />
pews, she described the work of Pastor Bahati Mshani in south-west Tanzania. About 450 orphans are able to<br />
attend school or complete vocational training there every year something that certainly cannot be taken for<br />
granted. They also have access to healthcare and support. In these ways, they are effectively protected against<br />
exploitation and stigmatisation, and they are given real opportunities to develop their lives independently.<br />
Community experience and solidarity with the underprivileged<br />
If we are able to give thanks, we look at our fellow human beings and know that we are reliant on other people in<br />
just the same way as others are reliant on us. Anyone who can give thanks and share their personal good fortune<br />
with others will help, just a little, to reduce the distance to the people in the South.<br />
Those who give thanks and share with others in this way will also experience a very special sense of community.<br />
It is best for the church congregations to decide when the boxes will be emptied, in accordance with their wishes<br />
and needs: at a church coffee afternoon accompanied by a talk, as part of the service on Mission Sunday in the<br />
autumn, or perhaps in another setting.<br />
At Trimbach, holders of gratitude boxes bring them to the service at St. John's Church on the second Sunday in<br />
Advent. "This is also a good way of promoting the gratitude boxes and Mission 21," Lisbeth Oelrichs points out.<br />
Over aperitifs afterwards, participants of all ages are delighted to see how much has been collected and this<br />
encourages them to carry on sharing with disadvantaged people in the following year.<br />
Friedrich Weibel, Church Partnerships Coordinator<br />
[ Box 30-31: motivation ]<br />
Gratitude boxes: small change produces big results!<br />
Does your congregation also have gratitude boxes? What has been your experience with them? You are welcome<br />
to contact us if you too would like to introduce gratitude boxes. As experiences in Trimbach and many other<br />
church congregations show: by entering into a commitment to their fellow human beings, people also play a<br />
valuable part in building up their own congregations and communities. Giving your small change to Mission 21<br />
produces big results, and we are grateful for every coin. Saying thank you has good effects.<br />
friedrich.weibel@mission-21.org, tel. 061 260 23 37<br />
[ Box 30-31, project]<br />
Project for orphans in Tanzania<br />
The Trimbach parish of Olten church congregation collected money for the orphans project in Tanzania during<br />
<strong>2017</strong> (project no. 186.1509). It is estimated that 1.8 million children grow up without parents in Tanzania as a<br />
direct consequence of HIV/AIDS. Volunteers and honorary co-workers of St. John's Church in Trimbach chose<br />
work with orphans because this project provides protection and education for the children. Bahati Mshani, who<br />
herself grew up without parents, says: "Later on, these children themselves become pillars of society." She was<br />
able to study thanks to a scholarship from Mission 21 and now she wants to give something back to the<br />
community. She and her team looked after 450 children in <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
24
[ Picture caption 31, top]<br />
Bahati Mshani and two of the orphans who benefit from support Photo: Mara Wirthlin<br />
[ Picture caption 31, bottom ]<br />
The money mounts up nicely when the gratitude boxes are emptied. Photo: Miriam Glass<br />
[ Page 32 ]<br />
Donations<br />
Your support benefits disadvantaged people<br />
Thank you for making a change for the better possible!<br />
Yaneth Rojas, aged 58, of Costa Rica, declares: "My commitment to bringing about more justice is directly linked<br />
to my training at the DEI." Her motivation to work on behalf of her fellow human beings and the environment<br />
was reinforced by the theology courses at the Departamento Ecuménico de Investigaciones ((Ecumenical<br />
Research Department, DEI), a partner of Mission 21. Yaneth Rojas fought successfully against a gold mine and<br />
now she is championing small farmers. "Theological training can empower and motivate people to change<br />
society in positive ways," according to Hansueli Meier, Mission 21's Responsible Programme Officer for Latin<br />
America. Yaneth Rojas show how education can inspire people to take action to bring about more justice.<br />
Mission 21 supports the DEI as part of its Latin America programme.<br />
Sustainable, positive changes of this sort are only possible thanks to the generous support of donors and<br />
institutions as well as hundreds of collectors. Once again during the year under review, we experienced great<br />
solidarity from many church congregations. The long-term comparison shows that the cantonal churches were<br />
especially generous during <strong>2017</strong>, offering above-average support for our work.<br />
Unfortunately, there was no year-on-year increase in contributions from foundations, lottery funds,<br />
municipalities and cantons. As previously announced, two major institutional donors discontinued their support<br />
during the reporting year. This makes it all the more pleasing that so many individual institutional donors<br />
maintain their commitments for periods of many years.<br />
Donations from private individuals increased by around 6% year-on-year, although the number of private donors<br />
declined compared to the prior year. We also recorded significantly more legacies than in previous years.<br />
Another encouraging aspect is the commitment of numerous volunteers and honorary co-workers who<br />
supported our work in a variety of ways during <strong>2017</strong>. Thanks to the Basel Mission, our supporting association,<br />
we were actually able to provide somewhat more follow-through and training for these co-workers.<br />
I would like to thank you all most sincerely for the support and commitment you have shown! By working<br />
together, we can bring about a change for the better.<br />
Dario Brühlmann, Head of the Communications and Marketing Department<br />
[ Picture caption 32 ]<br />
25
Coffee, cakes and a pleasant ambience were offered by the volunteers of the 'Caféhaus' team at the <strong>2017</strong> autumn<br />
bazaar.<br />
[ Box 32, volunteers ]<br />
Honorary workers and volunteers accomplish important and valuable work for Mission 21.<br />
In the offertory association, about 350 collectors brought in the handsome sum of 96,260 francs.<br />
About 150 volunteers put in a total of 2,000 hours of service on behalf of Mission 21 in <strong>2017</strong>.<br />
[ Picture caption 33 ]<br />
Yaneth Rojas at a demonstration against the planned gold mine in Costa Rica. Photo: zVg<br />
[ Page 33 ]<br />
Donations<br />
List of donations<br />
Institutions, church congregations and cantonal churches which gave extremely generous suppo rt to<br />
Mission 21 in <strong>2017</strong>:<br />
(in alphabetical order by place name)<br />
United Methodist Committee on Relief, Atlanta; Basel Mission, Basel; Evangelical-Reformed Church of Basel-<br />
Stadt; Hotel / Training Centre 21, Basel; Canton of Basel-Stadt; Sophie and Karl Binding Foundation, Basel;<br />
Agency for Development and Cooperation of the Swiss Confederation (SDC), Berne; Evangelical-Reformed<br />
United Church Congregation of Berne; Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches (SEK), Berne; Titus Foundation,<br />
Berne; Evangelical-Reformed United Church Congregation of Biel/Bienne; Evangelical-Reformed Church<br />
Congregation of Binningen-Bottmingen; Ferster Foundation, Buchs; Evangelical-Reformed Church<br />
Congregation of Hilterfingen; Evangelical-Reformed Church of Lucerne; Evangelical-Reformed Church<br />
Congregation of Oberwil-Therwil-Ettingen, Canton of Basel-Landschaft; Evangelical-Reformed Church<br />
Congregation of Rapperswil-Jona; Evangelical-Reformed Church of Schaffhausen; Evangelical-Reformed<br />
Church of St. Gallen; UEPAL - Union des Eglises Protestantes d'Alsace et de Lorraine, Strasbourg; Basel Mission<br />
German Branch, BMDZ, Stuttgart; Evangelical Mission in Solidarity, EMS, Stuttgart; Evangelical-Reformed<br />
Church Congregation of Thun; Solidarity Third World Foundation, Wädenswil; Association of Evangelical-<br />
Reformed Church Congregations, Winterthur; Evangelical-Reformed Church of the Canton of Zug; Gebauer<br />
Foundation, Zurich.<br />
Local associations and groups which gave support of more than CHF 5,000:<br />
(in alphabetical order by place name)<br />
Arlesheim Bazaar Group; Moravian Society Bazaar, Basel; Bazaar of the Holy Spirit Church Congregation, Berne;<br />
Bolligen Bazaar Work; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Dübendorf; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of<br />
Erlenbach, Zurich Canton; Flawil Mission Work Group; Frauenfeld Mission Work Group; Bazaar of the Church<br />
Congregation of Herzogenbuchsee; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Hirzel; Bazaar of the Church<br />
26
Congregation of Horgen; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Kölliken; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of<br />
Küsnacht; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Holderbank-Möriken-Wildegg; Bazaar of the Church<br />
Congregation of Rheinfelden-Kaiseraugst-Magden-Olsberg; Bazaar Work Group, Rothrist; Bazaar of the<br />
Church Congregation of Rupperswil; Mission 21 Bazaar, St. Gallen; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of<br />
Thalwil; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Wichtrach; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Seen,<br />
Winterthur; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Worb; Bazaar of the Evangelical-Reformed Church<br />
Congregation of Altstetten; Bazaar of the Church Congregation of Höngg, Zurich; Oberstrass Mission<br />
Association, Zurich.<br />
[ Box 33 Project contribution]<br />
Wanted: today's reformers<br />
agents of change<br />
Yaneth Rojas, who has a small farm in Costa Rica, is a courageous and self-confident advocate of rights for her<br />
fellow human beings and for the environment (page 32). Yaneth Rojas is one of today's reformers an agent of<br />
change. During the <strong>2017</strong> autumn campaign, Mission 21 presented Yaneth Rojas, Bahati Mshani from Tanzania<br />
(page 30) and Alex Ip Hon Ho, the theologian from Hong Kong. These three representative personalities show<br />
how theological education can be an effective and sustainable tool that empowers and motivates people to bring<br />
about positive changes in society. The educational program is assigned number 999.1315.<br />
[ Picture caption 37 ]<br />
The lobby of the Hotel Training Centre 21 Photo: Guido Schärli<br />
[ Page 37 ]<br />
<strong>Annual</strong> Financial Statement<br />
Commentary on the annual financial statement<br />
Spending on programme work was stepped up<br />
Mission 21 was able to expand its programme and project work thanks to a slight increase in<br />
income from donations. Due to operational considerations, Mission 21 has sold the 'Hotel<br />
Bildungszentrum 21 AG' hotel operating company to the Basel Mission.<br />
In <strong>2017</strong>, Mission 21 again received more donations for programme and project work from private individuals<br />
and also from church congregations. It is particularly gratifying to see the increased commitment among church<br />
congregations. Last year, over CHF 3,753,000 (8.5% more than in the previous year) went to Mission 21's<br />
projects from bazaars, collections and from church congregations in general. The total of private donations was<br />
also slightly higher. At over one million francs, the amount originating from legacies was exceptionally high:<br />
this represented a year-on-year increase of CHF 672,000. This shows how important it is for an international aid<br />
organisation to convince benefactors of the quality of its programme work, and to do so on a sustainable and<br />
long-term basis.<br />
We would therefore like to offer special thanks to all private donors, and to the many generous church<br />
congregations and numerous institutions who gave donations: the SDC, the Cantonal churches and the<br />
Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches, the foundations and political municipalities, and other friendly<br />
institutions and organisations. Thanks to all of them, Mission 21 posted operational income of CHF 12.7 million<br />
27
and was able to finance project expenditure of more than CHF 11 million. This expenditure accounted for 79.3%<br />
of total spending.<br />
Mission 21 sold Hotel Bildungszentrum 21 AG, the hotel operating company, to the Basel Mission supporting<br />
association in <strong>2017</strong>. This resulted in extraordinary income of CHF 1.1 million. Prior to this, the hotel operation<br />
was reported in Mission 21's consolidated accounts. The Basel Mission is still the owner of the Mission House<br />
and the park that surrounds it. As the new owner of the hotel operation housed in its own building, the Basel<br />
Mission will be able to develop the business on a profit-oriented basis. In the past, Mission 21 received a<br />
dividend for project work from the hotel, taken from profit in successful operating years (<strong>2017</strong>: 18,000 francs<br />
from the profit for 2016). The income now goes to the Basel Mission which, as the largest of Mission 21's three<br />
supporting associations, will continue to pay substantial amounts to Mission 21 at regular intervals in the future,<br />
insofar as possible.<br />
The Internal Control System (ICS) is based on a risk-oriented approach; it ensures the reliability of financial<br />
reporting and compliance with the necessary legal provisions or recommendations from experts. The report by<br />
the auditors, PricewaterhouseCoopers, attests that the accounts and the annual financial statement conform to<br />
the law, the articles of association, the SWISS-GAAP-FER-21 guidelines and the guidelines issued by ZEWO (the<br />
Swiss Certification Service for Organisations of Public Utility which Receive Donations). We shall be glad to<br />
send the detailed annual financial statement and the balance sheet to anyone interested in receiving them.<br />
Patrick Hascher, Head of Finance<br />
[ Page 39 ]<br />
Organisation<br />
Board<br />
Term of office: four years, with the option of re-election for two further terms. The current Board was elected on<br />
3 June 2016.<br />
Prof. Dr. Johannes Blum<br />
President<br />
Physician, Basel<br />
Pastor Karl F. Appl<br />
Vice President<br />
President, Basel Mission<br />
Pastor, Märstetten, Thurgau Canton<br />
Dr. Felix W. Egli<br />
Attorney-at-law, Zurich<br />
Pastor Albrecht Hieber<br />
Retired pastor, Biel<br />
Kurt Kägi<br />
Managing director, former President of the Church Council of the Church of the Two Appenzell Half-Cantons,<br />
Herisau<br />
Dr. Margrit Schneider-Schardt<br />
Dentist, Basel<br />
28
Pastor Hans-Joachim Zobel<br />
Retired dean, Evangelical Regional Church of Baden, Freiburg (Germany)<br />
Management<br />
Pastor Claudia Bandixen<br />
Director<br />
Pastor Magdalena Zimmermann<br />
Head of the Education Exchange and<br />
Research Department, Deputy Director<br />
Pastor Jochen Kirsch<br />
Head of the International Relations Department<br />
Dario Brühlmann<br />
Head of the Communications and Marketing Department<br />
Patrick Hascher<br />
Head of the Finance & IT Staff Unit<br />
Myriam Pellet<br />
Head of the HR Staff Unit<br />
Josefina Hurtado Neira<br />
Head of the Women and Gender Staff Unit<br />
Audit Commission<br />
Term of office: four years<br />
Prof. Dr. Arie Hans Verkuil<br />
Chair<br />
Theologian, Professor of Management and Leadership<br />
Rombach, since 6.6.2013<br />
Sibylle Andermatt<br />
Commercial specialist in the IT sector<br />
Bahnhofstrasse 15A<br />
8864 Reichenburg<br />
Eckehart Lauk<br />
Retired senior government official<br />
Burgstrasse 1-1<br />
72116 Mössingen, Germany<br />
[ Box 39 boilerplate ]<br />
Mission 21 sends out a message of hope for a fairer world across 20 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.<br />
To achieve this, we collaborate as an international, charitable institution with over 70 partner churches and<br />
29
organisations, in more than 100 projects focusing on education, healthcare, peace, combating poverty and the<br />
advancement of women. We are actively involved in long-term development cooperation as well as emergency<br />
relief and reconstruction work. Mission 21 receives support from the Federation of Swiss Protestant Churches<br />
(FSPC) and from the Agency for Development and Cooperation of the Swiss Confederation (SDC).<br />
[ Picture caption 40 ]<br />
The mid-June Mission Festival is the culminating moment of the Mission Synod of Mission 21. Photo: Dorothee<br />
Adrian<br />
30