What we do

No one should have to struggle to survive on less than 70 pence a day which is why, for over 45 years, SCIAF has been helping some of the world’s poorest people – regardless of race or religion – to work towards a brighter future.

We do this in three ways:

Helping people to help themselves:

SCIAF works in 16 countries across Africa, Asia and Latin America giving people the tools, training and support they need to free themselves from poverty – for good. We focus on three main issues: helping people to grow food and make a living; building peace in places that have been torn apart by war; caring for people who are affected by HIV and AIDS.

Tackling the causes of poverty:

Here in Scotland we visit schools across the country to talk about the reasons behind poverty and injustice – like unfair trade, climate change, war and debt. We also organise campaigns asking people in power - like politicians and the chief executives of big companies – to take decisions that will make life better, and fairer, for communities living in poverty.

Responding to disaster:

Every year lives are turned upside down because of war or natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, droughts and flood. When disaster strikes, we work with local partners in the affected country, and with Caritas Internationalis (the world’s largest network of aid and development organisations) to immediately get help to those who need it. As well as providing emergency supplies of food, water, shelter and medical care, we give communities the long-term support they need to help them recover, rebuild and get back on their feet.