Profile of a donor agency, Redd Barna (Save the Children Norway)
Newsletter 1990(9): 11
1990
PMID: 12157966 Document Number: 370033
Redd Barna, founded in 1946, is a voluntary, humanitarian organization with a wide membership. The organization is working to improve conditions for children, especially in developing countries. This undertaking is founded on the Declaration of the Rights of the Child, which was proclaimed by the UN in 1959. From 1989, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is a basic document. Redd Barna is a member of the International Save the Children Alliance, which has 21 member organizations. The work comprises long-term assistance, emergency relief, and assistance to children in especially difficult circumstances such as street children, child laborers and children suffering from sex abuse and exploitation. Alongside the practical assistance at grass roots level in developing countries, Redd Barna campaigns and spreads information about its work both in Norway and abroad. Development education in Norwegian schools is an important part of this. Redd Barna is supporting development work in many countries in Africa, Asia, and Central America. This year Redd Barna is starting a new comprehensive acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related project in Uganda with thousands of orphans as an important target. The program will aim at easing some of the social consequences of AIDS. Around 75 people are working in Redd Barna's secretariat in Norway, and the organization has a local staff of 1000 persons abroad. In each country only a few persons are expatriates. Cooperation with local organizations and training of local staff are essential. Around 1/2 of the income is in government contributions and international grants. The other 1/2 comes from Norwegian sponsors and donors, among which children and youth play an important role. The Inter-African Committee (IAC) has for several years benefited from Redd Barna's support for particularly urgent needs. Thus, Redd Barna was the 1st donor organization that provided IAC with funds for vehicles for the national committees. [Full Text]