This autumn, the Loza Foundation launched their new project, ’End extreme poverty’. The work is based on a new model to reach more people and ensure lasting results. So far, the project has been initiated in three different areas in North Macedonia.
’Getting out of extreme and multi-dimensional poverty is exceptionally complex. It is not just about finances but also about the opportunity or possibility to influence one’s situation, for instance, when it comes to health and education. Our new method is also a proven success, and we are now looking for companies who want to partner with us and help us fight extreme poverty,’ says Sabina Grubbeson, Secretary-General at Loza Foundation.
Photo: Pär Rylöv, Chairman of Loza Foundation, is the person behind the new model and has taught the project field workers the new coaching approach. The photo was taken in one of the problematic areas on the outskirts of Bitola and features Pär Rylöv, Secretary-General Sabina Grubbeson, with Ivana and Almira, who are Loza Foundation’s field workers.
Loza Foundation is striving to eradicate extreme poverty in Europe. By using tangible, sound projects in the affected areas, we help make a significant difference for the most vulnerable citizens. Our goal is to get them over the threshold for what is classed as extreme poverty, to break alienation with the help of knowledge and tools so they can help themselves.
Our new method
Loza Foundation has developed a new model and method that guides and motivates the participants to achieve lasting, positive change. The method is based on four years of experience from the pilot project ‘Children in Extreme Poverty’ and is combined with an online platform.
The field workers in Loza’s North Macedonian team have been taught how to adopt a coaching approach, a tried and tested method often used in business development and leadership. By supporting and guiding project participants, the field workers create the right conditions for self-awareness and autonomy. They ask open, poignant questions rather than providing direct answers or solutions, which in turn create empowerment.
Empowerment is about believing in one’s capability, such as daring to apply for a job. People who face discrimination lose hope and forget they are valuable.
‘If everyone laughs at you because you are dirty or cannot count, sooner or later, you stop trying,” Sabina Grubbeson explains.
The Global Goals of the UN for Sustainable Development
Aided by the online platform, the families’ progress is being tracked with reference to ten relevant subject areas from the United Nations’ list of sustainable development goals. Each subject area contains quantifiable questions that determine the family’s multidimensional poverty.
Based on these questions, we will gain insight into the family’s situation, and they also gain a greater understanding of what different changes may mean to them. Motivation lies within that process.
“Families with children are very much involved and committed to establishing an agenda for their own development. When we tried the model in the field, it did not take long for us to gain quick, apparent results. Now, we simply want to roll this out to many places and witness its effect over time. Our aim is to crack the code with a successful model of fighting extreme poverty,” says Sabina Grubbeson.
”Our aim is to crack the code with a successful model of fighting extreme poverty.”
Important lessons learnt
The result from the pilot project was also very positive, as most participants became more solution-oriented and their living conditions improved. You can find more information in our newsletter from October 2024. But, of course, there were other challenges, too. When poverty and alienation have been passed from generation to generation, we have realised it may be difficult for people to understand how changes could affect them in the long term: “Why should I go to school and learn how to read and count if I need money today?”
We have also noticed that certain obstacles can quickly and easily knock the families, who then have to try to pick themselves up again. One little issue could cause the parents to lose their jobs, the children to leave school, and we need to start over.
“Learnings are crucial and deepen our understanding of how people who have lived hand to mouth for a long time react in different situations. We are taking these lessons learnt into the new, permanent project. It is all about motivating and learning to think long-term.
Children with a spark in the eye
”Our vision is that people suffering from alienation should have faith in the future. When people are provided with the fundamentals for work, education, health and feeling safe & secure, they have the space to plan for tomorrow. Children whose eyes are sparkling and who have dreams give us the motivation and driving force to carry on,” says Sabina Grubbeson.
”With a vision that people who suffer alienation should have faith in the future.”
WE ARE NOW LOOKING FOR COMPANIES WITH A STRONG FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
To be able to fund our work, we are now offering partnerships where we together can make a significant difference in the fight against extreme poverty. As a Loza Foundation partner, you will be given a detailed annual report showing how your investment has been used and its effect. This report can be used in your communication and be integrated into sustainability reporting and CSR strategies.
With the help of online solutions, we maximise the effect and strip away unnecessary administration to ensure your investment is used for the designated purpose.
Please get in touch with Loza Foundation for more information: info@lozafoundation.org