Support (Mutual Aid)

The Mutual Aid scheme aims to promote international co-operation, friendship and understanding among Member Organizations. Through the scheme, Member Organizations with higher incomes pledge funds to support projects run by Member Organizations in less wealthy countries. These projects vary in their nature, but are all designed to improve the lives of girls and young women and their communities.

The scheme has been an overwhelming success. It has provided opportunities for strengthening bonds of sisterhood, fostering solidarity and developing and promoting Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting. The commitment of the many Member Organizations that have continually given financial assistance and moral support has been outstanding.

Success story: Cleaner water and hygiene training for girls and young women in Togo

The Association des Guides du Togo undertook a project which was funded by Girlguiding UK through the Mutual Aid scheme.

The objective of the project was to give people in Gamé, and women in particular, an opportunity for proper food and body hygiene, and a chance to take care of their own water supply and their health. It also aimed to achieve greater involvement from all stakeholders in decision-making and in the management of the water supply and sanitation.

Once the stakeholders and the sites for water wells were identified, training was given to the stakeholders in the operation and maintenance of the wells. The girls and young women were given training in hygiene and sanitation and there were also follow up monitoring sessions.

The project is ongoing with one water well fully operational so far. There were some challenges of lack of transport, unforeseen rains forcing the women to work rather than attend meetings and limited availability of the government hydrological department. However, the Member Organization gained a better knowledge of rural communities and a stronger involvement with those who benefited from the project.