Buildings Dreams

Somos Barú supports children, young people and adults through educational programmes and vocational training. The project creates much-needed housing for teachers on the Barú Peninsula near Cartagena, thereby laying the foundations for reliable, high-quality education. At the same time, it boosts local employment, empowers women and invests in the sustainable development of the entire community.

Reefs Renew

Coral reefs are among the most endangered ecosystems of our time. At the same time, they are among the most biodiverse and productive habitats on our planet. They provide a home for a quarter of all marine species. They are also vital for livelihoods, fisheries, tourism and coastal protection, particularly in tropical coastal states and popular holiday destinations such as the Maldives.

The Swiss-based company rrreefs regenerates damaged coral reefs using innovative 3D-printed reef systems made of clay. The modular reef system creates complex habitats that encourage the settlement and growth of young corals whilst supporting a diverse range of fish. The aim of the project is to promote marine conservation whilst involving the local community in the restoration of the coral reefs.

Lilis School

Despite compulsory education, many children in the Dominican Republic do not have adequate access to education, as school uniforms are often too expensive, schools are difficult to reach, and state educational institutions frequently offer only a low standard of education. The Colegio Enriquillo was founded in 1992 in a deprived neighbourhood of Puerto Plata to provide children from low-income families with better educational opportunities through personalised support.

To ensure the school’s long-term viability, a safe play and learning area, a sustainable power supply via solar panels, and improved water and sanitation facilities were established. Today, around 80 children benefit from a safe and high-quality learning environment that opens up new prospects for their future.

Houses of Hope

In Egoli, an informal settlement in Cape Town, a new education and training centre is being built on a 2,000 m² site, featuring additional classrooms for 200 children and young people from the townships. It combines early childhood development, academic support, career guidance and practical training, and is complemented by a robust empowerment programme for girls and women.

Sports and Skills Pop-up Arenas

The project uses sport as a powerful tool to provide children and young people in Cape Town with safe spaces, life skills and new opportunities for the future. The arenas become important meeting places in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. They offer regular training sessions, workshops, tournaments and community activities. At the same time, they foster cohesion within the communities and demonstrate alternatives to crime, gang structures and drug use.

Ceylon Roots

In Trincomalee, many young people lack training and employment opportunities, whilst women in particular have limited access to economic participation. Ceylon Roots’ non-profit Learning Hotel is creating a practical training centre where young people can acquire key skills in hospitality, catering, English, IT and entrepreneurship directly within a hotel environment. In addition, children are offered educational programmes in language, digital skills, environmental awareness and resilience, whilst women receive targeted support to strengthen their professional and financial skills. By reinvesting the hotel’s revenue into educational and empowerment programmes, a sustainable model is created that combines local development with responsible tourism.