What we do
What we do
Creative and sustainable business ideas can be found all over the world. But too often, their implementation fails due to a lack of access to resources. We want to change that. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be entrepreneurial and earn their own income – regardless of whether they live in the Global North or the Global South. We support projects that are initiated and implemented locally by our partner organizations—based on trust, cooperation, interest, and genuine commitment. With our approach, we want to show solidarity with the people in the regions that are most affected by the negative effects of globalization.
Everyone has access to independent, self-determined and sustainable livelihoods.
As Lemonaid & ChariTea e.V., we support entrepreneurial and income-generating initiatives in regions that currently do not have fair access to the global economic system. We work with local organizations that implement projects for positive change and economic independence in their communities.
Power-sensitive:
In everything we do, we reflect on the global power asymmetries in which we operate. Inequalities of opportunity and power exist everywhere and shape social and economic structures and relationships. Confronting one's own privileges – and consciously renouncing them in order to reduce inequalities – is often challenging, but essential. This is the only way we can create a more just and fairer world in the long term.
Moving:
From the beginning, our motivation has been to use the Lemonaid & ChariTea Foundation to support others in becoming active themselves. We see ourselves as catalysts that raise social questions, create awareness and drive change – not only together with our project partners in the Global South, but also here in Germany.
Co-creative:
Achieving sustainable change requires the commitment of many. Together with our partners, we initiate change processes. We want to rethink and shape development cooperation.
Our relationship with our project partners is based on trust and the principle: Our partners on the ground know best what they need to solve local – albeit often globally caused – problems. We have the financial resources to support them in implementing their projects.
Optimistic & passionate:
There is a lot to do – and we do it with passion, motivation and optimism. Despite all the challenges, we firmly believe that change is possible.
Our work builds on the solutions created by local organisations.
Our Priority Areas
We partner with local organisations to support regional projects that are developed and carried out on the foundation of trust, collaboration, and mutual commitment. Drawing on our experience over the past years, we have defined priority areas that guide our selection of project proposals.
Many of our project partners' projects promote new perspectives through practical further education programs in the Global South. The training courses are usually free of charge and should be open to everyone – regardless of gender, origin or social status – and strengthen the participation of marginalized groups. Whether entrepreneurial skills, craft skills or financial education: Access to education promotes self-determination, creates economic opportunities and is a basis for sustainable change and social justice.
Worldwide, many people do not have access to the official financial system – and therefore no opportunity to save, make transfers or take out loans. Yet these are precisely the means that are decisive for setting up one's own company or for financial security in everyday life. The projects of our project partners create alternatives: for example, through local savings groups, microfinance offers or targeted financial training. This creates new opportunities for investment, economic activity and the sustainable use of money.
Many people, especially at the beginning of global production chains, hardly benefit from economic growth. Producers and workers often receive only a fraction of the profit. The projects of our project partners promote the further processing of products locally, improve the market access of small producers and ensure fair remuneration along the entire value chain. This creates economic success that benefits as many people as possible.
Social and economic changes need not only good ideas, but also political visibility and social participation. Marginalized and disadvantaged groups often have little access to decision-making processes and are overlooked or excluded in important debates. The advocacy work of our project partners starts here: It strengthens these groups in confidently representing their rights and concerns, raising awareness of their situation and building sustainable support networks. It is not just about short-term help, but above all about long-term changes that dismantle structural inequalities. By combining direct project work and targeted advocacy, these projects help to strengthen social justice in a sustainable way – at both local and social level.
Cross-cutting issues
Alongside our key focus areas, cross-cutting issues are at the heart of our work. Our project partners integrate them in diverse ways, ensuring that every initiative contributes to just and sustainable development.
The projects of our project partners are specifically aimed at people who are socially disadvantaged – for example, due to poverty, origin or physical disabilities. Special attention is paid to multiply marginalized groups such as indigenous communities or people with disabilities. The aim is to give them better access to economic opportunities.
Gender roles and inequalities are deeply rooted in many societies. We support projects of our partner organizations that dismantle structural barriers, promote equal opportunities and gender equality, and in particular strengthen women and non-binary people in their economic independence. Because real development is only possible if everyone can participate.
Trying out new paths is part of sustainable entrepreneurship. The projects of our project partners promote courageous ideas, stimulate creative thinking and create spaces for exchange – also about challenges and failures. We are sure: Innovation arises where knowledge and courage meet.
The impacts of climate change disproportionately affect those who have contributed the least to it. The projects of our project partners promote the resilience of communities to climatic changes and focus on the sustainable use of natural resources. A fairer world also means protecting our environment.