The UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals have been in force since 2015. Development is sustainable if, in addition to material needs, a fairer distribution of resources, environmental protection and fair trade relations are also strived for. Industrialized nations in particular need to take action in these areas. On the other hand, developing countries are challenged to get a grip on corruption, nepotism and ethnic tensions.(DFA / 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development)
SELAM supports the idea of holistic development. We strive for fair employment conditions and equal treatment of people, regardless of their gender, ethnicity or religion. Our programs promote the development of young people in particular at various levels.
Over the past 7 years, SELAM has cared for an average of 355 orphans and needy children per year. At SELAM, the children are given a new family and access to a full education. The young people are supported for up to 6 months after completing their initial education (apprenticeship/study), thus ensuring that the transition to an independent life works.
A solid school education is a way out of poverty and we are committed to this. In 2023, 297 children and young people received a full scholarship to attend school. A further 113 children and young people were supported with a donation of school materials.
Over the past 7 years, an average of 740 apprentices (men and women, and rising) have completed their vocational training at SELAM. All graduates are supported by SELAM for a further 6 months to help them start their working lives.
SELAM daycare offers single mothers the opportunity to have their children looked after during the day. This enables the mothers to have a regular job, generate income and look after their child. The service is free of charge; in return, all mothers help out at the KITA once a month. 200 children attend the KITA.
The SELAM schools provide external children from poor backgrounds with lunch during the school day. This includes a filling lunch every day during school hours. The effect is twofold; the children's concentration is encouraged and their families are relieved financially. In 2023, 226 children and young people benefited from our lunch project. Since 2024, there has also been a lunch program for 100 schoolchildren at the SELAM site in Wukro.
SELAM promotes equal opportunities for schoolgirls with a hygiene project. It has been noticed that many girls are absent from school during menstruation because they do not have enough hygiene products. This is why they now receive the necessary products free of charge and can attend a course on sex education, hygiene, etc.
SELAM has had its own day clinic since 1988. Employees, SELAM children/young people and people in need from the surrounding area have access to preventive and curative treatments. Consultations for pregnant women and mothers as well as TB therapies are also offered. In the dental clinic, the oral hygiene of children, employees and people from the neighborhood is monitored. This is done in collaboration with SELAM Germany and the “Zahnärzte helfen e.V.” initiative
There is a handicraft workshop at SELAM for older, single women. The women can do paid work there in a safe environment and maintain social contacts. In 2023, 90 women were also supported with microloans to implement their own business ideas. For many years, there has also been a daycare center where single mothers can drop off their small children free of charge during the day so that they can return to work.
With over 700 employees, SELAM is an important employer in the country. SELAM also operates 3 production companies and 2 restaurants.
The production companies manufacture a wide range of products and make an important contribution to increasing the plants' level of self-financing.
Employees are subject to the Labor Act, have regulated working hours, protection against dismissal, receive pension contributions and are registered with a health insurance fund. SELAM also has its own trade union, which campaigns for the interests of employees.