Triangle has a long history with the Saharawi people…
Indeed, Triangle G H started working with the Saharawi refugees back in 2000. First, with a programme to support disabled people, then with the construction and equipment of centers for the disabled. The partnership launched in 2000 with the UNHCR¹ is still running in several programmes. Initially, it wasn’t easy for TGH to position itself in the camps; much perseverance, work and listening skills were needed. Today, we are truly recognized and appreciated with programs that definitely improve the lives of people who, despite multiple efforts, have been living in difficult conditions.
Mechanical repair workshop
Distribution of hygiene kits
What is the current status of the programmes?
We are continuing our « historical » work with disabled people through the management of 3 centers that we built, where education and vocational training are available. In addition, we’ve extended the micro-credit project to three other camps : Ausserd, El Ayoun and Smara. The micro-credit project establishes stalls selling basic goods. The income generated helps support disabled people and their families.
We are still managing the mechanical workshop (launched in 2002) catering to water and goods supply trucks, ambulances and vehicles used by NGOs working for the UNHCR, e.g. a total fleet of 78 vehicles. The highly professional workshop now employs 20 people. In 2003, TGH had the idea of building a bleach-making center to serve the camps’ hospitals and health centers, and for consumption water. The bleach scheme now employs 4 people in Rabouni. In 2008, with 8000 liters of raw material, we made 35,400 liters of bleach. We also ensure management and maintenance of the UNHCR’s base in Rabouni and Dakhla, we supply consumable goods, radiology and stomatology equipment, medication, laboratory products, and manage remuneration of the health teams (31 health professionals).Since 2005, for the 4th year, we are partnering with ECHO² on various projects: for instance, distribution of hygiene kits (soap, shampoo, washing powder, sanitary towels) to 38,000 women (4 distributions planned till August 2009) in Aoussert, El Ayoun, Dakhla, Smara and « 27 février » camps.
Triangle G H projects for disabled people
Medhi Bouaziz, TGH’s head of mission for almost five years, speaks with great passion about his work in the field and the strong links that have grown between TGH teams, the Saharawis, Algerians and expats, local institutions and Saharawi authorities.
How do you imagine the mission’s future?
We are like a small firm now, with 40 local employees and 3 expatriates. Ever since we started working here, TGH has aimed to empower the local workforce’s skills, particularly by giving project management to Saharawi people. Thanks to the bonus system that we distribute to staff in the centers for the disabled and the health centers, over 80 people are directly involved in TGH funding. It’s difficult to describe the future, but in strictly humanitarian terms, I’ve seen the situation improving over the years. Our presence in the camps has a material impact, but it also affects each stakeholder – and that is priceless.
¹The UN Refugee Agency
²European Commission's Humanitarian Aid Office
