Every year since 1991, Canadians have taken International Development Week (IDW) to shine a spotlight on the development work they are doing around the world to build a fairer and more inclusive world.

Given that ADRA stands for Adventist Development & Relief Agency, it is no surprise that development projects comprise a significant part of our work. A cornerstone of ADRA’s philosophy is the importance of empowering communities to lift themselves out of poverty. Building up people’s resources and capacity to ultimately turn their own stories around is precisely what makes ADRA’s approach to development work an example of compassion in action. We desire to see people not only receive help but to be able to help themselves in the long run.

ADRA’s key development project, TOGETHER (Uniting Towards Gender Equality for the Total Health and Rights of Women and Girls), spans multiple countries, fostering trust and stability. This development project is making a real difference at multiple levels.

Strengthening Health Systems

With generous support from Global Affairs Canada, the TOGETHER project works with remote and indigenous communities in Cambodia, Kenya, the Philippines, and Uganda to ensure that the most vulnerable people, especially girls and women, can exercise their health-related human rights. The project establishes youth-friendly health centers that promote awareness among youth on sexual and reproductive health, gender-based violence, and unwanted pregnancies ADRA and partners provide mentorship, coaching, and capacity building to healthcare providers, reducing challenges at health centres and enhancing service delivery.

DAY 1

International Development Week, ADRA Canada

Education

ADRA has been addressing the unique challenges faced by communities in remote areas. The complex political landscape—marked by armed militias and ethnic conflict—creates an environment of fear and mistrust. Many people are effectively stateless due to unrecognized citizenship under an ethnically discriminatory military government, leaving them without access to basic services like healthcare.

After visiting six villages facing these circumstances, ADRA identified the root of the problem. With approximately 50 households each, these communities endure economic hardships, relying on small barter networks for survival. Civil conflict has led to high dropout rates among children, making them vulnerable to military recruitment and human trafficking.

In response, ADRA focuses on empowering girls, challenging traditional norms, and creating structures that protect children from these volatile conditions. An Accelerated Learning Program (ALP) was established to support children who had been forced to drop out of school—or never had access to one—by providing essential life skills and education. This two-year program compresses primary education into the first year and offers options for further development and training in the second.

At the same time, ADRA creates opportunities beyond the classroom, encouraging whole communities to support education. Schools require teachers who must be paid, housed, and fed. ADRA’s development initiatives engage communities in supporting educators by providing essentials like food, ensuring the sustainability of local schools.

As communities become more self-sufficient, project graduates can stay, apply their education and skills, and contribute to long-term stability and growth.

DAY 2

International Development Week, ADRA Canada

Strengthening Governance

Whether during an emergency or a longer-term situation, good leadership is crucial. This is why ADRA helps to orchestrate meetings with local governments and NGOs to help better coordinate aid work. When everyone is working efficiently together, people receive help more quickly and effectively. Part of that process involves promoting transparent decision-making processes and collaboration between governments and their people. When there is true participation and accountability, sustainable development goals can take shape more smoothly.

The work that goes into supporting grassroots organizations also compounds with the benefits of enhancing the capacity of local authorities. The better equipped people are at every level, the more effectively they can work together!

DAY 3

International Development Week, ADRA Canada

Agriculture and Food Security

Meanwhile, with funding from the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFGB) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC), ADRA Canada is able to tackle issues of food insecurity in comprehensive ways. ADRA’s development programs ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious food for communities around the world. The programs range from organic farming to permaculture. They revolve around boosting productivity, sustainable agriculture, and effective resource management.

DAY 4

International Development Week, ADRA Canada

Gender Equality

In underserved areas, Village Health Teams (VHT) trained by ADRA and local partners bridge staffing gaps, ensuring integrated outreach and follow-up on cases of SGBV (Sexual and Gender-Based Violence). Increasing the capacity of women’s grassroots organizations and boosting healthcare worker capabilities ultimately means creating a resilient foundation for communities in crisis. In this way and more, ADRA is supporting healthcare providers with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to deliver quality, inclusive healthcare.

DAY 5

International Development Week, ADRA Canada

Development Projects

The CEV4 project was a humanitarian effort designed to improve food security and nutritional well-being...
The Blue Nile Food Security Project (BFSP), implemented by ADRA Sudan and the Sudan Social...
Peru Cusco Youth Training Center...