The Contributions of The Salvation Army to the Sustainable Development Goals

24 October 2019

by: Alexandra OLSON

The Sustainable Development Goals[1] were adopted by global leaders at a United Nations summit in September of 2015 as a universal call to action to end world issues like poverty, hunger, and discrimination with the aim of achieving a more inclusive and prosperous society. At their very core, the Sustainable Development Goals are based on a shared vision; one that involves a secure and sustainable world that is grounded in equality both between and within nations.[2] It is the hope of The Salvation Army that a world such as this can be achieved in the future, and that the work of The Salvation Army can help contribute to its attainment. 

Although every country has a responsibility to contribute to the Sustainable Development goals, this article will focus solely on the contributions of The Salvation Army to the SDGs in Europe. Below are a few examples of projects and programmes that align with the aims of the Sustainable Development Goals, although it is not an exhaustive list. 

            

SDG 1: No Poverty

End poverty in all its forms everywhere 

 

The Salvation Army recognises that poverty is a multifaceted phenomenon with underlying causes and contributing factors. The Salvation Army promotes a holistic understanding of poverty which includes any deficit of human dignity and lack of fullness in life.2 In order to address these deficits, The Salvation Army across Europe has established hostels, shelters, and social housing projects in addition to homelessness prevention programmes established in the Czech Republic and debt mediation programmes established in Belgium. 

 

SDG 2: Zero Hunger 

The Salvation Army has established food banks, soup runs, hot meals, and breakfast clubs across Europe. In many cases, these programmes are not only opportunities for individuals to meet their basic needs, but an opportunity for those who are socially excluded or marginalised to interact with a community and address their social and emotional needs as well. 

 

SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing 

Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages 

 

The Salvation Army believes that every individual is important in the eyes of God and should be cared for in a holistic way that takes their mental, emotional, social, and spiritual needs into account.2 In Moldova, a mobile medical clinic seeks to provide healthcare to isolated communities; in Denmark, a street hospital aims to reach homeless individuals; and in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers ensure that even those who have been ostracized can receive help and care. These programmes are operated in addition to pastoral care that is offered by Salvation Army churches throughout Europe. 

 

SDG 4: Quality Education 

The Salvation Army believes that all individuals are valuable and should have the opportunity to develop in every dimension of human capacity- physical, cognitive, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual.2 Throughout Europe, centres have been established which provide adult literacy, numeracy, language, and IT courses for refugees and homeless individuals. In Romania and Slovakia, afterschool/homework clubs have been implemented to help promote school attendance and completion. 

 

SDG 5: Gender Equality 

Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls 

 

The Salvation Army is concerned that women and girls remain the most vulnerable members of society, disadvantaged in employment, health, and education provision and can be victims of extreme violence and oppression.2 The Salvation Army has sought to address these inequalities by establishing programmes that provide gainful employment opportunities, such as the Pofta Buna Project in Sweden which allows Roma women to use their traditional cooking skills to earn a living. The Salvation Army has also established women’s shelters throughout Europe to help protect and provide a safe haven for women that are victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, or are currently homeless. The EU-funded Safe Havens project is also helping The Salvation Army actively combat human trafficking. 

 

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation 

Ensure access to water and sanitation for all 

 

Access to a clean water source is not only a basic need but it can also help reduce illness.3 Across Europe, The Salvation Army has established sanitation centres where individuals can take showers, wash their clothes, and leave feeling mentally and physically refreshed. 

 

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth 

Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment, and decent work for all 

 

The Salvation Army believes that every individual has the right to be gainfully employed, to have the opportunity to provide for themselves and their families and build their self-esteem and confidence. In Norway, the Netherlands, and Romania, social enterprises- funded by The Salvation Army- have been established in order to give communities the opportunity to open their own businesses. Across Europe, programmes have been implemented that provide skills training, and in Poland a job verification programme provides educates individuals on their employment rights and helps to verify opportunities that could result in a human trafficking situation.   

 

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production 

Ensure sustainable production and consumption patterns 

 

The Salvation Army is concerned about the effects of environmental damage on future generations and believes sustainable development practices are required to meet today’s global needs and aspirations without compromising the lives of future generations.3 In order to align with this goal, The Salvation Army has established second-hand clothing shops and operates recycling plants. In Denmark, The Salvation Army has created ‘redesign’ centres, where donations that were not successfully sold are repurposed into new items (i.e turning an old jacket into a handbag). The creation of the first centre proved to be so popular that another centre was opened that was geared towards women and children. In the Netherlands, The Salvation Army’s ‘Reshare’ division currently sorts and processes an estimated 600,000 kilograms of textiles which are then recycled or felted together. This division also provides jobs to over 200 people.4

 

SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

Promote peaceful, just, and inclusive societies 

 

The Salvation Army acknowledges that inequalities within society contribute to phenomena that adversely affect and marginalize communities and individuals today. These inequalities permeate institutions, which is why The Salvation Army seeks to advocate for communities and groups that cannot do so for themselves or are prevented from doing so by society. Our Roma advocacy work, our work in anti-human trafficking, and our work to provide protection for women and children is driven by our goal to reduce inequalities, address injustices, and promote inclusiveness. 

 

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals 

Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development 

 

The Salvation Army seeks to partner with the State and its agencies whenever their actions promote a just and fair society.3 This is why The Salvation Army Europe funds development projects, delivers international aid, and provides subsidies to developing countries.

Tags: Europe