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What is Human Development?

Human development is about creating an environment in which people can develop their full potential and lead productive, creative lives in accord to their needs and interests. Development is thus about expanding the choices people have to lead lives that they value.

Fundamental to enlarging these choices is building human capabilities - the range of things that people can do or be in life. The most basic capabilities for human development are to lead long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to have access to the resources needed for a decent standard living and to be able to participate in the life of the community. Without these, many choices are simply not available, and many opportunities in life remain inaccessible.

Human Development Report 2001, UNDP

Human Development challenges in the new millennium

Across the world we see unacceptable levels of deprivation in people's lives. Of the 4.6 billion people in developing countries, more than 850 are illiterate, nearly a billion lack access to improved water sources, and 2.4 billion lack access to basic sanitation. Nearly 325 million boys and girls are out of school. And 11 million people under age five die each year from preventable causes - equivalent to more than 30,000 a day. Around 1.2 billion people live on less than US$1 a day, and 2.8 billion on less than US$2 a day.

Human Development Report, 2001, UNDP

What are Human Development Projects?

Human Development Projects are long-term developmental projects that are community-based to improve the lives of people through provision of better healthcare, education opportunities for all and essential skills to earn a living in today's global economy.

Who are we?

The NUSSU Alliance for Human Development Projects is the Overseas Service Chapter of the NUSSU Volunteer Action Committee (NVAC) dedicated to doing volunteer service for needy populations in the developing countries through the initiation and implementation of Human Development Projects.

Our Goals

1.    To assist in the provision of basic healthcare, education opportunities and technical assistance to needy populations.

2.    To increase the awareness and understanding of our work and of the problems faced by the developing world.

3.    To be an agency to establish strategic partnerships with the public and private sectors of society to further our objectives.

Our Projects

Healthcare

1.    Upgrading of existing infrastructure and facilities and provision of essential supplies and services to needy populations.

2.    Support in building of medical centers, dispensaries and healthcare facilities in areas where these are lacking.

3.    Rehabilitating existing hospitals, medical centers and dispensaries.

Education

1.    Provision of educational materials for schools, textbooks, stationeries and sports equipments for students.

2.    Improving the standards of English of primary education students through increasing access to an English-based education and upgrading the competency of local English teachers. 

Technical

1.    Teaching of essential skills to people so that they are able to provide for themselves and their families.

2.    Embarking on income-generation projects in selected communities in collaboration with the relevant authorities. 

Copyright � NUSSU Alliance for Human Development Projects 2002