How we work
A basic attitude of partnership
Over long years of cooperation, solid relationships have grown between partner organizations and the BMI. They are built on trust, mutual appreciation and the respect of differences. The decisive aspect is the recognition of the equality and correlation of all the participants. We understand our partnership as mutual teaching and learning.
An effective and sustainable cooperation requires open dialogue and constructive criticism. From long experience we know that the cooperation as partners contributes fundamentally to the success of projects. For these reasons the BMI orients itself according to the following criteria when choosing new partners:
- The partner organization and the BMI agree on the vision and the goals.
- The partner organization and the BMI agree on the understanding of cooperation as partners (common planning, realization and evaluation of projects).
- The partner organization proves itself in the cooperation with the general public and with fellow partners on the local, regional and national level.
From the point of view of our partners
«What we need are experts. The Bethlehem Mission Immensee provides us with them. They become active in long-term projects that are well planned and evaluated professionally. The Bethlehem Mission Immensee gives me the feeling that we are all together sent to help one another and to enable people to lead their lives in dignity.»
Medardo J. Mazombwe, Archbishop in Zambia
«Without the Swiss missionaries I would never have dared to take a microphone into my hands. They showed us that we are just as valuable as other people and they had trust in our abilities. Thanks to them we have learnt to speak out and to fight for our rights.»
Maximino Perez, farmer in Columbia
«The competent work of the Bethlehem Mission Immensee in Switzerland and in other countries is indispensable. It is a task that needs your support – and deserves it.»
Rosmarie Zapfl, ex-Member of the Lower Chamber, Switzerland
