Celebrating Ten Years in Azerbaijan

March 2007 marked the ten year anniversary of Counterpart International's (Counterpart) continuous efforts to improve the living conditions of vulnerable people in Azerbaijan through humanitarian assistance. Since 1997, Counterpart's Community and Humanitarian Assistance Programs (CHAP) have delivered more than 420 forty-foot containers of urgently-needed goods to the nation, totaling $54 million in value.

The beauty of Azerbaijan, a country nestled among the soft shorelines of the Caspian Sea, the rough terrains of the Greater Caucasus mountain range and the billowy hills of tea plantations, contradicts the brutal conditions in which many of its residents live without the aid from organizations like Counterpart. Throughout Azerbaijan's 52 regions, Counterpart has provided orphans, internally displaced persons and refugees, elderly individuals, invalids, families and needy children with food, clothing, medical equipment, housing items and many other living essentials.

In early 2007, Counterpart helped quench the thirst of residents of Sabirabad Galagayin Tent Camp for clean drinking, bathing and cooking water by cleaning water tanks, plastering tank walls and constructing a water drainage system. The reconstructed water tanks decreased the residents' risk of contracting water-borne illnesses and spreading contagious diseases. 

Counterpart has also worked in the civil society sphere of Azerbaijan since 2005, which continues today with Counterpart's Civil Society Project, bringing together government officials, business and civil society leaders and media representatives to identify and discuss issues of mutual concern and priority in public policy areas affecting poverty reduction and sustainable development at the national, regional and local levels.

With consistent support from its donors, Counterpart has become a source of hope for Azerbaijan's future.  Donors include the U.S. Department of State, DRMO Scott AFB, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gleaning for the World, Orphan Grain Train, DRMO Warner Robins Air Force Base, DRMO San Diego, DRMO Eglin AFB, DRMO Oklahoma City, DRMO Warner Robins Air Force Base and Feed My Starving Children.

Photo: © Counterpart International.