Our approach to tackling poverty

For over 50 years, Tearfund has been helping thoughtful people like you address the world’s problems in constructive and life-giving ways. 

Our experience has shown that solutions to problems like poverty, racism, hunger, violence, exclusion, and conflict aren’t going to come from those in power who benefit from the status quo. 

In fact, we believe the most promising solutions to poverty and injustice have to arise outside of the very systems that sustain them. We believe that poverty is not God’s plan, and an end to extreme poverty is possible.

We work directly, and/or alongside local partners and churches, in underserved communities in more than 50 countries to tackle complex poverty in three main ways:

  • Humanitarian response
    We respond quickly to disasters and conflicts, supporting those in greatest need throughout the recovery process.
  • Community development
    We partner with local churches and organisations, mobilising resources and empowering communities to lift themselves out of poverty.
  • Advocacy and influencing
    We help individuals and churches speak out on issues of poverty and injustice, and we challenge unjust policies and practices at a local, national and global level.

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