Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa
The Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA) is a UK registered charitable foundation established in 1992 by Mitsubishi Corporation and Mitsubishi Corporation (UK) Plc. Since its inception, the MCFEA has contributed approximately £5.3 million in donations to environmental and developmental projects in Europe and Africa, through grants to a range of partner organizations including London Zoo, Fauna and Flora International, Birdlife, Botanical Gardens Conservation International and WaterAid.
The aims of the MCFEA are to promote environmental conservation, education and research into the environment and poverty alleviation. In particular, the MCFEA aims to encourage the appreciation and conservation of fl ora and fauna with an emphasis on endangered species.
Mitsubishi Corporation Fund for Europe and Africa (MCFEA)
WaterAid and MCFEA
WaterAid has worked in Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, since 2003. They are currently working with the Municipal Government in five 'bairros' - unplanned city neighborhoods - outside the main city water supply network, and two bairros inside the network, to achieve 100% coverage in water and sanitation. The MCFEA has been instrumental in supporting innovative approaches to the water and sanitation issues faced in Maputo since 2004. This continued backing enables WaterAid to reach more people and build the capacity of local partner organizations that work with communities to access water, build latrines, organize environmental sanitation processes and spread hygiene and health messages around the bairros.
MCFEA has plans to support the work of three such partner organizations in the future - Estamos, Pamodzi and ADASBU*. Estamos and Pamodzi are both local NGOs, and will continue with their extensive program of latrine building and community hygiene education activities. ADASBU is a small community-based organization that has been working with great success to improve the health and environment of Urbanização. The MCFEA's support will enable ADASBU to continue this activity, and will provide training to help ADASBU develop from a community-based organization into a successful commercial enterprise.
WaterAid and their partner organizations can make a difference in Maputo that goes far beyond physical improvements to the environment and the subsequent improvements to the community's health. With access to water, sanitation and hygiene education people can look to the future, build upon their community organization and infrastructure, and invest in livelihoods and education.
*Association for the Development of Water and Sanitation in Urbanização Quarter
