Bahá’í Agency for Social and Economic Development (U.K.)
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The Bahá’í Agency for Social and Economic Development (U.K.) ("BASED UK") exists to channel humanitarian sources of funding in Britain towards certain projects in other countries. To qualify for BASED (UK) help, the project must fulfil certain criteria laid down under guidance from the World Centre. Such a project would typically be Bahá’í-run or Bahá’í-inspired, but be of support to the wider population. It would also typically involve longer-term benefits, perhaps in educating people or in improving agriculture. BASED UK does not concentrate on projects alleviating short-term needs. Currently, funds are channelled to three projects: a foundation in Swaziland which starts up and runs pre-school groups in that country; an agricultural and educational project in Mongolia and an educational project in Honduras which also organises start-up loans for new enterprises. As these projects do not particularly benefit Bahá'ís alone, money donated does not have to come from just Bahá'ís.
An earlier body, known as the Bahá’í Agency for Social and Economic Development, was a general initiative on the part of Bahá’ís in Britain to raise money for certain projects run by Bahá’ís overseas, and it was this that formed the platform on which BASED UK has been built. BASED UK is run by a Trust appointed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom, and including members of the National Spiritual Assembly itself. Day-to-day administration of the work of BASED UK is undertaken by a part-time Secretary. BASED UK publishes a short online newsletter, for which subscription can be applied for via the website.
- See also Socio-economic development
External Links[edit]
BASED UK website[1]
