AMURT’s mission is to help improve the quality of life for the poor and disadvantaged people of the world, and those affected by calamity and conflict. We encourage and enable individuals and communities to harness their own resources for securing the basic necessities of life and for gaining … read moregreater economic, social and spiritual fulfillment, while honoring their customs, language, and religious beliefs.
AMURT (Ananda Marga Universal Relief Team) is one of the few private international humanitarian organizations founded in India. Since its inception in 1965 its original objective was to help meet the needs of the affected population after disasters that regularly hit the Indian sub-continent. Over the years AMURT has established teams in thirty-four countries, to create a network that can meet disaster and development needs almost anywhere in the world. In 1985 we broadened our goals to include long-term development. We feel that we can play a useful role in helping vulnerable communities break the cycle of poverty and gain greater control over their lives. For us, development is human exchange: people sharing wisdom, knowledge and experience to build a better world.
AMURT is establishing a number of regional hubs in Kenya that will serve as engines of development into the foreseeable future. These development centers reflect AMURT’s commitment to long-term dialogue and action with local communities to support their efforts to improve life.
One such development center is located in Wamba in remote Samburu district that serves as the tribal homeland of the Samburu people. AMURT began working there in response to severe drought conditions in 2011, providing emergency food and medical relief to the affected population. Since then AMURT has supported projects that have developed vegetable gardening, strengthened women’s groups, built school infrastructure, changed attitudes towards the roles of women and children in society, and improved maternal health care.