UAFA was founded in 1998 with a mission to 'aid long-term
development of life in Azerbaijan, with a particular focus on children, health and education.'

UAFA is distinctive as an international NGO specialized in working in one country. There are no paid HQ staff and UAFA operates in the same way as a local NGO with all decisions made in-country.

An MBE was awarded to UAFA founder Gwendolyn Burchell for services to special education in Azerbaijan. The Queen made the award on June 23, 2004. Congratulations to all UAFA staff

What are our Goals?

UAFA's goals are:

• To reduce the number of children in state care - deinstitutionalisation
• To raise the level of institutional care (capacity-building)
• Development of social services for children in need of special protection

There are over 8,000 children in institutions in Azerbaijan with more than 70% of these children having parents. Children are placed in institutions mainly for reasons of poverty, family break-up and disability

We believe that all children have the right to grow up in the best environment for them and this needs an individual, understanding and long-term approach for a country that is moving from former soviet style management to new systems.
UAFA is a pioneering organisation that is built upon initiative, information and experience. We use our extensive local expertise and combine it with knowledge built up from overseas expertise to develop model projects that work for Azerbaijan.

Quotes:

'UAFA is aware of the situation and can implement real long-term strategies in the development toward a normal life for Azeri people. My country will highly appreciate and will forever be grateful to UAFA'

Mr Mahmud Mamed-Kuliyev, Patron

'Change can occur when you take a committed and consistent approach; UAFA practices this philosophy. We have built up a specialized knowledge of the environment in which we work - development is successful only when you tailor the programme to the individual circumstances of the country….'

Gwendolyn Burchell, Founder

Patrons:

• HE Mr Mahmud Mamed-Kuliyev - Deputy Foreign Minister
• Professor Karol Sikora MA MB PhD FRCR FRCP - Consultant Oncologist
• Zulfiya Khanbabayeva - Singer
• Ruth Lenk - Chief - HOMS, Heads of Missions Spouses

Registered Charity No. 1068313