The
Work
We listen first.
Dirty Wall Project has never really worked from a set program.
We spend time with people, find out what is actually needed and then do what we can to help. Sometimes that means school fees. Sometimes it is medical care, food, clothing or emergency support. Sometimes it is something much simpler — a birthday, a day out, a new pair of shoes or a chance for kids to just have some fun.
The needs change all the time, so the work does too.
That has always been the point.
See a need. Fill it.
Education
Sometimes staying in school comes down to something as simple as paying the fees.
Education has been a big part of what we do from the beginning.
We have helped with school fees, uniforms, books, supplies and other costs that can make it difficult for families to keep their kids in school.
Over the years, some of the children we first met when they were very young have grown up, moved into higher grades and continued on to college or other training.
That is one of the best parts of doing this work for a long time. You get to see what happens next.
It is not just about paying one school bill. It is about knowing the child, knowing the family and being there again when another hurdle comes up.
Heatlh
Some things cannot wait.
Medical needs have always been part of the work.
In the early years, we helped fund large health camps where thousands of people were able to see doctors, receive medicine and get testing and treatment.
These days, a lot of the medical help we provide is much more personal.
A family may need help paying for medication, dental work, a doctor, tests or a procedure they simply cannot afford.
There is no complicated process.
We look at what is needed, figure out what we can do and try to make it happen.
Everyday Life
Not everything we do is serious.
We have taken kids swimming, to the movies, to amusement parks and out for meals. We have celebrated birthdays, bought clothes and shoes and tried to create some really good days along the way.
Those things matter too.
When you are dealing with school fees, medical bills and day-to-day struggles, fun can easily become something that gets pushed aside.
We think childhood should have some fun in it.
So whenever we can, we make room for that too.
