BBC World Service Trust

The BBC World Service Trust is an independent charity that aims to reduce poverty in developing countries and countries in transition through the innovative use and reach of the media. The Trust's projects are developed jointly with local and national partners, with the aim of transferring technical and editorial skills and building sustainable projects. The Trust's projects are supported by a range of donors including the UK's Department for International Development, the European Union, UN agencies and Foundations.

Since it was founded in 1999 it has worked in some of the world's poorest countries, managing and implementing costeffective, measurable and selfsustaining health, education, social development and training projects.

From providing communities with vital information in local languages, to tackling issues of health, literacy and learning and helping rebuild societies emerging from conflict, the Trust is making a real difference to people's lives.

Highlights have included launching the world's largest HIV/Aids campaign in India, assisting

the rebuilding of independent media in Afghanistan and a cost effective radio education programme in Somalia.

The Trusts ability to reach a mass audience through radio, TV and online, coupled with access to the highest professional standards of BBC broadcasting and programme-making lies behind the success and scope of the projects which the Trust undertakes.

Working in partnership with the BBC World Service the Trust has access to its weekly audience of 150 million. Radio is the most effective medium to speak directly to the world's poorest communities in languages they understand.

The Trust's vital work is constantly evaluated for impact and results prove that communication and mass media campaigns cannot be underestimated as a tool to combat poverty and improve the quality of life of the world's poorest communities.

www.bbcworldservice.com/trust