www.goal.ie

GOAL is an international humanitarian agency dedicated to the alleviation of suffering amongst the poorest of the poor. It was founded by Chief Executive John O' Shea 30 years ago, in 1977.

GOAL works towards ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable in our world and those affected by humanitarian crises have access to the fundamental needs and rights of life, i.e. food, water, shelter, medical attention and primary education. It is non-denominational, non-governmental and non-political.

As well as offering practical assistance to the poor, GOAL also advocates on their behalf. We endeavor to convince the international community to honour its obligations to the poorest of the poor and exert as much pressure as possible on governments and other institutions with the capacity to bring about real change. This form of advocacy is a major part of the GOAL philosophy and has kept the issue of poverty in the developing world on the agenda for the Irish Government at national, European and international levels.

GOAL has campaigned on topics including; Third World corruption, the international arms trade, the need for an international standing army to protect civilians in time of war, the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of overseas aid, child trafficking, street children and HIV/AIDS. Our ultimate aim is to convince the Irish Government to become the ?champions of the poor'. One notable success came in 2003 when the Irish Government diverted €10 million which had been destined for the Government of Uganda, to poverty alleviation programmes run by civil society and NGOs.

GOAL has responded to almost every major natural and man-made disaster in the past 30 years and is currently operational in 13 countries throughout the developing world.

Post-emergency, GOAL implements a wide range of rehabilitation programmes including primary healthcare, the repair of homes and infrastructure, clinics, schools and water and sanitation and long term development programmes such as health, nutrition, education and capacity building of indigenous humanitarian organizations. GOAL works in partnership with similarly minded local organisations. The agency's priority is to provide life-saving assistance such as food, healthcare and other basics to people affected by emergencies, but it also emphasises its street children and HIV/AIDS programmes.

Since its inception 30 years ago, GOAL has spent over €400 million on its humanitarian programmes and has employed more than 1,300 GOALies (volunteers); GOAL currently employs 138 GOALies who work alongside over 2,500 local staff. GOAL believes in keeping its cost base as low as possible, and is proud to have kept administration costs at less than 5% per annum throughout its history.

GOAL has received support from, among others, the Governments of Ireland, the UK, the USA, Canada, Japan, Australia, Holland, Italy, Spain and Sweden, as well as from the European Union and the United Nations. GOAL is also supported by a variety of charitable trusts and foundations in Ireland, the UK and USA, and the general public, through donations, wills and legacies and various fundraising events.

GOAL is supported by a whole host of sports stars, many of whom act as patrons. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash is GOAL UK President and former world number one tennis player, Mats Wilander, is GOAL USA President.

GOAL pursues a policy of total transparency and accountability, publishing annual audited accounts. GOAL has its headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, with GOAL offices also in the UK and USA.