Self Help International originated in Waverly, Iowa in 1959 by Vern Schield. The group started by building and shipping a number of small “Self-Helper” tractors to subsistence farmers in 48 different countries. Most recently, the organization has focused their efforts in Ghana and Nicaragua.Their mission has not wavered from the idea of sustainable community development, but has branched out to include improving agriculture, but also fighting malnutrition in all ages, promoting clean water, sanitation and hygiene, and especially empowering women and girls.
As a result of their efforts, in 2018, 940 women and girls pursued their business and educational goals; 671 participants attended agricultural and entrepreneurship training sessions; 865 children were fed a nutritious breakfast every day of the school year; and, 4,699 residents of rural communities gained access to safe drinking water.
They empower women and girls through offering financial literacy programs and micro loans to start business enterprises – most of these are in the agriculture-related fields. They enable girls to increase the number of days attended each year in school through feminine hygiene education.
They improve agriculture by supplying tools and education to improve techniques, and provide high protein food options and show them post-harvest storage options to better feed their families.
They encourage women-owned businesses through their entrepreneurship programs in an industry which, traditionally, has been a male-dominated industry.
They fight malnutrition by providing education and appropriate prenatal care and food sources for children under school age to help prevent growth stunting at that early age, as well as continuing through school years. This also encourages attendance at schools, since this is many times the only meal they get each day.
This wonderful organization operates entirely on donations.
Their website is www.selfhelpinternational.org