About

Self-Help International

Self-Help is a non-profit, development organization

We commit to a country, a group of people and a set of projects until the recipients can stand by themselves. We are not a relief agency, which tends to meet temporary needs. Self-Help believes in teaching people “to fish” for their long-term benefit. Learn more about this history of Self-Help Here

 

Self-reliance emerges when people discover ways to do things for themselves. When they initiate, dependency is reduced and sustainable, permanent results and increased self-respect are achieved. There’s an old saying, “You get what you expect.” We have found it true of our in-country staff and among the beneficiaries of our micro-credit loans.

 

Self-Help’s micro-credit strategy expects each beneficiary to be responsible and accountable for his or her loan and training. We all want sustainable, viable businesses. We expect every loan will be paid back in full with interest – as agreed – and to date 97% have!

In-Country Staff Bears the Load

Self-Help is unique in that we extend this concept to our Ghanaian and Nicaraguan staff, as well. Self-Help wants them to take steps toward sustainability for their offices. SHI won’t be in either country forever. Self-Help has worked in Ghana since 1989. In 2003, the in-country staff was asked by the SHI Board of Directors to contribute 23% of its total operating budget. Work in Nicaragua started 10 years later, and since 2003, the Nicaragua staff raises 10% of its budget.

 

Initially, this challenge appeared overwhelming to them, but it is now embraced. This leads to creative ways to accomplish tasks and helps them initiate expense-reduction measures. Self-Help is developing leaders with strong development skills for their countries.

 

Self-Help has a staff of 1.75 FTEs (full-time equivalents) in the headquarters in Waverly, Iowa. The staff in Nicaragua is 4.5 FTEs and there are 5.0 FTEs in Ghana. Self-Help is governed by an 18-member group of volunteers who serve on the Board of Directors. (Five also serve with the Honorary or Emeritus designation.)

 

In 2007, over 82% of all finances went to help the projects and people in the two countries we support. The remaining 18% was split evenly between development/fundraising costs and staff/operating expenses.

 

Our History

Click here to read more about the history of Self-Help.

 

A Commitment in Many Ways

You probably could tell by now that Self-Help is a “different” kind of organization. After all, we require our in-country staff to raise a portion of their own support. That’s certainly different than most. However you may not have known that every international trip taken by the Board Members, volunteers or Interns is 100% self-funded. If you read about a trip to Ghana or Nicaragua, you can remember that it happened because these people feel so strongly about the work they pay for it out of their own pocket! That means more of the dollars you give go towards the projects and people of Nicaragua and Ghana!

Wartburg Partnership

The four-year, Liberal Arts College in Waverly, Iowa is Wartburg College. Besides a tradition of academic excellence, it provides a pool of talent and resources among its students. Wartburg continues to stress service as part of their educational process. Consequently, the pool of interns, work-study and volunteers seems to never run dry. Self-Help appreciates Wartburg’s willingness to coordinate these students. Without them, much of what you see and hear about could not be accomplished. And it is just another way that Self-Help can continue to have such a large “footprint” with such a small budget. Visit them at www.wartburg.edu.

A Word on Finances

One great way to learn more about Self-Help is to read the 2008 Annual Report. All figures and information it contains is audited and accurate. The most recent Report is listed below. Also, you can read our latest Audit Report here.

 

In 2006, Individuals made up the largest percentage of revenue with 55.6%. Next came churches with 16.2%. Grants totaled 10.5%. Corporations/organizations made up about 8.7%. The remainder came from interest, dividends and in-kind contributions. About 18% of revenue was used for Salaries, utilities, computers, mailings, promotions, events and other non-project-specific expenses.

2006 Self-Help International Expenses

 

 

2008 Annual Report

Self-Help International
703 Second Avenue NW
Waverly, Iowa 50677

Phone/Fax:  (319) 352-4040
selfhelp@selfhelpinternational.org
www.selfhelpinternational.org

 

Self-Help International’s Mission
To alleviate hunger by helping people help themselves

 

          Our programs in Ghana, West Africa and in Nicaragua, Central America continue to strengthen and expand. Increasing numbers of farmers are gaining momentum in self-reliance through opportunities provided by our work.
          Self-Help International (SHI), an ecumenical nonprofit organization based in Waverly, Iowa, has worked with poor farm families in developing countries since 1959.
          Key to our work is a high protein corn called Quality Protein Maize (QPM) designed to address protein deficient diets in developing countries. Programs include: promoting QPM to improve diets while increasing yields; providing training in appropriate cultivation practices; and providing training and loans for women’s micro-credit enterprises.
          Women have increasing voices in communities as they generate their own income through micro-enterprise opportunities. Children reap the benefits of their businesses in every way.
          Looking forward, Self-Help works with the youngest generation providing QPM meals at preschools to build stronger minds and bodies. Basic family healthcare education is an integral part of the program. Loans are available for mothers to purchase and plant QPM for their families.

Income and Expenses

 

2008
Individuals	$107,894
Churches	$33,378
Corporations	$64,738
Trustees	$43,812
Interest	$4,294
Dividends	$7,113
Gain/Loss	$703
Grants	$33,536
Unrealized gain (loss) FMV	$(79,300)
In-Kind Donations/Misc.	$1,914
Total	$218,082

Ghana	$79,410
Nicaragua	$97,520
Feeding Project	$53,523
Mgt & General	$25,681
Fundraising	$44,863
Other	$351
Net Assets Changes	$(83,266)
Total	$218,082

In-Kind Donations

Board Members	$42,119
Community Volunteers	$38,779
Nicaragua Consultant	$10,316
Fundraiser Gift Donations	$32,252
TOTAL	$123,466

Ghana

Self-Help International has promoted high protein corn, Quality Protein Maize (QPM) in Ghana since 1989. Thirty years of research resulted in a corn with digestible protein to alleviate hunger and malnutrition. Diets are improved and yields increased compared to traditional corn. Training in appropriate farming practices, including no-till farming, are sensitive to the environment. Introducing post-harvest practices reduces crop losses by one-third.

Ten years of women’s micro-enterprise is reaping rewards. Soap making, palm and kernel oil processing, pottery making are some enterprises that generate income for women. Thirty-eight women’s groups, comprised of more than 500 women, participate in the program, while their children benefit from improved diets, clothing and extended education. Girls attend school longer, even graduating from college – but a dream for their mothers.

Extending healthcare education and nutritious food using QPM as a base for pre-school children reduces illnesses and creates energetic youngsters. Nearly 2,000 children benefited from this program, and work continues. Each child is tended to in the hope of providing a brighter future.

Nicaragua

In 1999, Self-help added Nicaragua to its efforts. With a modest beginning, five farmers received training and education to cultivate Quality Protein Maize (QPM). It was not long before news of QPM’s taste appeal and higher yields spread to other areas of the country. By 2008, more than 7,000 farmers are planting QPM. Included in the training are methods in effective soil conservation, as well as improved health and post-harvest practices.

Thirteen women’s groups participate in micro-credit enterprises that include poultry and pig production, QPM farming, petty trading and oven baking. In its fifth year, the program continues to expand to new groups along with consideration to undertake new businesses. Children benefit greatly from micro-enterprise as mothers seek to improve their lives through these opportunities.

Children from eight daycare centers benefit from Self-help’s QPM feeding program. Nearly 500 children and their mothers are educated in nutrition, sanitation and hygiene practices to alleviate health problems. Alleviating malnutrition is a crucial step to improving a country’s future.