In the world of charitable giving, one approach involves being reactive to immediate and obvious problems. By providing food, shelter, and other necessities to those in need, we can get them through that moment or crisis. While these efforts are crucial for addressing urgent situations, they don’t always offer a sustainable solution to the underlying issues that perpetuate the cycle of poverty. We simply can’t keep collecting funds to feed families indefinitely. My ten year’s of experience working in these outlying barrios tells me this is simply not sustainable.
Ecuador from the Heart (EDEC) strives to make a long-lasting impact on the communities we serve.
To accomplish this, it’s essential to transition our foundation programs towards providing pathways out of poverty with a sustainable approach We may feel a sense of fulfillment by offering immediate help to those facing hardship. Giving food to a hungry child feels great, but what happens when we can’t show up with food tomorrow, next week, next month, next year?
True empowerment comes from equipping people with the tools and resources they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Allowing them a way to build a better future for themselves and their families. Instead of simply addressing the symptoms of poverty, EDEC will now focus on the root causes and provide opportunities for sustainable change.
The Transition:
One key aspect of transitioning our programs is to shift our focus from crisis management to longer term planning with each participant. Rather than providing temporary relief, we will invest in programs that are individualized. Programs that teach independence, foster self-sufficiency, and provide essential skills that enable them to become self-reliant. By offering education, training, and mentorship, we can empower them to take control of their own destinies and break free from the cycle of poverty.
It’s crucial to recognize that simply giving someone a job isn’t always the answer, especially for those living in extreme poverty. Many of them lack the necessary skills, knowledge, and support systems to thrive in a job environment. It’s important to provide multi-layered support that goes beyond just employment opportunities. Building a foundation of responsibility, accountability, and values such as planning for the future. Something as simple as practicing punctuality as an essential component of remaining employable.
Cultural Consideration
We need to tailor our programs to be culturally appropriate and sensitive to the unique needs and values of the communities we serve. By engaging with community administrators, local and international organizations and varied levels of government, we gain an understanding of their perspectives. By collaborating with community leaders, we can design programs that resonate with the the locals and promote long-term success.
Creating a Ripple Affect
We will transition our programs to focus on providing pathways out of poverty. By doing so, we can make a profound impact on the lives of individuals. This directly impacts their communities in measurable ways. Through empowerment, education, and support, we can help folks build the confidence, self-worth, and values that are essential to break the cycle.
As we assess and weed out those that are not truly interested in improving their lives we can make room for those motivated gems to rise to the top. Although, this may mean less people benefit, it will create a larger overall impact. This puts the funds raised to a better and more focused use. Rather than feeding folks that only show up to pick up their food. The ones that choose to participate in their future will provide more value to our time and resources. EDEC will help provide a stepping stool so they may begin climbing their ladder of life, to reach beyond the cycle of poverty they live in. They will be able to give back, and lift others by example.
It’s our hope to create a ripple affect that will last much longer than our presence here.
A Thank You
I want to thank all the EDEC supporters over the years. We hope you will stay tuned and stay engaged while we develop and implement these new programs. I will be temporarily in the mountains on a much needed sabbatical starting in June. Please know, the works are only paused during this transition. We are still building the new headquarters which will be a game changer for this transition.
We will still launch our annual 50/50 draw in October and it will include some fun surprises. The funds generated will allow us to launch the programs. I will keep you all updated on the progress.
Together, we are transforming lives through building pathways out of poverty with a sustainable approach. Building a brighter future long after we are gone.
