About Us
Our Mission
To break the cycle of poverty by building thriving and self-sustainable communities where the need is the greatest through a holistic, three-pillar development approach based on
- economic growth
- education
- healthcare
- environmental stewardship
And, to be guided in our work by values of social justice, economic parity, gender equality, shared know-how, and mutual respect.
What Motivates Us
Our work is founded on the knowledge that we are one world in which all of us depend on one another other for survival, security and how we shape our future no matter where we live, or the present state of our economy, educational system and technology. And, it is based on our profound belief that, as individuals and nations, we are indebted to each other to use our strengths, know-how and technologies to transform communities in need so that they can thrive and become major contributors on the global scene in international trade, environmental conservation, cultural exchange and innovation.
Who We Are
EcoWorks International is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) that works with disadvantaged communities to break the cycle of poverty through sustainable enterprises that promote self-reliance, improve standards of living, and protect natural resources.
Our Approach
For decades, development professionals have been wrestling with this question: how to permanently break the cycle of poverty? Our response, based on twenty years of experience, is to practice a holistic approach which encompasses the many aspects of a person’s selfhood and relationship to family, community, region, and world. This approach recognizes the existence of a complex set of related needs that must be simultaneously met in order to lift a community out of poverty.
Our projects, therefore, are based on four-pillars: (1) economic development; (2) education; (3) healthcare, and (4) environmental stewardship. Each pillar is supported by a set of key programs that complement each other to reinforce the ultimate objectives. The economic development programs, for example, include an economic engine, i.e. a profit making venture, as well as an entrepreneurship initiative to diversify the local economy and revolving funds to support these activities on a long-term basis.
Earning a Living Wage
We create an economic program that establishes a specialized industry and a diversified local economy. The industrial venture, owned by EWI and the partner community, is a nonprofit entity but is managed like a private business with the goal of producing income. Part of that income is put into a Community Fund that helps pay for building essential infrastructure such as schools, clinics and wells.
Then, there is an entrepreneurship program that enables individuals to create new enterprises that provide jobs and diversify the local economy.
Being Educated
... breaks the cycle of poverty, creates a gateway to better jobs, healthier families and greater civic involvement.
Having Access to Basic Healthcare and Social Services
... is essential in maintaining a functioning society, a productive workforce, and sound management of community resources.
Responsibly Managing Natural Resources
... is indispensible in ensuring the community’s survival (protection from landslides and flooding; preservation of top soil for agriculture; etc.), and in contributing to mitigating the effects of broader environmental dangers, such as climate change.
Preserving Cultural Traditions
... which are the threads in the fabric of a community’s cohesiveness and continuity.
The EWI Approach is Unique
Twenty years of field experience has enabled us to create an approach to development that is both comprehensive and sustainable. Our holistic approach integrates Social Investment, Business Savvy, Best Development Practice, Partnerships and Capacity Building. At the heart of our project is an economic engine that produces profits which are then invested in the community's infrastructure. We reinforce the economic development by providing access to education, healthcare and social services. At the same time, we integrate environmental mitigation, restoration and responsible management of natural resources.
Our current project: “Breaking the Cycle of Poverty, Ganthier, Haiti”, exemplifies this approach.