Self-Help International

Self-Help International’s mission is to alleviate hunger by helping people help themselves. Founded in Waverly, Iowa in 1959, Self-Help assists the rural poor, including small-scale farmers and women entrepreneurs, in  developing countries to escape the cycle of poverty.

Self-Help’s skill local staff helps families become self-reliant in meeting the needs of their families and communities through training, education, leadership development, resource mobilization, and other forms of assistance.  Self-Help is not a relief organization – the focus is on development and sustainability to improve quality of life with dignity. 

Self-Help’s programs in Ghana, West Africa and Nicaragua, Central America focus on ending child malnutrition, improving agricultural practices, empowering women and girls, accessing clean water, and training youth.  

Iowans can get involved with Self Help International through donations, by serving as an intern or skilled volunteer in Iowa or overseas to build staff capacity and improve service delivery. 

Another option to consider is to leave a bequest, a lasting gesture that will help to alleviate hunger and poverty among poor farmers overseas who work hard and struggle to improve quality of life with dignity.

Interested Iowans should contact the Self-Help office for more information at information@selfhelpinternational.org or 319-352-4040.

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