SELF HELP INTERNATIONAL

Self-Help International, an ecumenical non-profit organization, was incorporated in 1959 by Vern Schield, founder of the Schield Bantam Company, Waverly, Iowa USA. Schield was concerned about hunger and poverty in developing countries and recognized the importance for small-scale farmers to have the opportunity to improve their farming practices, and thus improve quality of life. Since 1959, SHI has spanned the globe fighting hunger and poverty by promoting self-reliance and food security. Self-Help has supported and been involved in several different projects and activities over the years. SHI provided machinery and equipment to numerous church-sponsored projects in agriculture and vocational education. Self-Help built small tractors and implements that were shipped to more than 45 countries, including Ghana, from the 1950s to mid-1980s. In 1989, SHI made a fundamental change in its program from equipment supply to providing training and technical assistance. SHI opened its first overseas office in Ghana in 1989 and has assisted a large number of small-scale farmers in developing countries to increase food production by providing volunteer technical assistance, training, leadership development programs and on-farm demonstrations of appropriate mechanical and cropping technologies for agriculture. In 1999, SHI opened a second location in Nicaragua, using the successful program model developed in Ghana's, with local adjustments as appropriate for the new cultural conditions. Current programs include agricultural advancement and children's feeding programs, women's empowerment and economic development through micro-credit, and community nutrition, health, and water projects. Self-Help International does not evangelize or seek to promote any particular faith or religion. Self-Help programs are offered regardless of the race, creed or nationality of the recipients and without adverse distinction of any kind, and are not used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.