Many of us long to make a difference in the world. We want our efforts and investments to matter, to change lives for the better, and to have a lasting effect that grows rather than dissipates over time.
This is the power of Sustainable Hope International. This is not a stop-gap solution, but an endeavor designed to multiply its outreach exponentially over time. This is made possible through its underlying philosophy, developed through a Participatory Youth Development (PYD) model, derived from the Participatory Human Development Process created by Outreach International.
This model represents a shift in paradigms for nonprofits. Rather than coming to the “rescue” of others, this model encourages coming alongside and, through truly organic relationships, allowing youth to rise to their own potential and chart their own course for the future.
Characteristics of the PYD model include: Involvement in a community at a grassroots level; using indigenous staff; addressing deep-rooted issues through authentic group participation where everyone has a voice; and allowing individuals to identify their own problems and create their own solutions.
Paraphrasing an old saying, Sustainable Hope International exemplifies the principle: “Give youth a fish, feed them for a day; teach youth to fish, feed them for a lifetime.” Sustainable Hope International goes beyond teaching youth to fish; the organization provides “access to the lake” — opportunities to become truly self-sufficient and rise to ones potential. Sustainable Hope International accomplishes this through “We Can Clubs” that teach basic life and leadership skills, and character development as well as offering scholarships to technical or university training. This is the sustainable way to effect long-lasting change. It offers youth ownership of their future and it is the core philosophy behind the important work of Sustainable Hope International.
We believe in long-term investments in youth that bring about positive, lasting change. We call it Sustainable Hope.
• We provide disadvantaged youth the support necessary to become responsible, productive, and accountable citizens of their community.
• We work with cultural sensitivity across geographic boundaries to assist youth.
• We organize and sponsor youth clubs called “We Can Clubs” that agree with our core philosophy.
Sustainable Hope International programs are facilitated by local staff at the grassroots level. We believe this approach is the best way to teach youth to act for her/his own good within a given culture.
We support detailed projects that can quickly achieve self-sufficiency. Our Board of Directors is tasked with providing overall strategic direction and counsel on individual projects. Project Managers are responsible for their projects and are accountable for their success. Local staff is jointly responsible for program success and development. In this way, we ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability at all levels.
