Monthly Archives: April 2012

Meet the IIRR Staff

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Emilita Oro is the Philippines Country Director and she enjoys being outside, reading, health-care issues…and the occasional Karaoke session.

1. How long have you worked for IIRR and what do you do in your position?

I have been with IIRR for almost 13 years now, joining in July 1998 after deciding to shift from a hospital (clinical) setting to NGO setting (more development / public health).  I started as an associate training specialist, and through the years have been involved in program development and management; and very recently have  been designated as the Philippine Country Director. In this position I lead and provide strategic directions to the Philippine country program.

2. What’s your favorite part about working with IIRR?
For me, working at IIRR is about interacting with the communities we serve.  The meetings, workshops and practical analysis of the community have always been meaningful, productive, and fun for me.  All these provide a feeling of satisfaction that continues to inspire my work at IIRR.
3. Where did you go to college/university/training school?
I obtained my Bachelors Degree in Nursing at St. Paul College of Manila (now St. Paul University) in the Philippines.  I have also finished 30 master’s units of Medical Surgical nursing at the University of the Philippines in Manila.  From 2005 to 2006, I completed my Masters in Public Health under a full scholarship from James P. Grant, School of Public Health in BRAC University in Bangladesh.  I belonged to the first batch of this public health program funded by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I plan to do my PhD soon.
4. What is your favorite thing to do in the city where your IIRR office is located?
My office is located in the Yen Center campus of IIRR in Silang, Cavite, Philippines.  It is not a city but a province, and the campus is a place where bio-diversity is still demonstrated. There are a lot of tree species, with cool climates, rare birds, flowers, and butterflies.  Every morning I enjoyed walking for 30 minutes; that supplies me with energy and fresh mind to carry on my work at IIRR.
5. What book/magazines/blogs are you currently reading?
Currently, I am trying to understand more about Disaster Risk Reduction (Community Resilience) and climate change.  Health is of special interest, especially reproductive health and ecosystems health, so I subscribe to UNISDR newsletters, GANM (Global Alliance for Nursing and Midwifery), and the Partners for Resilience website in the Philippines.  Aside from the many great IIRR publications, I see to it that I read relaxing and informative articles and stories from Readers’ Digest. I liked books written by Og Mandino and Andrew Matthews.
6. What is your favorite local delicacy?
I always crave “sinigang” (tamarind based soup) whenever I come home after a long trip. You can have it with pork or fish (milk fish!).  Shrimp sautéed in garlic is always a treat for me!
7. Where is the next place you’d like to travel?
Rome!  I want to see the Vatican.
8. What advice do you have for someone who wants to make a difference in the world?
Just look around you, there are a lot of development issues we are confronted with.  There are a lot of people who need help.  Just start somewhere; in your own little way by sharing your time, knowledge, skills, or whatever you can.


Meet the IIRR Staff

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Mahlet is a Project Assistant in IIRR’s Ethiopia Office and she is a communications wiz helping with anything and everything in the office.

1.  How long have you worked for IIRR and what do you do in your position?

I Joined IIRR Ethiopia about a year ago in March 2011 as an Intern for the “HARVEST” project. After two months, I was hired as a project Assistant. Currently, I am working as a Project Assistant and a focal person for communication in IIRR Ethiopia.

In the position that I hold, my main responsibilities include: communicating and following up on project activities with partner organizations; participating in documentation/write-up works and also taking part in write-shops; assisting in making arrangements as well as taking minutes and proceedings for meetings, workshops and trainings; providing assistance around the office.

2. What’s your favorite part about working with IIRR?

One of the things that I like about working with IIRR Ethiopia is the high flexibility that exists with in the organization’s system. It gives every employee room to take part on almost every aspect of the organization’s activity and will contribute to one’s individual growth both as a person and a professional.

3. Where did you go to college/university/training school?

I graduated from Addis Ababa University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Anthropology two years ago.

4. What is your favorite thing to do in the city where your IIRR office is located?

Attending different events in the city and spending time with family and friends.

5. What book/magazines/blogs are you currently reading?

I am currently reading Secrets to Realistic Drawing by Carrie Stuart Parks and Rick Park

6. Where is the next place you’d like to travel?

I would love to see the Bale Mountains of Ethiopia and abroad, I would like to visit South Korea one day.

7. What advice do you have for someone who wants to make a difference in the world?

Well, it’s like they say; “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Earth Day

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Today marks the annual celebration of Earth Day in the United States, and International Mother Earth Day around the globe. Started in 1972, this annual event is held to inspire global action to curb climate change, invest in sustainable development, participate in recycling, and generally be nice to Mother Earth.

This year, the theme is “Mobilize the Earth” and, according to the Earth Day Network, this year will act as a launch pad for growing the environmental movement and will put forth a declaration for immediate action to secure a sustainable future for our planet. The movement will consist of individuals from all corners of the Earth, and will call upon local, national, and international leaders to put an end to fossil fuel subsidies, embrace renewable energy technology, improve energy efficiency, and make energy universally accessible.

Pretty inspiring, right?

In honor of Earth Day, we decided to share how IIRR works to incorporate sustainability into our projects in rural East Africa and South East Asia. We have a lot of projects around the globe, but here are some of our favorite projects that put sustainability and environmental issues at the forefront:

  • Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction – We work with local communities to identify, map, and analyze man-made or natural hazards including flooding, soil degradation, famine, drought, typhoons, and we also work with existing capacities to facilitate community action and guide contingency plans.  We work with communities in the Philippines, South Sudan, Uganda, and Ethiopia in Community Managed Disaster Risk Reduction.
  • In Ethiopia we are helping schools with water harvesting in order to bring safe, clean drinking water to local communities. Through this program, we are also helping these communities plan for drought.
  • In the Philippines, we have partnered with local organizations to run Bio-Intensive Gardening programs at schools.  These programs not only provide a green space at schools that use organic materials and local plants, but it also provides healthy options for school lunch programs.  Because we have been successful in this program, we are expanding it beyond schools and into the surrounding communities.
  • Through our applied learning courses, we are able to teach other communities, NGO and aid workers, and governmental organizations about the sustainability skills we have gained working in the field.
  • We are also piloting a new program that will work with communities to understand how community members and population sizes impact the environment and play a role in curbing climate change.

Happy Earth Day!

A Day Without Dignity: Empowering Local Change Makers

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I must confess.  I have a pair of Tom’s Shoes.

But, like millions of other college-aged students, I didn’t quite understand the implications of the “One-For-One” model that Tom’s Shoes so eloquently markets when I purchased the shoes.  When I was in college, with big plans to change the world, the “One-For-One” was so easy to get involved with.  I could buy a pair of shoes, and a child in a developing country would be granted with a pair; something that I can’t imagine living without.  Their new shoes would allow them to scamper around their homes and schools without fear of catching a disease and getting sick, it would allow them to attend school in full uniform, and it would allow them to live a life free of cuts and scrapes on their feet.  As a person who mostly HATES to be without shoes, it was a “win-win” situation; I could get a sweet, new pair of shoes, and I could help someone in need.

Then, I became older, landed in a development position, and my personal mission shifted from “a one woman circus, trying to save the world,” to a movement of “locals helping locals.”  I quickly realized that what once seemed like a selfless, powerful, and simple idea was far more complicated than I had expected.

I think what many Tom’s consumers don’t realize, including my college-age self, is that the idea, while well intended, isn’t as effective as it could be in lifting children, or their families and communities, out of poverty.  Not having shoes does not cause poverty. Not having shoes is merely a symptom of poverty, and while having new shoes is exciting for the children, they aren’t effective in eliminating poverty’s root causes.

These types of handouts can sometimes undermine the communities they wish to help. The shoes are made in China, and in doing so, have the potential to take away jobs that someone at a local level could be doing. Production in a local community, with locals at the helm, can not only provide stylish shoes, but provide them with an income and a way of improving their livelihood, and give them a chance of overcoming poverty.

Most often, the handouts are sent to communities with fragile, unstable economic systems, where local shop owners are trying to sell goods to make a living. The handouts take away the desire to buy shoes, so when a family actually needs new shoes, the shop owners don’t benefit from the sale, and instead the family relies on the free shoes.

This can all be a bit disheartening, considering Tom’s Shoes and others like them, are very well intended in improving the lives of those who need it most. The idea does make the lives of children better (because new shoes are awesome), but they miss the mark on effective anti-poverty measures.  That being said, I am not an expert in what anyone other than myself needs to be successful in life, so I will stick to doing my best to affect positive change in the way that I choose.

What do I think works? Empowering locals to develop locally tailored initiatives to lift their communities out of poverty. By giving communities the tools and education to help themselves and help their communities, poverty actually becomes a thing of the past.

The International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (Disclaimer: I work here) has field offices in South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, and the Philippines.  These offices are staffed by local employees who understand the local languages, even the most obscure, and they understand local customs that can have a profound impact on development initiatives. What you won’t find in our field offices are a bunch of ex-pats who may know a lot about development, but nothing about the local communities.

We are one of the few international development organizations with our headquarters located in the Global South, and it is strategically placed there to facilitate south-south learning, and to develop practical, innovative, and long-lasting solutions to poverty. In fact, we believe in our mission so much, that our Credo, which begins, “Go to the People, live among them, learn from them, plan with them, work with them,” is woven throughout every single one of our projects.

We do a lot of great things at IIRR, but perhaps the initiative that best exemplifies locally led development initiatives and local action to address local needs is our Pastoralist Education Program. Normally marginalized communities, Pastoralists typically don’t have access to quality education because of their nomadic lifestyle.  Because of this, it is more important for a child to spend their days tending to the flocks instead of going to school. Through this program, IIRR works with community members to understand the importance of education programs as a way to improve livelihoods.  We work with the community to inspire them to create an education system for their children and future generations.

Once there is a desire for a school system, IIRR leaves it to the local communities to do the major leg-work.  This allows community members to become more active in the process of picking a location for the school, recruiting suitable teachers, and figuring out the logistics of building the school. IIRR supports members in the capacity building by helping local groups organize themselves into an effective education-based coalition.  When the initial logistics are straightened out, IIRR helps in the building of schools and uses local supplies and labor to offset costs.  When the school is completed, children can enroll in school, parents can become involved with school associations, and other adults can volunteer to be teachers or work with after-school programs.

The community plays an active role in local initiatives, and takes pride in something that they created. If this program doesn’t exemplify locals helping locals, then I’m not really sure what does.

I know that Tom’s Shoes is dedicated to improving the lives of children, but it can be frustrating, coming from a development standpoint, when their mode of operation is not as effective as it should be. Instead, I will stick with supporting organizations that put the power in the hands of the local people who know what is best for their community.

I still have my pair of Tom’s Shoes.  I won’t be buying any new pairs, and my lone pair will serve as a reminder that we must question the good and bad intentions in aid and development, and that empowering locals to help themselves is the best way to alleviate poverty.

And, do kindly keep in mind, that while I think my organization is awesome (well, because it is), the views on Tom’s Shoes, or any organization like Tom’s, presented in this article are mine, and mine alone, and do not reflect the views of IIRR or other IIRR staff. 

Meet the IIRR Staff

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Firew Kefyalew is the Country Director for our Ethiopia Field Office. You may mistake him for a leading professor at a prestigious university based on his credentials and tweed jacket collection, but he spends his time making sure all of the Ethiopia programs go off without a hitch; all while munching on Injera. 
1. How long have you worked for IIRR and what do you do in your position? 
I am the Country Director for our Ethiopia office and I have worked with IIRR for just over five years.  In this position I am responsible for all fundraising activities and the oversight of our work in Ethiopia.
2. What’s your favorite part about working with IIRR?
One of the great things about working with IIRR is the trust I enjoy as a team member in my office, and with our other country offices.  I also enjoy the space I have to operate.
3. Where did you go to college/university/training school? 
I went to Addis Ababa University for both my undergraduate and post-graduate studies.  I spend four years in Ireland working on some courses and research for a PhD at the University College-Cork.  From all of my education, I have a background in educational psychology and organizational development.
4. What is your favorite thing to do in the city where your IIRR office is located? 
I enjoy participating in professional groups outside of work to gain a different perspective on topics that pertain to my work here at IIRR.  It is also a great way to build a network of people who have similar professional goals or who work in the field. I also love reading, so I spend most of my leisure time reading.
5. What book/magazines/blogs are you currently reading? 
I am always looking for interesting reads, but currently, I am reading New African, an English magazine that focuses on African Affairs.
6. What is your favorite local delicacy?
 My favorite local delicacy has to be the iconic Ethiopian Injera.
7. Where is the next place you’d like to travel?
The next place I would like to visit is Timbuktu in Mali.

8. What advice do you have for someone who wants to make a difference in the world?
The field is tough and requires a lot of work, so if you want to succeed, you must stay positive!

Stories from the Field: Uganda Farmer Field Schools

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This post comes from Jim Kelly, Chairman of the Board for IIRR.  He has been working with IIRR for 25 years, and works closely with the US Office and Field Offices.

Our work at IIRR is always more rewarding when we get really great stories from our field offices, and I especially love having a face to pair with our great initiatives.

Our Farmer Field Schools in Uganda bring education to a normally marginalized community, and provide alternative and sustainable mechanisms for education in rural Africa.  We facilitate these schools so the farmers can adopt improved farming technologies like integrated pest management and organic farming, and learn livelihood skills to raise the incomes of their families and their communities.  The farmers gain new farming techniques, business tools, and also learn how to integrate disaster risk reduction planning into their farming plans.

The greatest stories are those that show the direct impact of our programs on individual lives.  Knowing that someone who attended our programs gained valuable skills, and then was able to transfer those skills into a tangible gain for their family, is a really powerful aspect of the work we do.

Obua Janan, who attended our classes in Abura Mwonya, is 32, married, and has 4 kids. Before IIRR developed a Farmer Field School in his town, Obua had never been a part of any farmer group.  He was farming, but he was only planting low acreages of land, and lacked basic agriculture knowledge and business skills. Upon joining the FFS, he worked with a group that set up a commercial enterprise, planted 4 acres of groundnuts, and received a huge return on their investments with a 15-bag harvest. After the success of the groundnuts, the group planted tomatoes, sunflowers, maize, and beans.  They also began construction on a poultry house.

After just a few months in the program, and upon learning how to incorporate a savings plan into his business model, Ubua has saved thousands of Uganda Shillings.  He is using his earnings to build a house with iron sheets, to pay school fees for his children, and to buy household items.

“My income level has increased, and I am able to pay school fees for my children.  Everyone in my home is very happy,” says Ubua.  He plans to use his new skills and business savings plan to invest in bigger acreage next season, and to become a mentor for new FSS members.

Meet the IIRR staff

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Lara Crampe is IIRR’s Development Officer, and she makes up one half of the two-woman dream-team in our New York Office.  She really really (like, really) likes sushi, almost as much as her two young, hilarious, and entertaining children.  When she isn’t fundraising for IIRR, she is planning fun adventures with her family and trying not to be a “Tiger Mom”.
1. How long have you worked for IIRR and what do you do in your position?
I’ve been working for IIRR for about a year and a half.  As part of the Headquarters Team, I manage our headquarters’ fundraising efforts and all public facing communications.  As head of the NY Office, I act as a liaison to the Board. I also act as co-DJ for the daily office tunes (I like Sade and her soothing, passionate music).
2. What’s your favorite part about working with IIRR?
I enjoy knowing that I am surrounded by people who truly believe in community-led development.  It’s a great, positive atmosphere, working with people who work hard to make real change in the lives of the rural poor.  Plus, our team is the most diverse, interesting, funny, and motivated bunch of people I know.
3. Where did you go to college/university/training school?
I did some time in our nation’s capital studying at George Washington University. I studied International Agricultural Development for my Bachelors and got my Masters in Community Development.
4. What is your favorite thing to do in the city where your IIRR office is located?
In New York City, there is something to do at almost all hours of the day, but with perhaps thousands of restaurants in the city, my favorite thing to do is eat.  New York has a WIDE range of options for eating; you can go cheap, trendy, uber fancy, authentically ethnic, or classic American.  What’s even more fun is finding a hidden neighborhood gem, and getting to try all of the delicious, cheap, and interesting places with foods from all around the world.
5. What book/magazines/blogs are you currently reading?
I am always reading and re-reading 4 or 5 books. Currently I am re-reading On the Road and Wuthering Heights, and reading The Year of Magical Thinking, and Tune in Tokyo: The Gaijin Diaries. I am also a poetry lover, and Mark Strand is always a go-to favorite.  I also read a LOT of blogs in development and international affairs, highlighting my not-so-secret nerdiness.  And with two young children, I am well versed in a wide range of kid-friendly stories.
6. What is your favorite local delicacy?
Despite all of the incredible food options in New York, my favorite local delicacy is a classic New York bagel with a huge schmear of fresh, deli-made cream cheese plus a really LARGE coffee. I usually just snag a coffee from a deli by our office (which isn’t that great, but it does the trick), but I really like a nice bold fresh-brewed cup of some strong East African coffee.  When I am not enjoying a classic NY bagel, I enjoy a large plate of Uni (raw sea urchin).
7. Where is the next place you’d like to travel?
I left my heart in Ethiopia after my last visit to see our staff there, but I would like to visit our Uganda program and see the Farmer Field Schools.  I have a great professional-grade camera, so I enjoy photo opportunities.
8. What advice do you have for someone who wants to make a difference in the world?
It can be a tough field, but DON’T GIVE UP and keep talking about your passions to everyone you can. If you are persistent and clear, the pieces will begin to fall into place. Also, don’t reinvent the wheel, align yourself with people already working on the cause and you will be up-to-speed faster and more effective than if you are trying to build everything from the ground up.