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LETTER FROM OUR CEO T“WNHHEIASWTISINFTOHREMAL”? DEAR FRIENDS — With 2021 behind us, it’s hard to believe we’ve emerged from the second year of a worldwide pandemic and we’ve entered into our third. So far, most of our predictions regarding the nature of COVID-19 have been somewhat flawed—even though, soberingly, the effects of this global challenge have been predictable, especially on the vulnerable populations we serve. With these global “lessons learned” in mind, it seems appropriate to ask a few critical questions: how does uncertainty and imperfect knowledge about the future change the way we think about our work? How do we approach planning and strategic engagement with our many partners around the world? What if this is not a time-bound crisis, but the new state of affairs—the new normal? If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that for most of the world’s poor, the pandemic is one more crisis in a life filled with daily struggles. With this understanding, CHOICE Humanitarian programs and projects are focused on helping communities disrupt the effects of the pandemic and build the resilience they need to weather crises while moving proactively toward alternative paths out of the many dimensions of poverty. Our problem-driven, local systems approach seeks to address the main drivers of poverty and introduce at least one new option into environments lacking in opportunities. We build adaptability into this approach, varying it by country and local context. For us, building resilience and self-reliance in any situation involves several common elements: 1) food security in the form of nutrient- rich food available year-round; 2) access to health information in the language spoken by the community and reliable health care; 3) basic opportunities for continuing education beyond primary school; and 4) a sustainable means of generating income and/or employment. In 2021, CHOICE Humanitarian placed a huge emphasis on using technology in smarter ways to accelerate progress and multiply the results of our programs. With generous support from one of our donors, we began the process to improve our IT systems across the organization, which allowed us to streamline our work and increase our impact at the same time. (You can read more about this initiative on p. B.) This effort is ongoing as we assess our use of technology across all our projects.
Last year also saw a significant expansion of the CHOICE Humanitarian program on the Navajo Nation. From modest beginnings, we’re now embarked on an ambitious project to help the residents of the Former Bennett Freeze Area turn a food desert into the “salad bowl” of the Navajo Nation. Our valiant staff of one is now a high- performing team of five outstanding professionals who, like all our teams around the world, are native to the area and possess the technical and language skills required to work with our local partners. There are many more programs and projects that deserve mention here, and you will read about them in the pages of this report, but I need to call out one additional highlight from last year: at our 2021 Gala, we launched the James B. Mayfield Humanitarian Award and were honored to present the inaugural award to our founder, Dr. James B. Mayfield. Jim embodies the very best of the CHOICE values and the humanitarian spirit—love and empathy for others, a curious intellect, and a burning desire to use all of his gifts to leave the world in a better place than how he found it. You can read more about this on p. 41. In a visit to Nepal, Dr. Pierce met with community members, including this woman who expressed enormous gratitude for the water spigot installed near her home by CHOICE and partnering organizations.
2022 GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS. In 2022, CHOICE will undertake the most far-reaching institutional strengthening initiatives in its history: we intend to become a truly effective learning laboratory. To establish a culture of learning, we must place learning at the core of everything we do. And we are bold enough (or naive enough) to take on this significant re-engineering task even while tackling the current COVID crisis. To accomplish this ambitious goal, we will invest in our most valuable assets—our people. These are the men and women of our CHOICE teams around the world who work so hard to help rural community members achieve a better life. These high-performing, dedicated professionals sacrifice every day and face challenges few of us would understand. Besides the pandemic, they deal with difficult government requirements, stagnant economies, supply chain interruptions, high rates of unemployment, harsh climatic conditions, poor communication and transportation capabilities, and impossible logistics, all while operating on lean budgets. Now is the time to radically change, invest, and improve so that CHOICE’s utilization of generous donations can be translated into multiplied impact in the field. We will launch a comprehensive program to increase our capacity and ensure our teams are “fit-for-purpose” with all the tools and competencies they need to achieve excellence. We have titled this the Human Capital Investment Program (HCIP), and it features three key elements: ● F irst, we have initiated a comprehensive assessment of our systems, tools, and capacities at three levels of operation: global, country, and individual. I’m particularly driven by the opportunity to invest in the ongoing career education of our nearly 100 international employees. ● Second, we must double down on our commitment to evidence and data. To become more “evidence- based and data-driven,” we must make decisions based on the evidence gathered through monitoring and evaluation, and we must use data in a smarter, more expeditious way to assess progress and measure results. ● Last, we will integrate our financial management system and results measurement system so that every dollar donated to CHOICE will be tracked to specific outcomes and impact made possible by that donation. This is the next stage in our evolution to achieve extreme transparency and accountability.
Taken together, these are the most important Dr. Pierce stands with one of the local organizational strengthening reforms ever attempted by presidents of the GAD (parish decentralized CHOICE Humanitarian. To be candid, I wasn’t completely autonomous government units) inside of Inta sure we would be able to raise the funds needed to Kara, the vocational center built and funded in make HCIP a reality. It’s not uncommon for donors to part by CHOICE in rural Ecuador. be reluctant to allocate resources to anything but direct program funds. However, CHOICE is blessed to count on donors who understand the importance of investing in people—donors who believe these investments will yield a real return—long-term dividends in the form of enhanced results and greater impact. For that, I am truly grateful. I know I speak for CHOICE staff everywhere—as well as the inspiring and resilient people we serve in Africa, Asia, and Latin America—in saying there has never been a more exciting time to be associated with this incredible enterprise! Yes, the challenges are great, but as the past two years have shown, CHOICE has a proven track record of achieving results under the most difficult of conditions. We also know that we can do better and that we can reach even more people with opportunities and options that would have never been possible without the support of all of you—our CHOICE family and friends. Thank you for helping to change lives. As you pour over the following pages, I hope you’ll be energized by what your support has done and inspired by the dreams we have for this year and beyond. Steven D. Pierce, PhD CHOICE Humanitarian CEO
TCAOBNLTEEONFTS Letter from our CEO 01 Technology Accelerate Change 03 CHOICE by the Numbers 05 Our Work: A Spotlight from Each Country 23 Project Dashboard for 2021 41 Examples of Advocacy 45 Vision and Mission 49 Get Involved 51 Financials 53 Our Partners 69 Our Donors 81 Leadership
TECHNOLOGY’S AOABCUICTLIETOLYFETPROOATVEERATPYATH At the core of CHOICE Humanitarian’s work is the belief that everyone should have the option and means to live in peace, prosperity, and freedom. To achieve this vision, CHOICE focuses on the establishment and improvement of systems that generate alternatives, options, and opportunities for rural communities living in devastating poverty. Technology accelerates robust systems changes, but many lack the infrastructure necessary for this to occur. Known as the “digital divide,” nearly half the world’s population—most of them women—lack access to digital technology and are therefore disconnected from opportunities to build capacity, improve productivity, and progress (Mohammed 2021). Indeed, the digital divide is the new face of inequality (Mohammed 2021). The pandemic exacerbated the need to bridge this divide; for instance, 1.6 billion students experienced educational interruption in 2020, and nearly 826 million students without computer access were forced to pause, if not entirely end, their education (Li 2021). 01
The digital divide is growing rapidly, but CHOICE is determined REFERENCES to close the gap. Through utilization of appropriate technology and collaboration with tech professionals, CHOICE has made UNITED NATIONS PRESS strides to connect communities to technological infrastructure RELEASE: and resources to accelerate progress. Examples of this include: www.un.org/press/en/2021/dsgsm1579. ● Construction, equipment, and operation of computer labs doc.htm in rural Bolivia BROOKINGS INSTITUTION ● Installation of home solar panels to provide a reliable ARTICLE: source of electricity to rural communities in Guatemala www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from- ● Collaboration with Agros, a Peruvian tech startup, to create chaos/2021/10/11/worsening-global- digital agricultural identities and better measurement and digital-divide-as-the-us-and-china- evaluation practices in rural Peru continue-zero-sum-competitions/ ● Operation and maintenance of aquaponics sites to provide 02 a reliable source of produce to rural communities in Mexico ● Development of a fully digital entrepreneurship training course for students in rural Ecuador ● Partnership with Yehu Microfinance Trust, a provider of financial services to the socio-economically marginalized, to establish digital banking opportunities for communities in rural Kenya ● Experimentation with solar tech powered lights, provided by Campbell Companies, to extend viable work hours for planting and harvesting in hoophouses in the Navajo Nation ● Utilization of KoboToolbox to collect data and evaluate projects via fully digital phone applications in rural Nepal CHOICE has leveraged technology for enhanced outcomes for the central office staff as well. A new leadership role of Chief Technology Officer was added to the team, and Rob Glance—a professional expert with over 26 years of experience in IT and database infrastructure management—now leads the operational technology strategy. This includes managing the implementation of a generous technology grant to improve technology tools, data management systems, and communication capabilities across the organization. As CHOICE increases operational capabilities to an elite level, it will improve its impact in the field to change lives. In the wake of a growing digital divide, CHOICE is more committed than ever to connect communities with resources needed to thrive. Together with the support of donors, partners, and advocates, CHOICE implements innovative solutions across all systems to improve outcomes and reduce poverty. CHOICE understands the urgent need to bridge this gap and commits to support rural communities to connect them to the broader digital world.
CTHHEONICUEMBBYERS IN2021. 122 8 COUNTRIES 103STAFF MEMBERS ACTIVE PROJECTS ACROSS ALL COUNTRIES 793,437 TOUCLIHVEEDS 246 MEMBERS OF THE VILLAGE 03 BOTH DIRECTLY AND INDIRECTLY MONTHLY GIVING PROGRAM
LEVERAGED FUNDS IN-COUNTRY CONTRIBUTIONS TOWARDS PROJECTS WITH CASH, LABOR, OR MATERIALS CORPORATE PARTNERS DONORS $3.2M TOTAL DONATED FUNDS 04
OUR WORK A SPOTLIGHT FROM EACH COUNTRY. 05
BOLIVIA ECUADOR GUATEMALA KENYA MEXICO NAVAJO NATION NEPAL PERU 06
BOLIVIA PLANTING THE FUTURE WITH GREENHOUSES THE CONTEXT. The municipality of Calamarca, Bolivia, is characterized by a rugged topography, dry areas, and few water resources. Despite this, the residents who live there have relied on agriculture to support their families for food and financial stability for generations. For the past several decades, changing climate and unpredictable weather have caused economic instability throughout the region. Most residents do not have a fixed income. Instead, they rely on markets located in main cities to sell their products, something that has become more difficult over time and worsened even more since the pandemic began. There is a strong need for reliable means of production, increased water access, improved technological capacity, and better methods with which to commercialize their products. These improvements would help stabilize the agricultural sector in the community, stimulate jobs, and increase income generation while providing hope for a brighter future and opportunities for community members to become self-reliant and build paths out of poverty. THE PROJECT. In response to these needs, CHOICE Humanitarian in Bolivia worked with the community of Choritotora within the municipality of Calamarca to construct ten out of thirty-six planned greenhouses in a multi-year agriculture and entrepreneurship program. This program is more than a simple construction project—it’s a business initiative that allows families to learn technical skills in how to plant vegetables, market their produce, and expand business opportunities. Program participants learn how to enter new markets, which expands the availability of nutritional foods to more local communities. Once constructed, each greenhouse is the responsibility of a beneficiary family who maintains and utilizes it. The program encourages active participation of both women and men as well as young people in all activities. With the technical skills obtained during the different trainings, these families generate a more stable income through the sale of their produce and train more family members and other local partners, so the community continues to use the greenhouses long after CHOICE leaves. 07
THE EARLY OUTCOMES. In 2021, CHOICE and the community worked together to construct a total of ten greenhouses, all of which are in operation. Sixteen more are planned for 2022. The trainings in agriculture and business have been well received by the communities who now make their own organic fertilizers and sell homegrown produce in local markets. 10 16 GREENHOUSES CONSTRUCTED MORE GREENHOUSES PLANNED FOR 2022 MARÍA CAN FEED HER FAMILY. María Huanca worked as a brick worker when she decided to look for new job opportunities. She became one of the first program recipients. \"I wanted to have my own business and harvest my own vegetables to sell at the fairs and with the money earned, feed my family,” María shared. “But there are not many opportunities in my town.\" With this greenhouse construction project supported by CHOICE Humanitarian, María is now a farmer producing vegetables in her greenhouse with the help of her children. Maria expressed, “Now that I have this greenhouse, I am going to plant everything I can—lettuce, radishes, chard—and with this my children will not starve… I will eventually build myself another greenhouse as I already know how to build things with bricks.” María commits to continue her agricultural activity to ensure that the population of her community has access to the food they need. Thanks to the support of the CHOICE team in Bolivia and the Bayer Foundation, a major contributor to this program, Maria and ten other family farmers grow a variety of vegetables in their greenhouses which provide their community with fresh and nutritious organic food. In a challenging pandemic environment, this work is important to enable food security and keep livelihoods afloat. 08
ECUADOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING TO OPEN UP OPPORTUNITIES THE CONTEXT. Intag is a remote, partly mountainous area in Cotacachi Canton and Otavalo Canton Imbabura Province, Ecuador, named for the Intag River. Intag has a population of about 20,000 people, and the poverty level as calculated by the NBI (Unmet Basic Need) index is 84%. They are forced to live on an average income of about $260/month. Many residents of Intag make their living by subsistence farming or cattle raising because they live in such a rural area, but food insecurity is a widely felt issue. Roughly 20% of the population is illiterate and only 5% of youth have access to college, trade school, or university education. Increasing access to education is one of the most appropriate and effective tools to improve people's living conditions. THE PROJECT. In response to the lack of educational opportunities in the Intag region, CHOICE Humanitarian in Ecuador worked with local leaders and the ASEA Advancing Life Foundation to begin a massive effort to construct a vocational training school that would also serve as a hub for agricultural production and training. The Inta Kara trade school offers university quality classes to people who otherwise do not have access to continuing education. The school provides each student with a national certified diploma upon course completion. The goal of the program is to train community members from the region in productive vocations, promote local tourism, and generate resources for the families who live nearby to become self- reliant. Vocational training increases the income-generating abilities of those living in poverty. The course subjects offered are related to desirable economic activities, which provide students with specialized skills that allow them access to jobs with higher incomes. After four years working to make this school into a reality for the people of the Intag region, in 2021, the construction finally finished. Leaders in the community held a grand inaugural celebration attended by all who had participated in fulfilling this dream so they could commemorate together this great success for the entire region. 09
THE EARLY OUTCOMES. 95-100% 8,900 GRADUATION RATE Early results suggest that the training and HOURS OF TRAINING educational opportunities provided by the Center have had a positive impact on the graduates’ abilities to find better employment and improve their economic situation for their families and communities. Even before the official inauguration, Inta Kara began training 125 students per year in a blended and virtual format. Classes are provided in the following areas: Industrial Mechanics (basic welding), Gastronomy, Good Manufacturing Practices for Food Handlers, Industrial and Labor Safety, and Basic Electricity. In the future, classes will also be offered in Basic Automotive Mechanics and Plastic Arts and Sculpture. So far, graduation rates have been between 95-100%, and over 8,900 hours of training have been given to community members in 9 geographic areas served by Inta Kara. PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS FOR FORMER STUDENTS. Former Inta Kara student, Venito Rosero, now works constructing footbridges in the capital city of Quito. This is an extremely well-paying job, which enables him to not only provide for his own needs, but also allows him plenty of money to send to his parents and siblings to help with their farm. Venito said, “I am applying all of the knowledge that I got in my course. I never imagined that I would have the opportunity to be a professional. I am really grateful to Inta Kara, which gave me the opportunity to study.” Pedro Torres, another former student, secured a job with a local welding shop and is constructing homes. The welding shop now offers more services because of Pedro’s expertise, which is a great benefit to the surrounding community. The community members can now purchase locally produced construction materials for their homes at a much more affordable price, and they do not have to pay for transportation from other cities. Thanks to Pedro’s enhanced skills, they are able to get repairs done quickly and easily. 10
GUATEMALA BRINGING HEALTHCARE TO RURAL COMMUNITIES THE CONTEXT. In the Alta Verapaz department of Guatemala the ratio of healthcare workers to civilians is 12.5 to 10,000, well below the recommended international density threshold of 44.5 to 10,000 individuals. This disparity in available medical healthcare to community members was further exacerbated by the 2020 Hurricanes Eta and Iota, which struck the country of Guatemala. Heavy rains caused flooding, landslides, and severe mudflows, completely devastating rural communities. These hurricanes left the people of Guatemala in dire need for support. In conjunction with the American Red Cross organization, CHOICE Humanitarian provided medical support to rural communities that faced a serious shortage of healthcare workers. THE PROJECT. An analysis of the health facilities and road network in Alta Verapaz found that 23% of the population live more than an hour away from any basic healthcare facility, and 71% of physicians are concentrated in metropolitan areas where there is better access to economic resources and public infrastructure. With non- existent public transportation in rural areas—and impassable roads and travel costs as additional factors— it’s nearly impossible for indigenous people living in remote areas to travel to the nearest health center or hospital. The Mobile Medical Clinics project began in 2021 in response to these challenges. This project was part of the multi-year program, Guatemala LIFE, that CHOICE launched in 2020. With the financial support of Pat and Florence King, this program is designed to lift nearly 114,000 rural people out of multi-dimensional poverty. The program has four main goals of relief, food security, organizational capacity, and business and entrepreneurial development. The 2021 Mobile Medical Clinics project fits into the first of those goals, with additional projects and activities currently underway for the remaining goals. Throughout the year, medical clinics serviced 24 communities in the Alta Verapaz area. Together with the Red Cross, the CHOICE country team in Guatemala traveled to these communities to give consultations and distribute resources donated by the Red Cross. This combined group of medical professionals and volunteers were able to provide solutions to a wide range of devastating health challenges. Diabetes, gastrointestinal infections, high blood pressure, and anemia are only a few of the most common crises that the Mobile Medical Clinics project addressed. 11
THE EARLY OUTCOMES. Over 4,000 individuals have been impacted as a result of these medical clinics. Health has improved across all of the communities, and resources have been distributed to aid in further medical treatment. In addition to providing medical services, midwife trainings were also held in 10 communities to decrease the complications of childbirth often seen in rural areas. These efforts have led to self-reliance, medical care accessibility, and improved health, all vital components in supporting rural communities to elevate out of poverty. 4,000 10 INDIVIDUALS IMPACTED COMMUNITIES HELD MIDWIFE TRAININGS Maria, seated, visits a Mobile Medical VITAL HEALTH INTERVENTION FOR MARIA. Clinic with her family by her side as she receives primary medical care from the Maria Candelaria Choc is one of many who have been positively CHOICE team and its partners. impacted by the Mobile Medical Clinics project. Maria, 82 years old, had been battling intense health challenges for years, and recently they had increased, putting her at high medical risk. In September 2021, she was brought to the clinic located in the community of Cerro Alto where Dr. Alejandra, a staff member of CHOICE, performed a physical examination. Maria’s vitals and blood pressure were evaluated, and she was found to have abnormally high glucose levels. Urgent action was taken to decrease these levels, and an intravenous serum was administered along with other corresponding medications. After a thorough evaluation, Maria’s physical condition was stabilized, and she was provided the necessary medications to maintain her condition. Situations like Maria’s are common in the rural communities of this region due to the serious shortage of healthcare workers in the country. However, with CHOICE’s support and involvement through medical clinics, patients are able to access medical care and have an improved quality of life. 12
KENYA SUPPORTING STRONG LEADERS FOR STRONG COMMUNITIES THE CONTEXT. Community Based Organizations, or CBOs, help rural communities in Kenya achieve their social and economic goals. CBOs are non-governmental, non-profit, non-political, and community- run organizations that often address community challenges with rural development. CBOs are registered by the Kenyan government through the Ministry of Gender and Social Development, and they are guided by a constitution and managed by an elected committee. Membership and leadership for CBOs are drawn from the local communities and represent a cross-section of the societies they serve. Inexperience in leadership organization and governance can limit communities from benefiting fully from the opportunities offered by CBOs. To more fully realize that benefit, CHOICE Humanitarian has focused a component of the Samburu Integrated Development Program (SIDEP), a multi-year initiative in Kenyan communities, to build leadership capacity in local CBO members. 13
THE PROJECT. This leadership project is equipping CBO leaders and members with knowledge, skills, and tools to leverage their locally available resources for strategic activities in rural development. The CHOICE team in Kenya is supporting CBO leadership with education and training on good governance, leadership, core values, self- reliance, and resource mobilization. The goal is for these trained CBO leaders—who are all volunteers—to then be able to better articulate their development priorities, support development projects, and leverage resources. CBO leaders are pivotal change agents who serve as positive role models in their communities. Their abilities to organize and implement a holistic approach to community-led development can have significant impact on the quality of life for families and individuals. 10,045 EARLY OUTCOMES. LIVES BENEFITED IN Following 7 consultations and meetings with McKinnon CBO and community 1 CBO leaders, these efforts have resulted in many projects in education (school infrastructure and scholarships), environmental preservation, water access, and 152,731 gender empowerment being undertaken in 2021, which has benefited over 10,045 lives. CHOICE's work with 6 other CBOs has benefited 152,731 lives in 2021. LIVES BENEFITED IN 6 CBOs JOHN’S LEADERSHIP ROLE AS A PROBLEM-SOLVER. John Kyang'ang'u is the Chairman of the McKinnon Road Community Based Organization (CBO). This CBO, with a leadership of 55 community members, serves a geographic area of 19 villages and over 25,000 people. After receiving leadership training from CHOICE Humanitarian in Kenya, the CBO was established in 2013 with John as the chairman. Under his chairmanship, the CBO has done incredible work, leaving a mark in almost all aspects of life. For example, in education the CBO has repaired schools and provided desks. To cope with the pandemic, they provided sanitizers, thermal temperature guns, and face masks to schools to support healthcare needs. Regarding water access, they have installed a 6 km waterline and planted many trees. John also understands the importance of community partners, and so he established a partnership with Wildlife Works to enable better development. Wildlife Works is an ecosystem preservation organization that assists forest communities to transition from extraction-based to conservation-based livelihoods through sales of nature-based credits. John shared, “It’s upon us to help ourselves. We started the CBO to solve our problems, and I am glad to say that it turned out well. I also know more change is coming.” John’s dedication to his community is inspiring, especially considering his personal physical challenges. John contracted polio when he was young. Despite the difficulties of living with polio, John knew he always wanted to play a role in making his community better. John explained, “CHOICE has taught us to catch fish ourselves. This has made us self-reliant, and that's exactly what everyone needs for survival—knowledge. And that's the best way to help us continue with our development work.” 1414
MEXICO FAMILY LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION TO INCREASE INCOMES THE CONTEXT. The household economies for the Otomi indigenous people of Mexico are 90% based on handicraft commerce, medicinal plants sales, and day labor in the cities. Livestock production is not typically considered because families often lack the technical knowledge. For those families who endeavor to earn income via this method, the lack of community infrastructure and the marginalized state of resources result in low production, poor herd health, and technological lag. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased unemployment, decreased income, and increased the expenses for food and medicines. Community members are hoping that with support, agriculture and backyard animal husbandry can be a reliable opportunity for family-integrated income. THE PROJECT. Livestock projects in the communities focus on training for the development of rabbit offspring, egg-laying hens, piglets, and goats. Participants are continuously instructed regarding breeding, feeding, production, and sales. The project contributes to the families’ nutrition and well-being by adding protein to their daily diets as well as contributing to the household economy with product sales. Specifically, the Otomi livestock project is aimed at training families to increase the production and sale of products (meat and milk) from herds of goats, cows, and sheep and to increase the number of offspring to sell in the local market. Once trained, the families will be able to offer quality products directly to the consumer, improve their income, and raise their standard of living. The production chain of sheep and dairy goats (production, processing, and marketing) has potential to give families a stable economy with profitable business. In the project, the CHOICE team in Mexico has supported families with animals, financial assistance to buy livestock, medicine, agricultural materials, and food for their herds. CHOICE has also worked with and through the communities to train them on agricultural practices and machinery operation. Additionally, CHOICE has helped educate participants on developing a work plan and strategizing on logistics, including building out a sanitary calendar, improving the facilities, and managing genetic quality in their herds. A monthly training program was also established with topics on herd management, production, reproduction, health, and genetics. Future stages of the project will include product development (preparing quality milk and meat for market) and distribution. 15
THE EARLY OUTCOMES. The early stages of the livestock project involve poultry farming. Currently, the group of poultry farmers in the region is made up of 103 families, who continue to be trained to improve day by day. These 103 families, with more than 500 members, benefit directly from access to animal protein in their diet. Another 100 families in the different communities benefit indirectly when the families sell their surplus products. The farmers are hoping that in the following years they will be able to incorporate more families in the region into the project and expand into other livestock. In addition to the nutrition and economic development benefits, this project has also been successful in reducing gender inequality in the area. 103 100 500 FAMILIES BENEFITED WITH FAMILIES ACCESSED SURPLUS PARTICIPANTS IN POULTRY NUTRITION PRODUCTS FARMING ADRIANA SHOWS INITIATIVE WITH A CHICKEN COOP. Adriana Martimiano is one of many enterprising women in her community to take on chicken production. She needed a chicken coop that would allow her to keep her birds sheltered and safe because she wanted to produce her own eggs and meat for her family. As beneficiaries of this project supported by CHOICE and the government of the State of Mexico, Adriana and 17 other women from her community learned to build their own reinforced chicken coops. Adriana now has a large production of birds that allow her to offer fresh eggs daily at her family's table. She also sells the surplus eggs and meat in her community, generating extra income and sharing the eggs and meat with other families. Adriana's desire is now to continue training in poultry production, increase her outputs by building another chicken coop, and share her resources with more families in the community. 1616
NNAAVTAIOJON THE CONTEXT. REVERSING DECADES OF FOOD The Navajo Nation is a food desert with only thirteen grocery INSECURITY WITH stores in an area covering 29,000 square miles. The vast spaces in between are dotted with occasional gas stations and trading HOOPHOUSES posts selling foods high in salt, sugar, fat and preservatives. Heart and kidney disease are high and contribute to poor health and disease. One in three residents is diabetic or prediabetic, and heart disease—an increased risk factor for severe coronavirus symptoms—is the second-leading cause of death among citizens living in the Navajo communities. The most impoverished part of the Navajo Nation is the Former Bennett Freeze Area (FBFA) which takes its name from a “freeze,” or moratorium, placed on all development by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs in 1966. The FBFA encompasses approximately one-tenth of the Nation, and over 20,000 people currently reside within its boundaries. Lifted in 2009, the freeze contributed to high rates of poverty for the communities and families residing in the FBFA. Even before the pandemic, the poverty index of the Navajo Nation was already three times the national average, with the FBFA being the poorest out of the entire area. Only one full-service grocery store exists in the FBFA. To find quality fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products, most residents must travel over 100 miles round trip—difficult for most and nearly impossible for many. THE PROJECT. In response to these problems, CHOICE Humanitarian undertook an agriculture and economic development initiative called The Navajo Women Action for Systems Change through Entrepreneurial Development (ASCEND) Program with the ultimate goal of making the FBFA the “salad bowl” of the Navajo Nation, filled with accessible, nutrient-rich food. Working at the community level and directly with families and local leaders, the CHOICE Humanitarian Navajo staff help to rekindle the spirit of farming among the communities and families of the FBFA. CHOICE is committed to going beyond merely applying temporary solutions to problem symptoms. Instead, this program uses a systems approach to develop lasting capacity, foster resilience to withstand scarcity, and support locally-led solutions to food insecurity and malnutrition. To accomplish this, CHOICE identifies positive deviations—individuals and groups who are entrepreneurs by nature—and supports them to build hoophouses (specialized greenhouses) in which they can grow produce year-round. The hoophouses serve as the focal point of this project. It not only provides food rich in nutrients, but it is also a means for long-term entrepreneurial opportunities for program participants. Local Navajo organizations work alongside CHOICE to build the hoophouses, and then community members are trained on the best production and irrigation methods to grow the crops most desired by their families. Trainings are also provided in business and entrepreneurial skills so that as they produce a surplus, participants can market their produce to expand access to healthy foods all throughout the Navajo Nation. 17
8 900 THE EARLY OUTCOMES. LIVES HOOPHOUSES AFFECTED In the spring of 2021, the construction of the first BUILT hoophouses began. By the end of the year, with the help of local partners, a total of eight hoophouses were in operation. These hoophouses have resulted in a dramatic increase in available food for the people involved. Participants of the program were able to grow a wide range of nutrient-rich crops. They produced several hundred pounds of produce which was eaten, shared, or sold. By the end of 2021, over 900 lives had been affected. As the program evolves and progresses, CHOICE plans to continue partnering with local Navajo organizations and partners to build upwards of 90-100 hoophouses on the FBFA. In the future, as more hoophouses are built, a range of technologies will be employed to accelerate progress and maximize yield. Meanwhile, a virtual information tracking system is being created through a digital mobile application called KoboToolbox so farmers can share information on inputs and yields and work together to learn to increase production capacity. This will go together with training in agricultural methods, business development, and entrepreneurship so each participant can take advantage of the income opportunities created by the hoophouses and help their fellow residents have access to fresh produce and nutrient-rich food. JUST THE BEGINNING FOR MAE. The first hoophouse for this project was constructed in Cameron, Arizona, and was managed by CHOICE Country Director Marilyn Reed and Mae Franklin, an involved Navajo community member. Mae was introduced to CHOICE during the COVID food relief project in fall of 2020 in which she participated as a volunteer in the distribution runs. After hearing about greenhouse work that CHOICE was doing in South America, she was excited to help create similar avenues for food growth in her own community. For Mae and all other participating community members, this 100-foot demo hoophouse was a great adventure. It proved that growing and selling food in this area is viable. The hoophouse became a hub of learning for everyone involved. Trainings took place about how to propagate seeds, take care of seedlings, fight off pests and insects, regulate heat, and water according to specific schedules. The knowledge gained has been invaluable and will help future hoophouses become more productive and sustainable as they begin to fill the land of the FBFA. “We want to be able to address our own supply of food,” said Mae. “A lot of [our community members] are just wanting opportunities, and so we’re providing those with this effort. This is just the beginning.” 18
NEPAL ELIMINATING OBSTACLES TO WATER ACCESS THE CONTEXT. 54 families (approximately 300 people) reside in the Balithum, Sundarbazar Municipality, Lamjung District in Nepal. Balithum has the beautiful scenery of the Annapurna Mountains, and the Marsyandi River flows just below the hill. However, even with the abundance of natural beauty, life is difficult for the people who live here. For most of the year, individuals work as daily-wage laborers. Most of the families live in multi-dimensional poverty, and the lack of education makes their situations even more challenging. Many women have to travel about two hours a day just to collect water. Rural residents are on the verge of moving out of their communities because they do not have the needed resources to bring water into their village. Not only is water vital for daily life, but the lack of it also has rippling effects. Vegetables cannot grow in the dry ground. Students miss school or do not complete their homework because they are helping carry water. Mothers are not able to prepare food for their children in time before the school day starts, also causing children to miss school. Families are not able to keep livestock because they don’t have enough water for them. General health and cleanliness are also a concern. The local community members have tried to get water to the village before, but they failed because the source of water was 500 meters below ground. They did not have the technical expertise or resources to procure this necessity. THE PROJECT. CHOICE initiated the Balithum Water Supply Project with the goal of supplying water to three communities: Balithum, Ramadi, and Akala of Sundarbazar Municipality. To accomplish this, different engineering techniques were applied—water lifting technology was used in Balithum, and gravity flow technology was used in Akala and Ramadi. Over 300 individual homes were provided with metered water. As the Nepal team in CHOICE provided support, resources, and expertise, the families provided labor to dig trenches, haul construction materials, and build tap stands. Originally, because of limited resources for the project, the community planned to construct water systems in only two of the three listed communities. However, with enthusiastic participation of locals, partnership from the local government, and cost-efficient project management from CHOICE, the communities developed all three locations. 19
336 FAMILIES HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER 3 COMMUNITIES BENEFITED THE EARLY OUTCOMES. Across the three communities, 336 families now have access to a clean, affordable, and reliable water supply. The quality of life of the people in the communities has improved significantly. Children are cleaner, and they can attend school more regularly. Women no longer have to spend hours each week hauling water. Some families have started household gardens. To make cooking easier and safer, other families are building biogas digesters (a methane gas method derived from human and animal waste) that eliminate smoke and the need to gather firewood. Running water in the yard of every house has hugely impacted this community and reduced one of the key dimensions of poverty. A LIFE-CHANGING SPIGOT FOR AAITI. Aaiti Maya Sarki is an 81-year-old community member. As part of this project, she received potable water in her front yard. For over six decades, she has woken up at 5 AM every day and walked an hour each way to the closest spring to collect her daily water. Her life has been transformed by the installation of a water spigot from CHOICE Humanitarian, Latter-day Saint Charities, and Sundarbazar Municipality. Not only that, but she can also now grow and sell vegetables to provide much needed income for her family. Aaiti is on a path out of poverty. Aaiti shared this: “No one outside our village listened to our plight, as we are poor. When I heard about the project for the first time, I was skeptical, as similar projects had come and gone without any work on the ground. When finally the water came to my yard, it was one of the greatest blessings. Your presence and sincerity helped us come out of years of long suffering. Now I am confident that the piped water will be in our village forever and continue to solve our drinking water problem if we maintain it properly.” 20
PERU RELIEF FROM CHILDHOOD ANEMIA AND MALNUTRITION THE CONTEXT. Located in the Piura region in northern Peru is the district of La Arena. This area was settled and developed in a territory of extensive dry and sandy landscapes where the inhabitants of the zone survive off agriculture, fishing, livestock, mining, and trade. Despite these industries, many community members in this area are some of the poorest in the country because they are unable to access these resources and opportunities. Particularly, malnutrition and anemia are a constant threat to the quality of life and well-being of children who live in poverty. Difficulty concentrating, fatigue, and dizziness are only a few of the symptoms anemic children constantly fight, with effects leading to poor educational performance and prevention of normal physical growth.
THE PROJECT. This situation has generated innumerable health problems, which disproportionately affects children. Since 2019, CHOICE Humanitarian has been working with and through regional and local authorities to improve the quality of life for children under five years old and pregnant women. The project’s main objective is to reduce levels of anemia and malnutrition among the population of eight localities in La Arena by providing sustainable education, training, and resources. While developing genuine bonds of trust with the communities, the CHOICE team in Peru worked to determine the levels of anemia and malnutrition among children and mothers. From there, the team conducted trainings on healthy eating practices and childcare, as well as hosted demonstration sessions where mothers were taught how to prepare nutritious dishes with available resources. Next, CHOICE worked in collaboration with family groups to install 1,500 family gardens. The sandy and unfertile land came to life with more than 90,000 kilos of organic vegetables including lettuce, culantro, spinach, beets, cabbage, and radishes. Communities developed skills of soil preparation, manure generation, and pest management among many others. In addition to crop production, the installation of chicken coops provided opportunities for chicken production. This has provided food for family consumption and a means for additional household income. Thanks to the collaboration with the National Agricultural Health Service of Peru, the communities were also trained in veterinary skills and certified in production processes. 1,000 THE EARLY OUTCOMES. CHILDREN UNDER 5 HAVE As of September 2021, malnutrition rates in these communities BEEN IMPACTED have dropped from 22.8% to 12.1%, and anemia cases have gone from 8.3% to 0.8%. So far, more than 1,000 children under the age <1% of five have been directly or indirectly impacted. As the project continues, community members are increasing in their confidence IN ANEMIA CASES with leadership and learning opportunities, with the goal of reaching 5,000 beneficiaries. A path out of poverty is being built with hope and self-reliance. MIRYAM GAINS CONFIDENCE THROUGH LEADERSHIP. Miryam Janet Vilchez Iman, a young 23-year-old mother, is from the town of Loma Negra in the Arena district of Piura. From the very beginning, Miryam was excited to participate in this project. She recognized the impact it would have on her two young children under the age of five. “I was asked to be in charge of supporting the technical team—monitoring certain activities within the project—and I immediately accepted. The idea of being able to work for the well-being of our children filled me with emotion and enthusiasm, as we don’t normally get this kind of support,” Miryam said. Part of her responsibilities included supervising the production of the gardens as well as the chicken farms. In addition, Miryam learned how to prepare healthy food to improve nutrition for her children. Later, she was able to instruct other women in the community about good food practices, hygiene, and childcare. This community leadership role for Miryam not only allowed her to develop new skills, but her example also empowered other women to provide more effectively for their children. Miryam expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to be involved in benefiting her sector of the community. 22
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PROJECTS DASHBOARD FOR 2021. This dashboard details the impressive breadth of work overseen by CHOICE Humanitarian. Projects are tools that help bring about real change. We work with and through communities to identify their needs and support them with sustainable solutions. With the help of generous donors and partners, these projects expand the range of options that our communities have to find a path out of poverty. See the impact of every single one. 24
BOLIVIA 3 PROJECTS IN 2021. 1 2 1 PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT NAME & DESCRIPTION PROJECT FOCUS LIVES TOUCHED STATUS: COMPLETE STATUS: ACTIVE EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES DURING COVID-19 BO-2020-0044 Library books and materials for schoolchildren in rural areas to maintain study during physical school closures 2 Ayo Ayo EDUCATION 4,050 TRAINING AND ORIENTATION CENTER BO-2020-0086 Community center for training in leadership, income development, and other technical skills for self-reliance 1 Viacha ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 210 GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION BO-2021-0161 Implementation of 36 greenhouses as business projects for technical management training and economic resource generation 1 Choritotora ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 845 CAPACITY BUILDING IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP BO-2021-0170 Workshops for 20 local production/co-op associations including micro-financing, marketing, and agriculture technical training 1 Calamarca Municipality ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 4,000 ROBOTICS EDUCATION FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH BO-2021-0173 Robotics supplies and teaching specialists to educate youth on robotics, programming, and technology for expanded career opportunities 1 Chocorosi EDUCATION 822 YOUTH EMPLOYMENT TOURISM OPPORTUNITIES BO-2021-0174 Workshops for youth about responsible, sustainable tourism with an emphasis on local job possibilities 3 Ixiamas ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 290 FOOD SECURITY FOR AYMARA WOMEN BO-2021-0175 Construction and support for 25 family greenhouses to improve health and food security for women, mothers, and children 2 Ayo Ayo HEALTH AND NUTRITION 425 IRRIGATION SYSTEMS ENHANCE AGRICULTURAL EFFORTS BO-2021-0186 Installation of irrigation systems to ensure water availability for cattle production and improvement in agriculture 1 Cuno Cuno, Qullu Kuchu y Churuni ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 580 CONSTRUCTION OF HYDROPONIC SYSTEMS BO-2021-0198 Implementation of hydroponic systems to ensure nutrient dense food 1 Viacha ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 165 STUDENT SUCCESS THROUGH MENTORING PROGRAMS BO-2021-0199 Academic assistance to ensure university students can obtain a professional degree 1 Viacha EDUCATION 230 ACCESSIBLE CLEAN WATER BO-2021-0200 Quality of life improved by providing clean water resources to communities living far from natural water springs 1 Alto Pomani; Compi Central; Irpuma Grande; Jalsuri; Colina Blanca HEALTH AND NUTRITION 4,820 25
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12 3 ECUADOR PROJECTS IN 2021. 1 LPORCOAJTEICOTN PROJECT NAME PROJECT LIVES SCTOAMTPULSE:TE SATCATTIUVSE: & DESCRIPTION FOCUS TOUCHED COVID-19 AGRICULTURAL SUPPORT TO VULNERABLE POPULATIONS 2020-0027 Agricultural supplies and education for rural families to grow their own food amidst pandemic financial obstacles 1,200 1 Apuela ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EC-2020-0052 EMERGING AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT Agricultural training to provide alternative income generation options for families in rural areas 720 1 Azabí del Mortiñal ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EC-2020-0053 ANDEAN PÁRAMO CONSERVATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION 1,450 Vegetable production education and land conservation awareness for families with home gardens EC-2020-0054 2 Angochagua ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SMALL ANIMALS LIVESTOCK 250 Agricultural livestock production support for 50 families in the parish EC-2020-0055 2 Angochagua ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 300 SMALL-SCALE FAMILY FARM IMPLEMENTATION EC-2020-0056 Organic vegetable production for daily consumption by food insecure families in the community 290 1 Plaza Gutiérrez HEALTH AND NUTRITION STRENGTHENING OF LIVESTOCK UNITS OF MINOR SPECIES EC-2021-0048 Acquisition of breeding animals and the purchase of alfalfa seed 224 2 Angochagua ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT EC-2021-0069 STRENGTHENING OF FAMILY AGRO-PRODUCTIVE UNITS 3,000 Acquisition of small animals, medicinal plants, feed, and the material for the construction of the cages 1 Apuela ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPROVEMENT OF THE VALUE CHAIN OF FRUIT TREES Implementation of 4 fruit collection centers and the hiring of 2 agronomists, a project manager, and an accountant 1 Cuellaje ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 27
INTERGENERATIONAL CARE, SENIOR ADULT DISABILITY EC-2021-0094 Professional care visits to the elderly and disabled to distribute purchased groceries and provide support 1 Plaza Gutierez HEALTH AND NUTRITION 360 BASIC GASTRONOMY COURSE EC-2021-0150 Materials, trainers, transportation, and supplies for training women in basic gastronomy and culinary skills 3 Gonzales Suarez EDUCATION 58 DEWORMING AND VITAMINIZATION OF CATTLE EC-2021-0152 Animals maintained in good physical, environmental, and sanitary conditions to improve production and reproduction 2 Angochagua ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1,350 BASIC ELECTRICITY COURSE EC-2021-0153 Participant training to improve their ability to compete and enter the labor field to start their entrepreneurship 3 Gonzales Suarez EDUCATION 20 WELDING COURSE EC-2021-0154 Participants training to improve their ability to compete and enter the labor field to start their entrepreneurship 3 Gonzales Suarez EDUCATION 15 STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURAL MANAGEMENT CAPACITIES AND SKILLS EC-2021-0188 Improvement in capacities and skills in the management of agroecological farms, beekeeping production, and trades 3 Gonzales Suarez ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1,045 IMPROVE THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION FOR 119 FAMILIES EC-2021-0189 Endowment of 790 hens and feed for 79 families, in addition to 560 fruit plants and fertilizer for 40 families 2 Tumbabiro ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 595 PROMOTE FOOD SECURITY AND SOVEREIGNTY EC-2021-0190 Implementation of 130 orchards for small enterprises with the provision of vegetable seedlings, fruit, and medicinal plants 3 Natabuela ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 650 STRENGTHENING ARTISAN ENTREPRENEURS AND FARMERS EC-2021-0191 Training, tents, tables, and uniforms for the marketing and promotion of artisan and agricultural products 3 Natabuela ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 250 IMPLEMENTATION OF PRODUCTIVE UNITS AT THE AGROECOLOGICAL FAIR EC-2021-0192 Fruit plants, vegetables, medicinal plants, tables, uniforms, and a roof infrastructure for the fair space 3 Miguel Egas Cabezas ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 200 STRENGTHENING OF FOOD SECURITY EC-2022-0020 Food security strengthened with 1,200 fruit plants, 6,400 vegetable plants, and 960 medicinal plants 3 Eugenio Espejo ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 400 VEGETABLE SEEDLING PROPAGATOR EQUIPMENT EC-2022-0021 Technical sprinkler irrigation system for propagation of vegetable seedlings benefiting 132 families from 12 communities 3 San Pablo ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 660 STRENGTHENING ENTREPRENEURSHIP OF 47 WOMEN EC-2022-0026 Strengthening the artisan, gastronomic, and agricultural production to market locally and nationally for 47 women 3 San Pablo ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 235 MEDICINAL PLANTS EC-2022-0027 Implementation of medicinal plant crops to improve productive and economic development benefiting 30 families 2 Tumbabiro ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 150 SELF-RELIANCE PROGRAM SUCCESS EC-2022-0028 Active participation of 101 people in the Interweave Self-Sufficiency Training Program to generate economic income 3 Otavalo ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 505 FAMILY FARM DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS EC-2022-0031 Support for technicians to carry out surveys of family producers in the rural sector of the province 2 Imbabura LEADERSHIP TRAINING 2,570 28
GUATEMALA PROJECTS IN 2021. 1 2 1 PLOROCJAETCIOTN PROJECT NAME PROJECT LIVES SCTOAMTPULSE:TE SATCATTIUVSE: & DESCRIPTION FOCUS TOUCHED FAMILY GARDENS GT-2021 Training for community members regarding family gardens and good cultivation practices; seeds also provided 1 Candelaria Yalicar ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 1,155 FAMILY GARDENS GT-2021 Training for community members regarding family gardens and good cultivation practices; seeds also provided 1 Lomas del Norte ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 614 FAMILY GARDENS GT-2021 Training for community members regarding family gardens and good cultivation practices; seeds also provided 1 Sehix Cantzul ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 533 FAMILY GARDENS GT-2021-0130 Training for community members regarding family gardens and good cultivation practices; seeds also provided 2 Camposanto II ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 217 FOOD PREPARATION TRAINING GT-2021 Training 47 women to practice good hygiene habits when cooking and to use more vegetables when preparing food 1 Candelaria Yalicar HEALTH AND NUTRITION 997 FOOD PREPARATION TRAINING GT-2021 Training 30 women to practice good hygiene habits when cooking and to use more vegetables when preparing food 1 Sehix Cantzul HEALTH AND NUTRITION 574 MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICS GT-2021-0147 Response after hurricanes to decrease morbidity in the region and to provide healthcare for patients with chronic diseases 1 Candelaria Yalicar HEALTH AND NUTRITION 948 MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICS GT-2021-0076 Response after hurricanes to decrease morbidity in the region and to provide healthcare for patients with chronic diseases 1 Canlech HEALTH AND NUTRITION 324 29
MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICS GT-2021-0143 Response after hurricanes to decrease morbidity in the region and to provide healthcare for patients with chronic diseases 1 Chiquibul HEALTH AND NUTRITION 196 MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICS GT-2021 Response after hurricanes to decrease morbidity in the region and to provide healthcare for patients with chronic diseases 1 Chisec Rural HEALTH AND NUTRITION 4,194 MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICS GT-2021 Response after hurricanes to decrease morbidity in the region and to provide healthcare for patients with chronic diseases 1 Lomas del Norte HEALTH AND NUTRITION 792 MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICS GT-2021 Response after hurricanes to decrease morbidity in the region and to provide healthcare for patients with chronic diseases 1 Sehix Cantzul HEALTH AND NUTRITION 2,344 MOBILE MEDICAL CLINICS GT-2021-0098 Response after hurricanes to decrease morbidity in the region and to provide healthcare for patients with chronic diseases 1 Sejux Xuctzul HEALTH AND NUTRITION 376 OYSTER MUSHROOMS GT-2022-0023 Production of edible oyster mushrooms to be used in nutritious consumption and for economic benefit through sale 1 Candelaria Yalicar ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 96 OYSTER EDIBLE MUSHROOM PROJECT GT-2021 Purchase of seeds and materials; training for production of the nutritious fungus, as well as project follow-up 1 Lomas del Norte ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 119 OYSTER MUSHROOMS GT-2022-0033 Production of edible oyster mushrooms to be used in nutritious consumption and for economic benefit through sale 2 Camposanto II ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 120 PARTICIPATORY RURAL DIAGNOSIS GT-2021 Discussion with the community to understand community needs, limitations, goals, etc., to create a rural development plan 1 Candelaria Yalicar LEADERSHIP TRAINING 889 PARTICIPATORY RURAL DIAGNOSIS GT-2021 Discussion with the community to understand community needs, limitations, goals, etc., to create a rural development plan 1 Lomas del Norte LEADERSHIP TRAINING 561 PARTICIPATORY RURAL DIAGNOSIS GT-2021-0125 Discussion with the community to understand community needs, limitations, goals, etc., to create a rural development plan 1 Sehix Cantzul LEADERSHIP TRAINING 245 TRAINING MIDWIVES GT-2021 Training for the proper care of infants and pregnant women during the prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum stages 1 Candelaria Yalicar HEALTH AND NUTRITION 72 TRAINING MIDWIVES GT-2021-0133 Training for the proper care of infants and pregnant women during the prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum stages 1 Sehix Cantzul HEALTH AND NUTRITION 33 30
KENYA PROJECTS IN 2021. 1 PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT NAME & DESCRIPTION PROJECT FOCUS LIVES TOUCHED STATUS: COMPLETE 3 2 STATUS: ACTIVE 1 COMMUNITY BASED EDUCATION TRUST FUND (COBETF) SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM KE-2019-0090 Educational funding for students who lack the financial means to transition from primary to secondary school 222 1 Kwale EDUCATION KE-2020-0020 WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE (WASH) PROGRAM 2020 Education and training by community health volunteers on hygiene and healthcare awareness 47,200 2 Samburu HEALTH AND NUTRITION KE-2020-0049 DISTRIBUTION OF MASKS AND SOAP MAKING TRAINING 7,000 COVID-19 response and training to improve hygiene and safety from the virus KE-2020-0050 1 Kwale HEALTH AND NUTRITION 617 COMMUNITY RESILIENCE PROGRAM COVID-19 community trainings and awareness on prevention methods, sanitation, and health protocols KE-2021-0049 2 Samburu EMERGENCY RELIEF 1,212 COMMUNITY HEALTH VOLUNTEER TRAINING KE-2021-0052 Training and courses to educate community health volunteers on medical skills to support the community 170,500 2 Samburu HEALTH AND NUTRITION KE-2021-0055 COMPOUND FENCE AT MUUNGANO SCHOOL A compound fence for the local school to provide safety and cleanliness for a conducive learning environment 40,000 3 Muungano EDUCATION KE-2021-0070 VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 17,500 Committees to identify community challenges and to then develop solutions 1 2 Samburu; Kwale LEADERSHIP TRAINING DESKS AT MUUNGANO Additional desks in the school to ensure a conducive learning environment for all students 3 Muungano EDUCATION 31
MEN WHO KNOW KE-2021-0071 Training courses for men within the community to be responsible role models who can care for their families 22,000 3 Mabesheni CULTURAL PRESERVATION/ DAYS FOR GIRLS ENHANCEMENT KE-2021-0072 Training course for girls and women on proper menstrual hygiene 22,000 3 Mabesheni HEALTH AND NUTRITION KE-2021-0106 MEN WHO KNOW 6,600 Training courses for men within the community to be responsible role models who can care for their families KE-2021-0107 2 Samburu CULTURAL PRESERVATION/ DAYS FOR GIRLS ENHANCEMENT 6,600 Training course for girls and women on proper menstrual hygiene KE-2021-0109 2 Samburu HEALTH AND NUTRITION 17,500 TREE PLANTING AT MUUNGANO KE-2021-0110 Seedlings to plant trees for the school to prevent soil erosion, provide shade, and purify the air 6,600 3 Muungano ENVIRONMENT KE-2021-0166 DZISUHUNI CLASSROOM CONSTRUCTION Construction of two classrooms to accommodate more students and provide a conducive learning environment 50,000 2 Samburu EDUCATION KE-2021-0167 DAM CLEANING AND DREDGING 70 Dam cleaning and dredging to improve access, water flow, and sanitation KE-2021-0168 3 Mnyenzeni HEALTH AND NUTRITION 650 ADULT CONTINUOUS LEARNING Classes to teach needed skills and knowledge to adults so they can become economically independent KE-2021-0183 2 Samburu EDUCATION 9,010 EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT (EYE) KE-2021-0184 Program to provide young learners with communication skills, a basic education foundation, and a love for school 10,045 3 Chanzou EDUCATION KE-2021-0203 DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION CAPACITY ASSESSMENT Assessment survey for CBOs to determine progress on development capability mandates 8,754 2 Chengoni EDUCATION KE-2022-0006 LEADERSHIP TRAINING 9,014 Leadership trainings to selected community members that equip them with leadership skills KE-2022-0008 1 Samburu EDUCATION 5,068 EDUCATIONAL MATERIAL DEVELOPMENT (EYE) Program to provide young learners with communication skills, a basic education foundation, and a love for school KE-2022-0022 2 Kinango LEADERSHIP TRAINING 170 DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION CAPACITY ASSESSMENT KE-2022-0037 Assessment survey for CBOs to determine progress on development capability mandates 8,535 2 Silaloni LEADERSHIP TRAINING TRIPLE E (ENGAGE, EDUCATE, ENCOURAGE) Mentorship program to help students understand the importance of goal-setting, initiative, and life planning 2 Samburu EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT ORGANIZATION CAPACITY ASSESSMENT Assessment survey for CBOs to determine progress on development capability mandates 2 Samburu LEADERSHIP TRAINING FARMERS' FIELD SCHOOLS Training to provide communities with technology and skills to increase farming knowledge and capabilities 1 Kwale HEALTH AND NUTRITION 32
MEXICO 1 2 PROJECTS IN 2021. 3 1 PLOROCJAETCIOTN PROJECT NAME PROJECT LIVES SCTOAMTPULSE:TE SATCATTIUVSE: & DESCRIPTION FOCUS TOUCHED AQUAPONICS SAN MIGUELITO MX-2021-0024 Construction of a greenhouse and aquaponics project to benefit community by producing healthy food 1 San Miguelito HEALTH AND NUTRITION 36 AQUAPONICS TRAINING MX-2021-0029 Training program for aquaponics members so they can have good production in their system 1 San Miguelito LEADERSHIP TRAINING 58 AQUAPONICS MX-2021-0098 Construction of 1 aquaponics project to harvest organic and nutritious food for an integrated group of the savings bank 1 San Antonio Centro HEALTH AND NUTRITION 48 NEW TECHNOLOGIES IN AQUAPONICS MX-2021-0100 Improvement of the production of fish and plants in aquaponic projects with settlers and mineralizers 1 Peñitas HEALTH AND NUTRITION 58 TRAINING FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCTION MX-2021 13 practical and theoretical trainings and personalized, technical advice for 2 years on vegetable production 1 Peñitas, San Miguelito, Comederito HEALTH AND NUTRITION 168 EGG AND POULTRY MEAT STRUCTURES MX-2021 Construction of 29 chicken coops to protect the birds; these chicken coops serve as production units for the community 1 Mesa de Chosto, La Concepción,San Antonio Centro ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 480 TRAINING FOR EGG AND POULTRY MEAT STRUCTURES MX-2021 Training for participating families on the care and good management of birds for egg and meat production 1 Mesa de Chosto, La Concepción,San Antonio Centro ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 660 TRAINING FOR CHOICE VENTURES PROJECT MX-2021 Training sessions for the development of projects for beekeepers, dairy and pig farmers to participate in finance management 1 Peñitas, Huaricho ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 49 33
FOOD BUSINESS: PIZZERIA MX-2021-0104 Construction of a pizzeria as a local business and income generation opportunity 1 Peñitas ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 35 WOOD SAVING STOVES MX-2021 Project to help 10 families build their own wood-saving stove and be trained on maintenance 1 La Concepción,San Antonio Centro HEALTH AND NUTRITION 250 ECOLOGICAL DRY TOILETS MX-2021-0203 Construction of ecological dry toilets for 16 families where there is no drainage service or public works 1 San Antonio Centro HEALTH AND NUTRITION 200 EXPERIMENTATION FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCTION MX-2021-0047 Experimentation with crops in the aquaponic system to bring the best harvesting techniques and technologies 2 Irapuato HEALTH AND NUTRITION 118 MICRO-GREENHOUSE INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRUCTION MX-2021-0030 Construction of 10 micro-greenhouses with ecological filters for the production of vegetables for self-consumption and sales 3 San Juan HEALTH AND NUTRITION 50 AQUAPONICS TRAINING MX-2021-0036 Training for aquaponics members so they can have good production in their system 3 El Sauz HEALTH AND NUTRITION 70 TRAINING FOR VEGETABLE PRODUCTION MX-2021-0045 Training for 7 members of the aquaponics project in the production of vegetables for self-consumption and sales 3 El Sauz HEALTH AND NUTRITION 120 FOOD BUSINESS: PIZZERIA MX-2021-0066 Business and operations plan to purchase machinery and equipment for the pizzeria to generate income in the community 3 San Javier ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 14 EGG AND POULTRY MEAT STRUCTURES MX-2021 Construction of 52 chicken coops to protect the birds; these chicken coops serve as production units for the community 3 San Martin Ejido, San Antonio 2do Cuartel, El Mogote ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 750 TRAINING FOR EGG AND POULTRY MEAT STRUCTURES MX-2021 Training for participating families on the care and good management of birds for egg and meat production 3 San Martin Ejido, San Antonio 2do Cuartel, El Mogote ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 855 MICRO-GREENHOUSES AND ECOLOGICAL FILTERS MX-2021-0096 Training for 10 families in micro-greenhouse management and to deliver material for the construction of 10 systems 3 San Martin Ejido HEALTH AND NUTRITION 30 WOOD SAVING STOVES MX-2021 Project to help 54 families build their own wood-saving stove and be trained on maintenance 3 San Martin Ejido, San Antonio 2do Cuartel, El Mogote HEALTH AND NUTRITION 675 34
NAVAJO 1 NATION 2 PROJECTS IN 2021. 1 PLOROCJAETCIOTN PROJECT NAME PROJECT LIVES SCTOAMTPULSE:TE SATCATTIUVSE: & DESCRIPTION FOCUS TOUCHED HOOPHOUSES IN CAMERON AND TOLANI LAKE NV-2021-0102 Construction of greenhouses for community members to grow nutritious food and improve food security 600 2 Cameron, Tolani Lake Chapters HEALTH AND NUTRITION NV-2021-0102 TYE CLARK FAMILY FARM HOOPHOUSE Program to repair and renovate the Tye Clark existing hoophouse, 62 ft x 75 ft. 75 2 Tolani HEALTH AND NUTRITION NV-2021-0193 BODAWAY GAP HOOPHOUSE 70 Construction of a 16' X 50' greenhouse to grow nutritious food and improve food security NV-2021-0194 1 Gap HEALTH AND NUTRITION 200 COPPERMINE HOOPHOUSE Construction of a 16' x 100' greenhouse to grow nutritious food and improve food security 1 Coppermine HEALTH AND NUTRITION 35
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NEPAL PROJECTS IN 2021. 4 1 3 2 1 PLOROCJAETCIOTN PROJECT NAME PROJECT LIVES STATUS: STATUS: & DESCRIPTION FOCUS TOUCHED COMPLETE ACTIVE AGRA HEALTH POST RECONSTRUCTION 2019-055 Reconstruction of the Agra Health Post for over 9,000 community members to receive adequate medical services 2 Thaha Municipality HEALTH AND NUTRITION 12,000 HEALTH POST BUILDING CONSTRUCTION NP-2019-074 Construction of a health post for up to 10,000 community members to have access to basic health services at the distance of one hour 2 Indrasarovar Rural Municipality HEALTH AND NUTRITION 12,000 THAHA MUNICIPAL DRINKING WATER SUPPLY 2021-0001 Construction of a water supply system to provide clean accessible water for 325 families at 10-13 gallons of water a day 2 Thaha Municipality; Makwanpur HEALTH AND NUTRITION 3,000 TISTUNG DRINKING WATER PROJECT - KUWAPANI NP-2020-0002 Construction of a water supply system to provide clean accessible water for 168 people of 28 households to use 25 gallons of water a day 2 Tistung HEALTH AND NUTRITION 468 MAHANKAL DRINKING WATER PROJECT - THADOKHOLA NP-2020-0003 Construction of a water supply system using gravity-flow technique to provide clean accessible water for 185 families 2 Thaha Municipality HEALTH AND NUTRITION 1,910 BHARATI SADAN SECONDARY SCHOOL BUILDING RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT NP-2020-0005 Reconstruction on a school damaged in the 2015 earthquake with build plan for 6 rooms for a safe and suitable learning environment 1 Sundarbazar Municipality; Balithum EDUCATION 1,000 BHIMSENSTHAN DRINKING WATER PROJECT NP-2020-0012 Construction of a water supply system to serve 200 households (1,200 people), the hospital, the municipality office, two schools, and the community center 3 Gokulganga Rural Municipality HEALTH AND NUTRITION 2,100 37
HOMES FOR POOR AND VULNERABLE FAMILIES NP-2020-0077 Construction on homes for the most vulnerable and poor families using the approved design from the government 1 Sundarbazar Municipality EMERGENCY RELIEF 550 WATER SYSTEM NP-2020-0078 Construction of a water supply system for three communities to provide clean water for drinking, household activities, washing, and gardening 1 4 Balithum; Ramadi; Akala HEALTH AND NUTRITION 3,000 COVID RELIEF PROJECT 2021 NP-2021-0195 Program to provide medical supplies to the Health Institution for the care of COVID-19 patients 2 Chitwan District; Makawanpur District; Kathmandu District EMERGENCY RELIEF 155,000 dōTERRA COVID RESPONSE PROJECT 2021 NP-2021-0196 Program to provide medical supplies for the care of COVID-19 patients 2 3 Bhimphedi Rural Municipality; Indrasarovar Rural Municipality; EMERGENCY RELIEF 27,000 Gokulganga Rural Municipality NP-2021-0197 POLYHOUSE SUPPORT IN PALUNG Project to provide polyhouses to farmers to help them farm year-round, even during the harsh winter season 2 Thaha Municipality 400 38
PERU 12 PROJECTS IN 2021. 1 PROJECT LOCATION PROJECT NAME & DESCRIPTION PROJECT FOCUS LIVES TOUCHED STATUS: COMPLETE STATUS: ACTIVE REDUCTION OF ANEMIA AND CHILDHOOD MALNUTRITION PE-2020-0080 Prevention and health promotion through screenings, training, bio-gardens, and food preparation 30,000 2 Vichayal; Loma Negra; Rio Viejo Norte; Montegrande; Las Malvinas; Alto HEALTH AND NUTRITION PE-2021-0067 De Los Mores; Chatito; Casa Grande 20,000 NEW LIFE: PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING Transformative education, employment, and capacity building for at-risk or affected groups for human trafficking PE-2021-0068 1 Piura EDUCATION 360 INSTALLATION OF THREE DUCK FARMS PE-2021-0136 Technical management education in duck farming for economic and nutritional improvement 90 2 San Pedro ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PE-2021-0137 TILAPIA FISH FARM INSTILLATION Installation and monitoring of fish farm to provide fresh, nutritional, and profitable goods to the communities 90 1 La Arena ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PE-2021-0138 COMMUNITY GREENHOUSES HEALTH AND NUTRITION 3,600 Training and improvement of agricultural practices 1 La Arena REDUCTION OF ANEMIA AND CHILDHOOD MALNUTRITION Training on proper health and nutrition using tools, methods, and strategies to promote comprehensive health 2 Morropon HEALTH AND NUTRITION 39
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SUPPORTING TEOHXFEAAMWDPOVLOREKCS:ACY HEALING AND HOPE AT THE GALA. Our first-ever hybrid gala was incredible with over 600 guests in attendance both in-person and online. The theme for the 2021 edition, “Healing with Hózhó,” reflected our new work in the Navajo Nation and illuminated a culturally significant Navajo word that speaks to hope and wholeness. The evening included beautiful performances by Native American performers and motivational speeches by CHOICE staff and friends. Because of the generosity of global-minded donors, we were able to raise $370,000. Between the event sponsors, donations, live auction bids, the sale of 300+ silent auction items, and more, this vital funding allowed us to impact thousands of people living in poverty. HONORING DR. MAYFIELD’S HUMANITARIAN WORK. During the gala, CHOICE extended an inaugural award to James B. Mayfield, co-founder of CHOICE Humanitarian. In the heartfelt award presentation honoring his four decades of humanitarian work with CHOICE, Dr. Mayfield said, “There is an electricity in this room, and it transcends the personal and human life to a spiritual level…. I want to thank all of you for your generosity over the years—the support that you have given to us can’t be said in words.” The James B. Mayfield Humanitarian Award will now be presented yearly at the CHOICE Gala to an individual who exemplifies a similar outstanding passion and commitment to reducing poverty. ACCESSING WORLD MARKETS WITH ZEST. As part of CHOICE's Social Innovation efforts around the world, the Nepal team forged a new and exciting relationship with Burlap & Barrel, a single-origin spice company headquartered in New York City that supports equitable and sustainable sourcing. The CHOICE Nepal team was able to connect farmers in the rural Bardiya District with Burlap & Barrel to supply Timur Pepper, an incredibly rare pepper with a tingly, citrusy, and zesty complexity. This has provided access for rural community members to a high-value worldwide market channel of chefs, restaurants, and individual consumers. 41
GARY 'S LEGACY OF DOING GOOD. Long-time supporter Gary Mayfield, right, sits with James. B. Mayfield, co-founder of CHOICE, Gary Mayfield, a long-time supporter of CHOICE, has inspired a legacy of and Bishnu Adhikari, former Nepal Country doing good. After Gary’s passing in 2017, his wife, Margie, and his family Director for CHOICE. members created the Gary Mayfield Legacy Campaign. The impact of the Legacy Campaign over the last several years has been significant. Together 42 with donations and a yearly dollar-for-dollar match of up to $10,000 from the Mayfield family, the campaign has raised over $173,000 for Nepal and $28,600 for Guatemala. Every dollar raised was leveraged in-country by the local community members who contributed labor and additional support to the projects. Gary Mayfield’s family is as committed as ever to carrying out the work that Gary loved so much. Margie shared this: “What Gary and I experienced [on a trip to Nepal] immediately convinced us that investing our time and resources was vitally important. Since his passing, I have continued to build on the work he did not have the opportunity to complete. In that spirit, we created a legacy fund in his name!”
A RETURN TO LIFE-CHANGING EXPEDITIONS. After pausing CHOICE expeditions in early 2020 because of the COVID pandemic, the program returned—with adjusted operations—in summer of 2021. By year’s end, 1 public expedition and 6 private expeditions with 103 total participants were successfully executed, all with cautious protocols in place to support the health and safety of expeditioners, CHOICE country staff, and most importantly, rural community members. These life-changing experiences of education, inspiration, impact, and connection have been a vital part of CHOICE’s 30-plus year history. On an expedition to Peru, expeditioners visited with the MOTIVATED ADVOCATES ON THE Mujeres Tejiendo Vida (Women Weaving Life) basket CHOICE JR. BOARD. makers in Peru—a co-op CHOICE Humanitarian has been supporting for several years. The rising generation is a powerful force for global good, and CHOICE Humanitarian is fortunate to see that firsthand 43 with the CHOICE Jr. Board. Comprised of 20 middle school and high school students, these volunteers each give anywhere from 4-20 hours of monthly service in supporting CHOICE’s mission. These efforts include publishing social media content geared towards youthful engagement, volunteering at CHOICE fundraising events, and creating an international cookbook with recipes from the countries CHOICE serves. Additionally, CHOICE Jr. Board members, along with their two Board of Directors mentors, Teresa Larsen and Ann Watts, participated in CHOICE’s first expedition to the Navajo Nation. While there, they helped build hoophouses and expanded their knowledge about the rural development challenges the Navajo people face. The CHOICE Jr. Board has a goal to increase awareness among youth regarding these worldwide issues and to educate their peers on how they can play a part in making a difference.
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