People Impacted: TBA
SIFE Students Involved: 6
Audience: Rural Ecuadorian Communities

An international assistance project in Ecuador that benefits foreign businesses, schools, and communities, as well as domestic Teams and clubs. EOU SIFE formed a relationship with Rotary International, through its La Grande, OR club, that provides synergy in aiding several aspects of rural Ecuadorian communities. Six Team members traveled to rural Ecuadorian villages, giving much-needed medical and school supplies to doctors, teachers and children, respectively. In addition, EOU SIFE created contacts with Ecuadorian businesses to market and profitably sell their products. Proceeds from these sales will be used to further assist the rural Ecuadorian communities. EOU SIFE will also join Rotary International in current projects such as bringing clean water systems, better schools, and improved medical conditions to communities in need. This partnership provides a model for other organizations that teaches how to form synergistic relationships. Specifically, our model teaches other clubs and small foreign businesses how to: make international contacts, profitably market products in domestic and foreign markets, aid ailing rural economies, use money ethically, and succeed in other important aspects of business and community service.

Results: Rotary International has already generated nearly $8,000 in three years for use in Ecuadorian community projects, through sales of Ecuadorian products. In addition, progress has been made on a clean water system, and construction of a school building and doctor's office. EOU SIFE expects to significantly add to the success of this assistance, as well as further community involvement and awareness.