FAQ’s
- Why do we work in developing countries? Since we are focusing on opportunities outside the United States, we can make the maximum impact where the need is greatest: in developing countries. In addition, part of what IAH does is to educate and inform people locally in the U.S. as to the desperate plight of more than a billion impoverished men, women, and children who struggle just to survive.
- What are the compelling needs that face the areas we serve? We seek out smaller communities where it is easier to identify fundamental needs and directly engage the local community leaders there. These needs include basic nutrition, sanitary drinking water, health and dental care, as well as education and job-skills training. IAH focuses on both the causes and consequences of poverty. Are we functionally specific; geographically specific? As mentioned above, we focus on nutrition, health, dental care, education, potable water and sanitation. In a broader context, we’re seeking ways to help people help themselves out of poverty. Geographically, we are focusing all of our efforts in Ecuador and Peru.. Presently, we are limited more by IAH size rather than by other constraints. Geographically, over time we’re committed to building and developing a few highly leveraged partnerships, concentrating our resources in these two countries.
- What we will want to say we have accomplished after 10 years? In ten years we’ll be pointing to many examples of communities once destitute and without hope, to which we’ve given a hand up. We will have helped these communities acquire basic necessities such as nutrition and a sanitary and healthful environment. In addition, the villagers will have gained the skills, the knowledge and the internal resources to continue to progress without further extensive reliance on outside assistance. In having done this, we will have provided many Americans, who are so richly blessed, with an opportunity to make an important and lasting difference in our world.
- How can I participate in a medical mission as a doctor, nurse, or volunteer (even if I don’t speak Spanish)? IAH publishes its upcoming medical missions in the “Our Programs” area. In addition, you do not have to be a medical oriented person to participate, we can use interpreters that speak spanish/english as well as volunteers who don’t speak Spanish to augment mission requirements like patient flow, registration and logistical support and, on occasion, a community project in collaboration with a medical mission. Always be looking at the “Our Programs” area for what’s next and let us know your interest. These trips are personally very rewarding and have a powerful impact on those we serve as well as the new friendships made by the volunteers.