A Better World Canada

History

A Better World(ABW) was started at College Heights Adventist Church in 1990.  ABW was founded by Eric Rajah and Brian LeavittWhile the organization only operated a couple international programs when it began it has continued to expand to include all people who need assistance regardless of who they are or where they are.  The organization is governed and directed by a board appointed by the church who oversea daily activities.

As an international organization ABW works with local community leaders and government to ensure the success and operation of the various projects.  The goal is that the projects will be sustained by the community upon completion of the set up.  
Mission & Vision

"Our mission is to deliver sustainable foundations needed to improve lives, in partnerships with local community leaders, development organizations and government ministries."

"Our vision is to help create a better world by inspiring people and organizations to become involved in the pursuit of improving lives"

Programs

 ABW say they will work on average 5-10 years with the country to make sure the community is able to keep the project going. 

Education
Currently the organization has projects in Kenya,Bolivia, Rwanda, Guatemala, Thailand and Afghanistan. These projects include replacing school buildings & replacing well systems, renovating and refacing buildings, creating agriculture programs to supply health food for the students, and Education for young girls and women formerly in the sex trade(up to age 33).

Health
The current health projects are in Honduras, Kenya, India, and Bolivia.
The projects are aiming to complete dorms in clinic facilities, Build clinics with well water supply, Provide medical equipment, Provide physiotherapy to physically challenged individuals, and Fund surgical procedures.

Water Supply
Water projects are currently running in Kenya, Sudan, South Sudan, Rwanda, and Afghanistan.
The projects replace water supply systems, Drill wells, and Provide toilet systems and facilities.

Agriculture
The current programming is running in Kenya with a focus on Food Security.  The project includes agricultural education, irrigation, providing fertilizer, equipment and seeds. A main focus is getting schools to have their own self sustained feeding program on site. 

Monitoring of projects and programs is done in partnership with locals and ABW representative is sent to check in at least once a year to monitor the progress. ABW continues to monitor success using various tools such as; For education programs, reviewing student marks, comparing improvements from previous years. Water programs; Sustained repairs and upkeeps, population served. Income generation; investment returns, loans repaid on schedule, increased loan acquisition.  Health; partnerships with local managers, improved health from previous years, meeting the needs of the surrounding community.

Funding

Management and the board of directors are volunteers.  These volunteers pay their own way when travelling to monitor etc.  All of the office space and furnishings are donated and the paid staff are funded by donations which are acquired specifically for that reason.  

100% of monetary donations will go towards funding projects and can be put into specific projects currently being funded.
In terms of partnerships, ABW say majority of their funding comes from community donors and those in the international communities where the programs are held.   

Additional information

When asked about challenges they meet as an organization they feel that trying to help all those that are in need is hardest as a non profit.  Sometimes they have to turn down projects to ensure they are doing the proper level of work and commitment to their current endeavours.

ABW considers their unique quality to be their Investment model and 100% donation to project model as well as their close relationships with every donor and project.
Along the way ABW say they have learned that "the best use of one's money is to invest in people"

Their goal is sweet and simple: A better World for everyone. 

In review

I found it both impressive and intimidating while researching all the various projects the organization is running.  I think that looking at them online as a potential donor it is an overwhelming task looking into the different areas.  This of course is a tiny cog in the bigger machine but as I learn more about the world of investing and fundraising I realize how important these little aspects are.
The different projects themselves are wonderful and incredibly diverse.  I found it interesting how the organization is more like a vehicle that provides funding to these small groups and individuals who need help opposed to stamping projects "PROPERTY OF A BETTER WORLD!" though that has a nice ring to it.  While scrolling through their website and reading you get the sense that they aren't trying to lay claim or boast but rather to always encourage and promote success for everyone.  

I know that I personally tend to shy away from organizations and groups associated with religion of any kinds for fear of evangelical tendency but I think it is organizations such as A Better World that really are promoting the greater god for all and it both refreshing and encouraging.  

Fun Fact!
One of ABW's founders was named a "Champion of Change" by CBC Canda, see more at:
http://www.cbc.ca/change/2010/10/eric-rajah.html


A BetterWorld Canada
#103, 5033 52nd Street
Lacombe
Alberta, Canada
T4L 2A6
403-782-0325 / 403-347-3344
1-888-296-9721
info@abwcanda.ca
www.abwcanada.ca


*Information for this entry obtained through website research and email interview with ABW staff