Village Empowerment Inc.

Village Empowerment Inc. is a U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sustainable solutions to communities globally. Founded by students and faculty from the University of Massachusetts Lowell in 1997, the organization initially focused its efforts in the Andes of Peru. Over time, it expanded to work with the Tohono O’odham Nation in Arizona, beginning in 2007.

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of Village Empowerment Inc. is to empower communities through the use of renewable resources, striving to break the cycle of poverty and foster self-sustaining development. The organization achieves this by implementing projects that utilize sustainable systems, leveraging community resources, economy, and culture.

Key activities include microenterprise development, such as solar irrigation design and installation, and solar water bottle purification. These initiatives are designed to improve the quality of life in targeted communities by providing essential services like power, training, and resources. A central goal is to teach these solutions to community members, ensuring the projects continue to serve the area long after their implementation.

Partnerships and Expansion

Village Empowerment Inc. collaborates with university faculty from multiple disciplines and engages students and volunteers in its projects. This collaborative approach allows participants to gain real-world experience while contributing to meaningful community development. The organization is now aligned with the SELCO Foundation, furthering its commitment to using renewable resources to empower communities.

Impact and Outreach

Since its inception, Village Empowerment Inc. has conducted numerous trips to both Peru and the Tohono O’odham Nation. The organization has completed twenty-nine trips to Peru and eleven to the Tohono O’odham reservation, fostering significant community engagement and development in these regions.

Village Empowerment Inc. operates as a 501(c)(3) organization, with tax-exempt status granted in August 2008. It aims to address pressing global issues such as access to safe drinking water and clean energy, aligning with broader international development goals.

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