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Opening the Doors to the World for Every Person
The International Foundation for Education and Self-Help (IFESH) was established as a nongovernmental, nonprofit, charitable organization under the vision and
leadership of the late Reverend Leon H. Sullivan to reduce hunger and poverty, empower
local African community by raising the standard of literacy, and to foster cultural, social,
and economic relations between Americans and Africans, particularly those Americans who
are of African decent.
Our commitment to self-help principles is based on the premise that in order for emerging
democracies to be sustained in Africa and for law and order to be upheld, a country's
citizens must be literate and capable of making informed choices. Education and training
must be the cornerstone of economic and social reform.
IFESH focuses on empowering individuals of developing nations through the operation and
support of community-based programs in the areas of literacy, education, vocational
training, agriculture, nutrition and health care. The organization seeks the development
and utilization of technical skills of all people, regardless of race, color, creed or
sex. The primary area of concern is sub-Saharan Africa.
Our mission is to establish and maintain programs and activities in the areas of education and health,
business and economic development, and democracy and governance that will help
sub-Saharan African nations to reduce poverty and unemployment, and build civil societies.
We assist sub-Saharan African countries through literacy, basic education, and the
creation of employment and income-generating opportunities for youths, increasing health
awareness to vulnerable populations, and stabilizing populations through conflict
mitigation and resolution.
The full listing of IFESH programs can be found at
http://ifesh.org/programs.html.
An opportunity available primarily to students is the International Fellows Program, a
nine-month overseas internships for graduate students or recent college and university
graduates. More information can be found at
http://ifesh.org/fellows.html.
For additional information please contact:
The International Foundation for Education & Self-Help
5040 E. Shea Blvd., Suite 260
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-4687
Phone: (480) 443-1800
Fax: (480) 443-1824
Email: info@ifesh.org
