Challenge the Gap (2011 Q3)
Challenge the Gap
Featured beneficiary in the CHALLENGE THE GAP category for third quarter 2011:
INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE MISSION

Internation Assistance MissionIAM is an international charitable non-profit Christian organisation, serving the people of Afghanistan, through capacity building in the sectors of Health and Economic Development.

We run projects in medicine, engineering, languages, small business and community development. In 2010, IAM's ten projects in seven provinces helped 170,000 Afghans and trained 4000 Afghans. IAM began working in 1966 and is the longest continuously serving NGO in Afghanistan.

IAM employs 500 paid Afghan staff and 60 expatriate Christian professionals from Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania. Foreign staff members are required to learn a local language and the average length of assignment is 3 years. All IAM expatriate staff come as volunteers and are responsible for their own financial support.

Some of IAM's projects include:

  • National Organization for Ophthalmic Rehabilitation (NOOR) - In 2010, NOOR treated 109,000 patients and performed 6700 surgeries.
  • Orthopedic Workshop and Physiotherapy Center (OWPC) - provides training in mental health for medical students, doctors, nurses and midwives. In 2010, PMHP treated 9,452 patients and gave training to 593 people.
  • Renewable Energy Sources in Afghanistan Project (RESAP) - uses Afghan-made micro-hydro plants and wind turbines to provide electricity for rural regions. RESAP also trains Afghan engineers and technicians to build and install these units.
  • Adult Learning and Education Facilitation (ALEF) - using Swedish folkbildning methods, ALEF offers learning circles in tailoring, mobile phone repair, computer skills, literacy, English language, maternal and infant health, and vocational counseling. It also provides training for trainers of adult learners.

IAM is prohibited by Afghan law from proselytizing in any form, a position they rigorously maintain. In August 2010, IAM sustained an unthinkable tragedy when ten of their team members were murdered in the field.

FBB welcomes the International Assistance Mission as the third beneficiary in our Challenge the Gap program.

Why is a humanist foundation supporting a religious organization?

LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE MISSION
Website: http://www.iam-afghanistan.org/
Annual Report for 2010: Report
Annual expenses 2010: $3,579,000
ABOUT THE SELECTION PROCESS

Foundation Beyond Belief highlights ten charitable organizations per quarter. Among other considerations, beneficiaries are chosen for efficiency, effectiveness, moderate size (annual budget under $10 million), compatibility with humanist focus on mutual care of this world and this life, and geographic diversity. All categories feature secular organizations with the exception of "Challenge the Gap," which gives members the option of supporting one progressive, non-proselytizing religious organization each quarter.

Active members can help us choose future beneficiaries by researching and nominating charities and by discussing, debating, and advocating for the causes of their choice through our social network and discussion forums. Final decisions are made by the Board, but collective member input is among the most important considerations.
»