Friday, June 25, 2010

Microenterprise Development

Know of any western businesses looking to import Karen fabric, knit bags, or Hill Tribe coffee beans? Connecting needs to resources is what we do. Not only could this provide a sustainable income for the village, but this would be keeping them from growing "alternative crops" which are much more profitable, but as we know, life-destroying.

From the rudimentary loom to the shop. This Karen Hill tribe lady makes handbags for sale to the random tourists who happen to stop by their village. Following the protests, tourism has reportedly declined 80%.



Here is a coffee business that has just launched, but are seeking a larger contract.



For inquiries, email Enablers Asia at the address above.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Earthquakes & Bridges

Safe structures are usually an afterthought in a western country, but in a third world where even the slightest earthquake causes the collapse of buildings, this is the reality. Lori has been studying local designs and re-engineering them with simple modifications that could easily prevent these events from becoming a disaster and save many lives.

For instance, take this bridge which Lori red-tagged. See the sag in the middle?



Before our arrival it was reported to flex as vehicles drove across it. Needless to say demolition has begun! Our friend, Bob, a retired Civil Engineer graciously made himself available for additional consultation for a replacement. Thanks Bob! If you know of any professionals who would like to assist with design, engineering, business or agricultural projects, reply to find out more.

Through us being able to be here, we were able to keep a bus-load of 30 children from crashing through this bridge into the creekbed! Not only would many have been injured, but also would have caused significant damage to the recently donated bus and cost thousands to repair. We are only able to stay here and offer our services pro-bono through generous donors, like yourselves. Please consider helping us to see this and projects like this Children's Rescue Complex, through to completion.

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Exploited Children's 2nd Chance

Last week we visited the newest project we'll be consulting.


Anders is consulting in holistic development, sustainability and microenterprise solutions.

Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. We're showing how to reduce expense by using what's available. For instance, we'll be reusing teak lumber from this once flooded home to construct worker housing!

Lori is taking lead in designing and engineering the structures, utilities, and overall site plan.


Our goals:
  • To develop the land into a holistic-sustainable ecosystem- offsetting costs of operations, creating an environment conducive to learning, providing jobs and vocational training to a previously exploited adult workforce, and ultimately giving a second chance to these once endangered children.
  • To design & engineer safe children's homes, training center, kitchen, offices, workforce housing, bridges, water & sanitation systems, etc.


These projects take a lot of time to do right, which is why we're seeking outside expertise in the following areas:
  • Site Planning
  • Architectural Design
  • Civil Engineering
  • Tropical Orchard Specialist
  • Sustainable Crop Planning

If you or someone you know would like to donate their time remotely or assist financially, it would make a huge impact in each of these child's lives! For more information, email us at the Enablers Asia address above.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Sick Chelsi

We arrived home to find Chelsi really sick yesterday. Our first clue was the massive amounts of dog poo and 2nd hand dog food all over the yard... Yuck! Also found a chicken bone amidst it all and we hadn't fed her any... hummmm we were wondering if someone had it out for her. We wouldn't know why as she is so well behaved & hardly barks. She was very lethargic and would hardly move, so we prayed for her to be healed. Right when we said "Amen". She got up and ran off to go find her ball! Proves that God not only cares so much about people, but about His creatures too!

She's doing much better now.