The divisions and distances between people are often magnified by economic disparity. This is often true of the division between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. In our international projects, we try to bridge these distances.

Kenya

In Kenya, SFP of Europe is partnering with other NGOs and the University of Nairobi to develop the Kibwezi Farming and Technical Skills Resource center. The Kibwezi project area is an arid region that is prone to droughts and famines. This state of affairs has prevented development efforts in the region. The purpose of the resource center is to minimize illiteracy and poverty through community economic empowerment by applying better skills of production.

Dominican Republic

In the Dominican Republic, the SFP chapter at the state university is being assisted by SFP chapters in Miami to create model elementary schools. The school buildings are renovated, the classrooms are equipped and supplied, and students from the local university than maintain an ongoing mentoring relationship with the children.

Korea

Addressing Fuel Shortage and Deforestation in North Korea.
The South Korean chapter of Service For Peace is currently working in North Korea to address two related problems – a severe fuel shortage and deforestation. North Koreans have traditionally harvested trees in order to heat their homes during the winter and this has led to serious deforestation, a condition that can result in severe flooding in addition to the problem of a lack of fuel.

Service For Peace has therefore assisted in the building of a factory that produces briquette-burning furnaces. The briquettes are made of compressed biomass and are more efficient and effective than wood and also avoid the continued harvesting of trees.

Service For Peace is training the North Koreans in the technology and necessary skills that can make this a sustainable enterprise.