Principles & Strategy

Principles

• Self-reliance is the economic ideal for individuals, families, and communities.
• In developing self-reliance, ability to understand and manage resources is equally important as access to resources.
• Successful organizations provide opportunities for individuals to learn, grow, work, and contribute - thereby increasing overall satisfaction.
• Successful organizations create models for more innovation and investment, leading to further growth and development.
• Providing service to others leads to lasting relationships and a more meaningful life.

Strategy

AEF is not about raising money and spending it. Each donation becomes part of the "fund" which we believe will grow larger and larger over time -- in line with the success of our investments.

These results are achieved by applying the following methods:

• Pool resources, experience, and ingenuity to start successful and profitable micro-enterprises in African communities.
• Focus on educating, training, and developing employees into competent and confident managers and business owners.
• Gradually transfer the business by helping employees understand their ability to pay off debt or return dividends on borrowed capital.
• Sell, franchise, or further grow the business with the help of now-ready employees and third-party financing.
• Reinvest all profits and proceeds of the business into the education, development, and care of our employees - or into more micro-enterprises.