 Our Purpose
True development work is based upon respect and humble solidarity with people who are struggling to meet their basic needs. True support for these people, families, and communities is first assisting in their empowerment, and second letting them build their future as they see fit.
Equal Chance is contributing to this future through the empowerment of its leaders. The young people Equal Chance support have experienced the hardships of poverty. In the future as adult members of a community, how might they view poverty, and what roles might they play to challenge and transform its causes?
We at Equal Chance recognize the future implications of our actions today. We are planting the seeds for a new society that is free and fair for all people. Upon truly seeing the people who are living in poverty, we stand in solidarity with them to transform the causes of their poverty. We open ourselves up to the young people who really need help, and we help them ultimately to help themselves.
Sustainability is our ideal, and we aim to even the field of opportunity in the world. We see all people as deserving the right to live - to have the means to fully support themselves, their families, and their communities. The Role of Equal Chance in Songornya Equal Chance assistance is not a gift but a collaboration with the families of the selected young people to fund and counsel them toward actualizing their highest potential. Equal Chance is thus partnering with the families to ensure the positive welfare of their children.
The Board of Directors implementing the Equal Chance programs select the beneficiary young people through a fair application process open to all of Songornya. They then pay the financial aid, counsel the young people, monitor their performance, and provide personal support throughout the duration of the schooling/ training. Also, Equal Chance continually invites the families to work with them to counsel, monitor, and provide support for the young people.
HIV/AIDS in Songornya
Roughly 4 - 5% of the population in Songornya ages 15-49 are infected with HIV or are suffering from AIDS. Songornya is a salt-mining area that attracts seasonal migrant workers and with them a higher rate of HIV infections. The support provided by Equal Chance for Songornya youth challenges new HIV infections by giving young people from poor families the means for a better future.
Equal Chance intends to expand its programs in the coming years to include a program to focus specifically with HIV/AIDS.
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