ECHO Educational Concerns for Hunger Organization

Reading their description for the first time does not do justice to the incredible way these people are assisting poverty across the world. I feel everyone should experience what their facilities have to offer; it will change your perspective of sustainability forever.

Sustainability is endurance that does not cease. This is ECHO's entire focus for the people they are assisting around the world. Providing appropriate technology by using what people have to make what they need. How does this work? Innovation at its best: Groups of workers and volunteers team together to create new ways for poverty stricken people to utilize their existing tools in an efficient manner. Whether it is a better way for them to take care of their livestock, farm their crops, use their vegetation, or cook their meals.

In third world countries, the people use cook stoves that produce a smoke that is equivalent to smoking two and a half packs of cigarettes per day. Echo took on the challenge to solve this problem through innovative ways to reduce smoke through the use of sticks and other substances or continuing the cooking process through the fireless cooker.                                             

Lack of nutrients in a person’s diet is the reason poverty stricken people are malnutritioned. There are very few ways they are able to stay healthy. I was intrigued beyond belief that there was a miracle plant known as the Moringa tree that trumps every other vegetable I have ever eaten. Not only does it contain ridiculous amounts of nutrients, but it has the ability to purify water. All you do is grind up the seed of the tree and place the powder in a water bottle filled with undrinkable water. You shake and let sit for a few hours. I was shocked to see what this plant could do. The bacterial remains of the sludgy water were gone; the water was completely clear. Most of the people around the world had this tree growing in their backyards; they unknowingly housed the most incredible plant that ever lived. These people need to be educated.

These are just a few examples of the incredible ways ECHO has provided innovation for the starving people of  our world. What a blessing to see first hand their success and desire to continue their quest as they educate people around the world of miracle plants and efficient technology. This is how our world could solve world hunger. The future for millions of people could be changed forever; lives could be lived to their fullest. 

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Blue sky painted with strokes of white

Nestled within a valley of the upstate New York Mountains, my childhood began. The opportunities for grand adventures and experiences within my environment were endless. It was a small town; we knew of everyone that surrounded us in our neighborhood. As a community I remember the great care that was taken in preserving the nature beauty of our area: Protecting the creek, saving the aging trees, and allowing nature to make decisions about major land changes.

The beauty of the nature we lived among was of something out of a storybook. Every morning began with the formation of dew droplets upon every blade of grass along with the smell of cool, damp soil in the air. Our backyard creek could be heard in the distance as the fresh water rapids crashed on every rock stationed in its way. Peering through the opening of the trees above me was the wonderful gift of the sky. The clouds always seemed to float like cotton with the winds and gently paint the blue sky with strokes of white. I would lay for hours in awe of the majestic trees that would wave in the backdrop of our cloudy skies.

Each season brought its own special voyages, smells, and beauty. Every year autumn would unexpectedly swoop in and smother summer; painting each green leaf with colors that would glow shades of warmth in the sun. Winter quickly blew in its brisk temperature and rolled out its thick, white blankets of snow. Spring would poke its head through the thick of the winter-chilled snow banks with a budding tulip—one of the most incredible experiences to witness. It reminded me that there is hope for life amidst the barren, frigid, lifeless environment that surrounded us.   

I feel blessed beyond belief to have been given the opportunity to experience these moments as a child. I will never forget what an impact my environment had on my life during those years.   

"Teaching children about the natural world should be seen as one of the most important events in their lives." Thomas Berry

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