Since its inception in 1996, the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation has supported hundreds of worthwhile projects in more than 50 countries throughout the world. Of primary focus in the North America markets are the Mtalimanja Village and the Seed of Hope projects.
For information regarding other Force for Good projects visit forceforgood.org.
Mtalimanja Village (Africa)
In 2007, the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation celebrated the dedication of the Mtalimanja Village. Named by the local people of Malawi, Mtalimanja means "long hands that give."
The foundation's "Build a Village Project" is focused on helping the people of Malawi, Africa — one of the poorest countries in the world where the majority of the people are farmers and live on less than one dollar a day. Even more significant is the fact that one in three people in Malawi is threatened by hunger.
The Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation, in partnership with local non-profit organizations and civic groups, initiated the project in 2006 with two goals. The first was to build an actual village. The second objective was to make the village a "living classroom" where 40-50 farmers and their families would come to be educated and trained to become economically independent and less vulnerable to drought. The families stay in the village for approximately two years. Once they master their new agricultural skills, they return to their respective villages and teach these principles to others, including children, who can ensure that the ideals of self-sufficiency will last for generations.
In fact, in May 2009 the village held its first graduation ceremony. The graduation was nothing short of a celebration as graduates danced across the stage to receive their diplomas. They are the first to graduate from the School of Agriculture and Family Independence in Mtalimanja Village. The village has thrived during the past two years as residents have learned proper farming and irrigation techniques they will now use when teaching in their own villages.
As Steve Lund said in his commencement speech, “You thought you came here to be students, but you really came here to be teachers.”
The students explained that the usual maize production for Malawi is 2000 to 3000 kg per hectare but the first year they achieved 3000 to 7000 and this year they achieved 4000-9000 kg/ha. Incredible! They are now growing up to 4.5 times more maize. They talked about similar numbers for their other crops as well. These farmers will be Malawi’s hope for a nation without hunger.
The new class of students has recently entered the village and began their journey to self-sufficiency.
Seeds of Hope (Africa)
Twenty-five cents from the sale of every Epoch Baobab Body Butter are donated to the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation for the Malawi Seeds of Hope project. These funds will be used to purchase and plant a variety of important and useful trees for the people of Malawi, including baobab trees and fruit trees. Malawi has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world and there is an urgent need to restore and protect this precious natural resource.
In 2009, Nu Skin Enterprises, Inc. announced that more than 100,000 trees are being donated to villages in Malawi thanks to the company's distributors and customers who have purchased Epoch Baobab Body Butter. The planting of trees as a renewable resource will benefit the people of Malawi in many ways. In the short-term, new trees provide food and raw materials. Long-term benefits include storage, shade, and enriched soil. For example, baobab leaves are consumed as a vegetable and can be harvested just one year after planting a seedling. Within five years, the trees begin to bear fruit, which can also be eaten or sold. The bark of the tree can be harvested for use as a strong, durable fiber to make twine, rope, or other building materials. The bark grows back and can be re-harvested every two to five years.
In the subtropical climate of Malawi, the oxygen and water condensation released to the atmosphere by trees is critical for rain to protect the people and the land from drought and famine. Additionally, the tree's roots systems help prevent soil degradation and erosion, while the trees themselves provide shade and protection to people and animals alike.
The Seeds of Hope project is consistent with the help the Nu Skin Force for Good Foundation has already shown to the people of Malawi to create sustainable food production and prevent devastating famines. Through this reforestation program we can help renew a valuable resource, as well as beautify, preserve, and improve the environment.