Partners Worldwide 

One of the challenges in developing countries is the lack of employment opportunities. An organization that tries to fill that need is Partners Worldwide. Founded in 1997, Partners Worldwide’s vision is to end poverty so that all may have life and have it abundantly. They do so by mobilizing long-term, hands-on global relationships to form a powerful Christian network that uses business as the way to create flourishing economic environments in all parts of the world.
 

Through the combined efforts of volunteer Business Affiliates supporting over 90 Local Community Institutions, Partners ensures that entrepreneurs have access to training, coaching, network-building, and investing. This model boosts local strength, sparks entrepreneurial initiatives, and honours business as a holy calling.

Jeff Miller’s Involvement

Jeff Miller, CPA, Assistant Professor, The King’s University, describes his involvement:

My involvement with PW stemmed from a longtime desire to further use my skillset as an accountant to assist global entrepreneurs succeed and reduce poverty through business. Initially, I travelled on a ‘Discover PW’ trip to Uganda and Kenya, revealing to me PW’s approach of working alongside global small businesses seeking to grow and create jobs, helping people build lasting livelihoods that lift their families and communities out of poverty. My involvement includes mentoring, networking, and ‘walking alongside’ entrepreneurial businesspeople in a cross-cultural context.

Jeff is a member of a North American Business Affiliate team which partners with Selma Agriculture Development Corporation, a local business operating in northern Liberia. The business’ objectives are to focus on training and supporting best practice agriculture, and connecting small holder farmers to markets, in a profitable and sustainable manner. They do this by providing farmers access to a local mechanized rice mill and farming equipment, along with frequent training with regional agricultural experts in sustainable farming practices.

Our BA team’s role has evolved from supporting their installation of new mill equipment 4 years ago, to the purchase of new farming equipment last year, and ongoing support of training and administrative initiatives. Our BA team consists of seven members, including farmers, soil & crop scientists, and myself, all spread across Alberta, Iowa, and California. We meet online with our partnership monthly and strive to have members of our team visit Liberia annually.

For more information, check out www.partnersworldwide.org or contact Jake Schellenberg, Engagement Manager, Lacombe, AB, at jakes@partnersworldwide.org or call 403-318-8021.