About Us

Overview

FNEI brings together the longstanding work of Michael Cipoletti and SF60K in Nicaragua with the work of other executive board members to enact education and sustainable development projects in Nicaragua, Peru, and Dominican Republic. More information about specific projects can be found here.

FNEI also offers presentations throughout New England on poverty issues and humanitarian work in the developing world. We are available to present to schools, civic and community groups as well as faith-based organizations. For more information on presentations for your organization, please contact info@fneinternational.org.

Mission

FNEI partners with communities in developing nations to identify opportunities to advance housing, health and education. By Facilitating collaboration and Networking with local and international organizations, we strive to seize those opportunities and Empower individuals to do the same as engaged members of their community and the world.

Vision Statement

FNEI values integrity, respect, and solidarity. Our relationships with partners are balanced and illustrate mutual respect. FNEI seeks to facilitate projects that empower people to help themselves, with self-sustainability as the ultimate goal. Collaboration with organizations based both domestically and abroad expands a network of volunteers and drives innovation. With everyone with whom we collaborate, we recognize both our differences and common bonds and celebrate them together.

Through the implementation of these values, FNEI seeks to lead by example in the field of sustainable development. The team Facilitates, Networks, and Empowers. All three emphasize our dedication to community organizing and local resourcing. It is essential to replace top-down relationships with ones that work with what emerges organically from the community.

On a global level, building bridges and connections between cultures is crucial. We believe in forming collaborative relationships and fostering a sense of understanding. Our work is based on community needs through a hand-in-hand approach rather than a hand-over-hand approach. Interactions are meaningful and balanced, highlighting how cross-cultural friendships can be made through true and honest support for fellow human beings.

Lateral Development

FNEI approaches all endeavors as a partner, an invested stakeholder seeking to address the needs expressed from within particular communities. Building on our experiences of project implementation, we can work with neighboring communities, or even communities in other countries to replicate relevant programs. Community members are able to share their experiences, what worked and what needs improvement, and the importance of community engagement. Rather than delivering resources through a top-down approach, a model that moves “laterally” can have a greater impact in further empowering rural community leaders by strengthening networks and organization through the identification of best practices.