Self-Help International – CDM 2025 Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction Participant
Self-Help International’s tree theme is a celebration of maize. Corn isn’t just a vital part of Iowa’s economy; it is an important crop around the world, feeding millions and people and animals every day. Quality Protein Maize (QPM), which has 90% of the nutritional value of skim milk, has been a cornerstone of Self-Help International’s programs since 1989, when we were invited by native Iowan and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug to introduce the grain to Ghana. Today, with the help of Self-Help International’s agricultural training and support, QPM grown by communities in Ghana and Nicaragua has both higher yield and more nutritional value, alleviating hunger and enabling families to meet their needs with dignity.
Why did our organization choose to participate in the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction?
- As an Iowa-based nonprofit with a global mission, Self-Help International is grateful to partner with Christkindlmarket Des Moines for the opportunity to engage with the Central Iowa community and bring attention to how we are helping people help themselves in Ghana and Nicaragua.
How will the CDM Nonprofit Tree Silent Auction funds benefit our organization?
- In 1989, at the request of native Iowan and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug, Self-Help International introduced Quality Protein Maize (QPM) to our programs. QPM has 90% of the nutritional value of skim milk, and has been instrumental in alleviating hunger in Ghana and Nicaragua. Today, with the help of Self-Help International’s agricultural training and support, Quality Protein Maize (QPM) grown by communities in Ghana and Nicaragua has both higher yield and more nutritional value to better feed families. In Ghana, QPM is also a vital part of both our School Feeding Program, which feeds 1,500 school children a daily breakfast, and our Growing Healthy Food, Growing Healthy Children program, which is reducing stunting in young children who live in rural Ghana. Donations help us alleviate hunger by enabling families to meet their needs with dignity.
Check out Self-Help International’s tree at Christkindlmarket Des Moines December 4th – December 7th, 2025!
Suzanne Hull administrator
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