About Us

We Help Communities Help Themselves

Community Empowerment Network is an organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and dependency of many poor communities by helping them acquire and apply the basic skills, habits and mindsets necessary to be self-reliant in the modern economy. Our mission is to empower rural communities with the capability to address their economic challenges on their own terms, and improve their living conditions while maintaining their vibrant culture and preserving their environment. Our focus is to help transform an "I can't" or "I'm not worth it" mentality to one of "I might not know how, but I will figure it out."

We distinguish ourselves from other rural development initiatives by not handing our clients the solutions to their problems. Dictating needs undermines each community member's potential to tackle their own priorities with knowledge, skill and confidence. We do not help communities in need; we help them help themselves.

Working hand in hand with locally based organizations, as well as NGOs, government agencies and corporations, we train participants in our PRATICAR methodology. From the onset of our work, we put the decision-making power in the hands of the individuals and communities we serve. We allow them to decide their own priorities and objectives; then, using tools such as mentoring, training and information technology, we help them build the skills and confidence to achieve these goals. Our aim is for community residents to use the skills and mindsets honed in this training to create a better future for themselves and their families, and to continue this progress after we have disengaged.

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What We Do
What Problems We Address
Our History and Future Plans
Our Principles and Values
What Makes CEN Unique?
FAQ