How We Do It
To make projects happen, CTI volunteers:
- Identify a situation where people need help making food or treating water
- Find appropriate food processing methods to use in that culture
- Assess the feasibility of selected methods in the economy and culture
- Select or design devices to alleviate the most burdensome work or to safely store the food
- Provide training to ensure that people know how to make safe, nutritious food
- Monitor projects to troubleshoot problems and measure outcomes
Project ideas originate from a variety of sources:
- Individuals and organizations in developing countries that visit our website and contact us
- Organizations with contacts in a developing nation that become aware of a post-harvest food processing problem
- CTI volunteers or friends who have worked or lived in another country
- Hobbyists who have invented devices in their home workshops
Proposals are evaluated:
Each proposed project goes through a technical and economic feasibility analysis to determine whether it is likely to be successful for the end-users. If it is determined to be feasible, we check whether the project meets the criteria for a successful use of CTI’s capabilities. The project will be funded only if there is a reasonable prospect for an overall success.
In-country volunteers are trained:
Because CTI does not have regular staff in the countries we serve, we rely on the in-country representatives to know their clients and distribute and train the users on the devices. Our technology volunteers team up with training specialists here in Minnesota to create suitable curriculum and materials. These volunteers then train the trainers who will teach the end-users how to use the technology in their own villages. Training the trainers may occur in Minnesota or in the desired country, depending on logistic issues.