1930 - 1945: PIONEERING TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE

1930 - 1945: PIONEERING TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE

"I Believe in and command the Near East Foundation Because: It is a new and much needed type of practical philanthropy.
Its objective is the awakening of new ideals of living among rural populations that will raise home and health standards, improve economic conditions and exalt the status of women and children. Its creed is brotherhood and its ritual is service."

James L. Barton (NEF Vice President)

Literacy class in Jordan, 1960's

This comprehensive approach- which came to be known as integrated rural development - pioneered the idea of institution-building at the local level; early NEF project became the building blocks for cooperatives, local associations, rural training institute and national extension services.

Weighing clothing made from remnants, Greece, 1946

Jordanian women learning to sew, 1960's

Scores of professionals in the agricultural health science gained their first experience in NEF projects; many went on to distinguished careers with national agencies in the post- World War II period of relief and reconstruction.

The coming of World War II seriously disrupted NEF's overseas work. Private fundraising in the United States was curtailed by presidential decree. With the Nazi occupation of Greece and Axis incursions into other Near Eastern countries, NEF expatriates had to be withdrawn for their own safety. Working with the minimum funding under very difficult and dangerous conditions, local NEF staff, trained for leadership responsibilities, were able to continue a modest level of operations.

Former Near East Relief orphans, now employed by the Agricultural Department of France, meeting with French staff of Near East Foundation, Tours, 1932

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