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FLEXIBILITY
In 1915 the Near East Foundation began as a relief organization to respond to the humanitarian crisis of the survivors of the Armenian genocide and deportations.
Within a few years, the organization determined that making a permanent
difference in refugees’ lives required that they be helped to acquire skills that would help them achieve a life of their choosing. That philosophy has governed NEF’s approach since. The Foundation thus moved beyond relief to development.
Nevertheless, the humanitarian crisis of the Iraqi people following the 2003 war required NEF’s expertise in providing the most basic human needs. Flexible enough to respond, the Foundation co-operated with other international development organizations and organized the delivery of crucial supplies of drinking water, food and medicines in the weeks after major military action ceased. Subsequently NEF has become involved in efforts to develop civil society and local governance in Iraq.
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