OUR APPROACH
In recent years several critical social issues have continued to challenge national development, significantly impacting the quality of life for our populace. These include food security, social equality and accessibility to affordable healthcare, quality education and sustainable housing. More than ever, there’s a dire need for Bahamians to remain at the helm proactively researching and implementing creative, long-term solutions that will allow our small island nation to solve its own challenges.
OEF’s approach is purely one of “grassroots development.” Our process aims to solve challenges by empowering people within local communities to become organized, build capacity, capitalize on their unique “lived experiences” and play a direct role in building a sustainable community model. Together, we’re facilitating our individual and collective development. As the old adage says: “give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day; teach him to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime.”
Our commitment to our small island community
Key
areas
of focus
Inspired by the Shared Vision, OEF’s work centers around promoting, protecting and preserving within these Five Key Areas of Focus.
Economy
OEF believes that Eleutherans should own their own ECONOMY and sponsors a variety of programs designed to accomplish this goal.
Education
OEF believes that EDUCATION is key to Eleuthera’s future success and offers a variety of programs designed to give persons the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.
Environment
OEF believes that the protection of the ENVIRONMENT and its natural resources must be a high priority and promotes a variety of programs focused on conservation and sustainability.
Health
OEF believes that the HEALTH and well-being of Eleutherans is essential and offers and supports a variety of programs to promote healthy living.
Heritage
OEF believes in preserving Bahamian HERITAGE AND CULTURE and supports a number of efforts so that it can be celebrated by locals and guests for years to come.
Oasis Grow House
A revolutionary, one-acre retractable grow house designed to increase harvest yields, allow year-round harvesting, and protect crops from extreme weather and hurricane conditions.
We Farmers Market
Our newly constructed open-air facility where the community is invited to buy fresh from our farm and sell their own locally grown produce, bottled goods and specialty crafts. This project also promotes our newly expanded farm-to-table community health and nutrition education initiatives.
Local Farmer Training
Through our programs, local farmers have access to learn the latest techniques in sustainable farming with an emphasis on Hydroponics and Syntropic Farming. Hands-on training and shared knowledge from our well-experienced team help farmers increase their yields while strengthening the local farming industry.
The Studio for Affordable & Sustainable Housing
This is a ground-breaking pilot project we’re pioneering in partnership with local and international universities, industry professionals and community stakeholders. Our goal is to create an affordable, resilient, energy-efficient home prototype. Residents of depressed socio-economic sectors will have access to well-constructed, low-cost homes and economic mobility through home ownership.
Expansion of Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI)
As our education and training arm, CTI continues to evolve its Skills Training Programming to increase employment outcomes and entrepreneurial opportunities while addressing the growing demand for local, skilled labor.
Strengthening of South Eleuthera Emergency Partners (SEEP)
One Eleuthera Foundation
Working together to own and sustain our economy
We recognize the need to offer our expertise in small island sustainability throughout The Bahamas and to countries within the region facing similar challenges. Our goal is to foster a new era of collaboration, strengthened ties, and exponential growth for small island developing states (SIDS) through shared knowledge and our proven community development model.
When we work together and support each other from a place of knowledge, with an aligned vision for success, we become ONE. Join us on this mission!