Social programs have long-term benefits. As we witnessed, the emergency school lunch program has transformed our students from listless children falling asleep in the classroom to students shining in state exams.  

EWI and partner communities regard social protection programs as an essential part of the economic growth program. They help the farming families to maintain better health, thus their productivity, provide better education for their children and, thus, a better chance to escape poverty, and protect their aging family members.  Such services strengthen the fabric of the community, especially when confronting adversity, such as a natural disaster or an economic downturn.