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Who We Are
About Us
International Basic Aid (IBA) was born out of a strong desire to help those in need access the basic human rights with which we are all born. By first sponsoring small local projects, the International Basic Aid founders saw how they could scale up their work to assist families and communities with skills training as well as funding the education of children. We have since broadened our network of benefactors after seeing positive results. With just a small contribution, we could see how our projects sponsoring children, adult training, education, capacity building and women empowerment could be rolled out to Somalia, Kenya, Yemen and Ethiopia. Today, we are registered as a 501C-3 tax-exempt organization with an office in Washington D.C.
Mission
Through effective interventions and highly targeted, purpose-driven projects, we are empowering individuals and communities around the world to rise above adversity and live a fulfilled life.
Say NO POVERTY YES TO GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING
With aspirations of becoming a world leader in eradicating poverty and saving lives, we are focused on targeted results and transparent processes. We believe in addressing the cause rather than just the symptom, which is why we invest large amounts of time and energy in empowering and educating women and children. Drawing on our diverse skills and knowledge, we are helping individuals and communities achieve a better way of life. We hope you’ll join us.
Board of Directors
Ali Smith
Asmith@basicaid.org
Location: Washington, TX
Ali Smith was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he is a graduate of the Friends School of Baltimore and the University of Maryland, College Park, where he received a BS in Environmental Science and Policy with a Biodiversity specialization. Ali has 20 years experience teaching yoga, mindfulness, breathwork, and meditation internationally to a broad demographic spectrum that includes schools, retreat centers, wellness centers, mental crisis facilities, detention centers, drug treatment centers, the corporate setting, as well as private one-on-one sessions. He co-founded the Holistic Life Foundation in 2001. During his tenure as Executive Director, his leadership helped guide HLF to grow an organization that employed 50 people, and served communities worldwide. He is an award winning and published author, written several curricula, and is a pioneer in the fields of yoga and mindfulness in education. He has developed best practices in trauma informed yoga and mindfulness and developed best practices that are used globally. His work has been featured on the CBS News, CNN, NBC Nightly News, PBS, as well as in Oprah Magazine and Forbes. Ali is also a co-host of the Look Again Podcast and Co-Owner of the Involution Group.
