Because we can’t stand injustice! Because we care!
Solid puts people in the South on track to take their lives in their own hands and to make help unnecessary. Solid strongly believes in the combination of two strategies, to empower people on the long term: responsible commercial entities that provide employment and social organizations that accompany the most vulnerable. Profits generated by the commercial activities, are reinvested, in social activities for these communities, with specific attention to personal development and awareness of one's own strength.
2000
Solid is born
The NGO Solid is set up by Luc Verelst, who, after his international career in real estate, decided to give back to society. Solid carefully selected and supported several projects of NGO's working in various countries, covering a variety of domains including economic development, clean water supply, education, healthcare, early child development and human rights.
2004
Ayacucho, Peru
The next generation, daughter Lyn Verelst takes over, as Solid decides to focus its efforts on one specific location, to maximise its impact. Ayacucho in Peru is selected as it is one of the poorest regions of Peru, still recovering from the scars left by the terrorist group, the Shining Path. Yet Peru meets with some criteria as political stability, feasibility, effectiveness and the chance for succesion over time.
2006
Solid Peru is official
Solid Peru is officialy registered in 2006 and forms the basis for many of the activities that Solid carries out in the region.
2007
Solid Agriculture
Solid starts working with local farmers, supporting them with technical knowledge and coaching, to improve their production. The focus was on creating production chains for dairy products, tara, avocado and quinua.
2009
Healthy families
Solid decides to not only help farmers with technical knowledge and coaching but to also empower these rural families towards better living conditions; demonstrating them simple housing techniques they can easily apply and learning about healthy practices, f.e. the use of clean water.
In 2009 the construction of the Montefino farm, set up as a training institute for local farmers, is completed. Throughout the years the farm has turned into an integral farm, where training, innovation and rural tourism go hand in hand.
2010
Solid gains a better understanding of the Ayacucho region and its challenges. The alarming issue of teenage pregnancies is one Solid can't ignore. A support program for young teenage mothers is set up, with a team of motivated midwives and nurses, providing home visits. Later, a shelter home for young girls, victims of sexual or family violence is added, as well as a prevention program around teenage pregnancy.
2011
Solid Crafts Peru
Solid strongly believes in the power of fair employment and with a
knitting workshop in Ayacucho
, Solid Crafts is born. By providing over 150 underprivileged women an honest job and setting them in their personal strengths, Solid provides outlooks on a more independent life and better future.
2016
Solid Crafts India
After 10 years of experience in setting up projects in Peru, Solid expanded its activities in 2016 to India. The handicrafts workshop in Peru inspired Solid to bring this social profit model to other regions. A
new Solid crafts workshop is set up in Ranchi
, in the north of India. Rural women are trained in weaving garments and deco items, to provide local employment in fair working conditions. New opportunities arise for these women, that never believed in their power and skills.
2016
Solid Crafts Kenya
Solid's path crosses the path of
Hadithi, a Kenyan non-profit
that unites rural female basket weavers, providing them with a fair income thanks to their colorful handmade baskets. A close collaboration is the next step, as both organizations share the same values of empowerment.
2017
Solid Food
“The intense collaboration with Quinoa farmers, started in 2007, evolves into the spin-off Solid Food. Solid Food wants to make a difference, with a short chain, bringing the quinoa from the farmer, through processing and international export, directly to the supermarket.
https://solidfood.global
