EUREKA - Nick Easley has seen the flaws in international aid organizations. So, he started one of his own.

The Eureka College junior has begun Strategic Sustainable Partnership Program Inc., with the goal of getting other aid groups to work more effectively.

Easley has worked in South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with multiple aid organizations and said he has detected a flaw: Each works in a narrow scope when they should affect the all-around life of the recipients.

"I have seen how they could all fit together and also the barriers that keep them from functioning," said Easley.

Easley wants to focus on bringing together organizations and creating a system that can be maintained after the organizations leave.

"I ask people if they believe that working together is better than working alone," said Easley. "And, do you believe that teaching someone to fish is better than giving them a fish?"

For example, aid organizations may bring seed, livestock, water or education to an area, but seldom do they work together to do all four, he said. It would work better to bring the irrigation with the seeds, creating feed for the animals and education to understand how to sustain the system.

"You end up with fractured pieces - Band-aids on the wound - instead of healing," said Easley. "There needs to be another organization networking them."

He hopes SSPP can step into that role, but it must prove itself.

Ideally, SSPP's first project would be organizing aid in the Acholi District of Uganda. Easley said the area needs a water source, treadle pumps for irrigation, seeds and livestock. The people also need small loans to start businesses.

"These are what I see as vital resources that have a quick return," said Easley. The goal will always be to provide aid to an area in a way that makes it self-sufficient and sustainable.

"My organization looks to exist and then cease to exist," said Easley. "Everywhere I go, I like to do something for the here and now and also plan for the future."

Easley's company is selling beads made by women in the Acholi District, most of whom are refugees. Money from the bead sales will start SSPP's initial aid projects. He sold about $1,000 worth at the Lilac Festival last week, he said.

The company is also trying to establish tax-exempt status. After that happens, Easley hopes more donations and interest in the organization will follow.

Easley is a Ronald Reagan Scholar at Eureka College and a Public Policy and International Affairs Fellow. He plans to attend conferences at University of California in Berkeley this summer.

He has worked with Bridgeman Center in South Africa, KIVA and Women's Economic Development Consortium of Kenya. In the fall, he plans an internship with Water Partners International in Kenya, analyzing the success of their projects.

"Going back and working with Water Partners International only increases the chance I can get them to build a water source in the area," said Easley.

On the Net: www.sspp-inc.com