Empowerment International (EI) was founded in 1998 by North American Kathy Adams. EI’s approach addresses the root cause and the plight of many street children in the slums (‘barrios’) in both countries. Street children generally come from poor families. They cannot attend school even where public education is free due to a lack of funds for mandatory uniforms and school supplies. They also lack emotional support from their families due to the lack of understanding of the importance of education., and professional emotional services for many of the extreme situations that arise in vulnerable communities and families. Instead of being educated, they are sent out to work on the streets selling fruits, vegetables or required to stay home to help with younger children and chores so the parents can work.
 
EI reverses this trend by working with the children and their families to enable them to attend school accompany them on their educational journey by providing them with material support, supplementary education, emotional support, health support and so much more. When these children receive an education, they are able to stay off the streets, find better jobs, and eventually break the cycle of poverty that has haunted their families for generations.