Empowerment Through Integration

Empowerment Through Integration (ETI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 with the slogan "Inclusion for all is a value for all." The organization is dedicated to creating an inclusive society by combatting social stigma against disabilities and empowering blind youth to become leaders in their communities. ETI's journey began with Sara Minkara's summer project during her time at Wellesley College. The initiative, Camp Rafiqi, was initially funded by the Clinton Foundation after it took place in Tripoli, Lebanon. Inspired by the success of this project and the support received at the Clinton Global Initiative University, Sara transformed the project into a certified nonprofit organization, ETI. Since its inception, ETI has expanded its activities from running camps in Lebanon to establishing a comprehensive cycle of youth empowerment programs, university clubs, and training opportunities for local organizations. It has also evolved to include integration programs in the US, aiming to raise awareness and generate revenue for its work. Today, ETI operates with a robust team in Lebanon and the US, working towards the mission of empowerment and integration. While the organization initially focused on summer camps, Camp Rafiqi remains an integral part of ETI's work, embodying the spirit of empowerment and inclusion in all its endeavors. ETI operates in the Education and Health Care industries, maintaining a focus on holistic solutions to address the challenges of disability inclusion and integration.