The availability of clean water is a large issue in many parts of the world, but also in the developed countries where the fresh liquid is coming out of the tap people die because of lack of water. How is this possible? Every day a lot of elderly people arrive in hospitals because they do…
Category: social entrepreneurship
Diverse education, impact journalism and courage – outcomes from the Zermatt summit
Good two days in Zermatt. Interesting ones. On my way back from the Zermatt Summit some phrases, some discussions still stay and seem to become even more powerful. Rethinking Business values and Positive Economy is a must: have you asked why we do business? For gaining money? Why? One interesting point was that we have…
Luxury and social change in Zermatt – dare to care
Zermatt, Switzerland. Sounds luxurious. Somehow a destination for a few people at the top of the pyramid. Impressive mountains that seem to be accessible just for a few people – too far away for all those living in poverty. But in these days Zermatt is also the location of changemakers, of people who want to…
Change the world – on the streets working with kids
During the Ashoka changemaker week in Paris last week there was one particular social entrepreneur that still remains in my mind. He gave a short intro during one speaker session. His name is Arnoud Raskin, Founder of Mobile Schools and Streetwize. Mobile Schools develops innovative education programs that enhance the qualities of resourcefulness that underprivileged…
Envision the World Cup in Brazil to make more social entrepreneurship happen
Brazil? If you mention Brazil in these days people start to discuss and talk about the World Cup: football games, teams, players, interviews, discussions on goal decisions … How many of us would like to be there and to support our teams and enjoy the atmosphere of Brazilian lifestyles, parties, dancing. Vivid discussions, colorful pictures…
From Nimby to Pimby – 6 recommendations make change happen
During the Ashoka changemaker week in Paris I heard great things from very successful social entrepreneurs: 1. Everything goes through people. It is not the organization, not the plan, not the initiative, but just the people who make it happen 2. You can change only if you think that you are not in a traffic…
Real change needs many bricks
Do you have identified very clearly a social need in our society? Do you have created a solution for a particular problem? Maybe a first result or even success is visible. You could convince some investors and help some people. Maybe you have been working on it for several years already and an entire group…
Mobile phones give access to local healthcare
The use of mobile phones has reached every part of this world. Also in the most rural areas of developing countries there are people who own a mobile and use it whenever possible. Before any domestic machine, any health insurance, any solution for the most essential needs is in place a mobile device will arrive…
Why social entrepreneurs need more socializing
There are a lot of good initiatives ongoing in several parts of the world. Some of them are more social driven, others has also a sustainable financial business model behind. However, what is often underestimated is the aspect of involving people from ‘outside’ actively and making them part of the implementation, be it on site,…
Change the world: Give women a mobile!
Empowering women and helping them to improve their condition can lead to enormous social progress. Often women start their own business if they get an opportunity, e.g. via a micro credit. I have met some of them and it is astonishing to see how this changed their lives: they invest in activities that ensure a…
Go India, go future! 