Category Archives: Poverty
Double-Latte Project – August 2011 Generation Enterprise
This month’s Double-Latte Selection is:
Why Generation Enterprise?
Well one of my focus’ for this year’s Double-Latte selections is people in my network and one of the founders of Generation Enterprise is a member of a fellowship program that I did, the Institute for International Public Policy (IIPP). I met Clara Chow in 2005 as I was serving as the assistant, traditionally an older fellow, for IIPP’s Summer Sophomore Institute.
In addition to the network connection, I am highlighting Generation Enterprise because I really enjoy that they are working to help “street kids” by not just giving them handouts but by giving them tools to build a better life in the long term. I also enjoy that these young adult philanthropists not only lived their experiences, either where they grew up or where they studied abroad or worked, they have decided and acted to make the world a better place then they found it.
What does Generation Enterprise Do?
We are the Generation Enterprise leadership team, an all-volunteer group of young community leaders working on four continents to realize one revolutionary vision: that street youth in the world’s biggest cities and most formidable slums can become socially responsible business owners and pull their communities out of poverty.
In 2009, we launched a pilot project in Lagos, the world’s fastest-growing megacity. Our business training and incubation program, YouthBank, equipped homeless and unemployed youth to build viable, sustainable businesses that would allow them to leave gangs, prostitution, odd jobs, and criminal activity.
Now, we’re working with partners in the public, private, and social sectors to create a network of incubators focused on drawing at-risk youth out of the shadows and into the formal economy.
To get a visual about what this great organization is doing, check out this clip from a documentary being produced about their work!
Why is Generation Enterprise’s Work is Important?
Because Generation Enterprise takes what I call a “Teach a Man to Fish” approach, the effects of their program are more long lasting and more likely to keep program participants out of poverty. Youth that are a part of their program receive loans to help them start a business but they also receive training, in a fellowship like format from my understanding, so that participants do not just receive funds and are left on their own.
Also, because the businesses and ventures that these young people take on are local it also assists in the sustainable development of towns and countries around the world and prevents the occurrence of brain drain.
Final Thoughts
Highlighting this organization and others in my network like Shea Yeleen is a lot of fun. It is also a reminder for me of some of the amazing and great people in my network.
I am really proud of the great people around me who have done more than talk about their dreams and wishes and have taken the time to do something! Its motivation for me to do the same!
Thank you for reading! Please take time to connect with Generation Enterprise on LinkedIn and on Facebook!
Clearing My Inbox: Oldies But Goodies Part 3
August
Ex-WSU Student, Dayton dancer hits big with Obama Impersonation
He’s really good!
July
Young Leaders We Support: 4 New Endorsements
Click this link to find out about some endorsements from WUFPAC.
Committee Members Speak out–Or Stay Mum–On Health Care Reform
Another great resource from OpenSecrets!
Alter: Our Health-Care System is Fine As Is!
June
Will $1.2 Million a Day Convince Congress to Buy Big Pharma’s Rx for Change
This is so true and really makes me think. I could not imagine supporting someone other than myself on $10 an hour…Makes me thankful for my VERY supportive family!
Health Care is a Right, Not a Privilege
A nice op-ed about Health Care by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Diagnosis: Reform – Capital Eye
This is an AWESOME and I mean AWESOME one stop shop for tools linking campaign finance and the health care reform debate. Open Secrets gives a nice overview as well as links to articles about members from both parties who have connections with the Health Sector and their opinions about health care reform. Please share this with people you know or at least check to see if your congressmen are connected to the health care sector and remind them who they are supposed to represent.
May
Deep-Pocketed Donors Want Campaign Finance Reform
Latin American Countries Commit US $7 Billion for ‘Bank of the South’
US Implored to Stop Deporting Haitians
Rush Limbaugh: The Man Who Ate The G.O.P.
U.S. Offers Resolution About Cuba’s Re-entry into OAS
April
Politics of Color for Obama in Cuba
An interesting story discussing US-Cuba relations through the backdrop of an Afro Cuban and the African Diaspora.
SLM to Transfer 2,000 Overseas Jobs Back to the US
I’m sorry but Sallie Mae isn’t doing this because ‘its the right thing to do.’ Trust me when I say they have something up their sleeve – don’t be surprised if they try to get lenders based on the fact that their customer service operations are in the US of A. I am biased because I owe almost half the cost of my first home to Sallie Mae.
March
This report discusses Columbia and is also available in Spanish.
Older
Five Basic Facts On the Uninsured
Saturday Night Live: Rachel Maddow Interviews Burris And Blagojevich (VIDEO)
