Social Entrepreneurs – The Unsung Heroes
Popular press abounds with stories of entrepreneurs who achieved great feats and the same time positively impacted the world with innovative products or services. To a lesser extent we hear about the social entrepreneurs, who in similar fashion, change the world with innovative arrangements of resources to improve the quality of lives of the disadvantaged. Those individuals who, with tenacity and creativity, pursue ventures to address some of societies most pressing challenges, such as poverty, health and education. They measure their success not by monetary profit, but rather by the magnitude of the change in improving the quality of life of disadvantaged communities.
Social entrepreneurs are not content just to give a fish or teach how to fish. They will not rest until they have revolutionized the fishing industry – Bill Drayton, CEO, chair and founder of Ashoka
Social Entrepreneurs are truly the unsung heroes of our day. With visions that transcends personal or financial achievement for the greater good of mankind, they challenge the status quo (Latin for “the mess we’re in”) of societal dilemmas, and create sustainable life-changing value through similar application of the principles and entrepreneurial process inherent to business entrepreneurs.
An example of such a person is Muhammad Yunus who has translated vision into practical action for the benefit of millions of people, not only in Bangladesh, but also in many other countries. From modest beginnings three decades ago, Yunus, through Grameen Bank, has developed micro-credit into an important instrument in the struggle against poverty.
Social entrepreneurs identify opportunities where others only see problems. They view the disadvantaged community as the solution, not the passive beneficiary. They begin with the assumption of empowerment and unlocking resources in the communities they serve. They give true meaning to the phrase “make meaning.”
For more on social entrepreneurship visit the following organisations’ websites:
To all the social entrepreneurs out there… We salute you! Thank you for making the world a better place.
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