The world is shifting and it is affecting the development, NGO, and ministry work in developing regions like Africa. The shift is not just about an economic crisis but a reframing of expectations of those who support the work and those who are beneficiaries of the work. The key question is not just serving, but serving in a way that is sustainable socially, economically, and environmentally. Serving in a way that empowers those we serve not keep them dependent on systems meant to help them.
In Africa, this means a shift in focus from feeding widows and orphans, providing basic education, and other minimal interventions to developing communities economically and empowering them socially so they can take care of their own and even help other communities. While some organizations may deny that change is upon them, large institutions like the World Bank are asking how can they stay relevant in a world where developing nations are growing rapidly? They are also asking how can we partner instead of patronize the communities we serve.
The Building Sustainable Prosperity in Africa workshop brings together people from ministry and missions, development, other NGOs, kingdom entrepreneurs, and business to explore socially good business models with market-based strategies. The objectives of the workshop are to:
- Provide a fresh framework of economic empowerment in Africa.
- Explore sustainable social good business models.
- Identify key strategies organizations can leverage for success in this new paradigm.
- Have organizational leaders develop a draft high-level strategy.
- Leverage resources and networks of organizations represented.
One of the key speakers is Richard Schroeder, CEO of First Step, a company which owns an economic zone of the same name in Sierra Leone and is a subsidiary of World Hope International (a Christian humanitarian aid and development organization). First Step has been featured on CNN and BBC, and serves as a key attraction used by the Sierra Leone government to draw investors to the country.
Come learn, share, and prepare yourself for the shift that is underway!
WORKSHOP INCLUDES
- Full workshop attendance
LOGISTICS
Date: Saturday, April 28, 2012
Cost: Free, (Lunch and Book, $30)
Venue: TBA
City: Charlotte, NC, USA
For further information, contact us at [email protected] or +1.202.379.2922.
