The 1010 Project, a charity known for micro-financing community-based organizations (CBOs) in Kenya, visited DU last Wednesday to consult with students on how to improve the group’s business model.
After operating for more than seven years, the 1010 Project in Kenya has found many systemic problems pertaining to its ability to monitor and evaluate business practices. Therefore, in coordination with the Social Brink, the 1010 Project decided to conduct a presentation and innovation forum.
“We wanted to engage diverse students in examining our current model and the model we are moving toward,” said Brian Rants, executive director of Project 1010.
1010 is an non-governmental organization that mainly focuses on building from the grassroots an economy for the impoverished Kenyan population.
The role of the organization in the community has been defined differently from a typical international organization implementing a direct path to economic development.
Carlson said that the role of a Project 1010 employee is to be, “A consultant acting as a coach, to be an encourager and a facilitator rather than a direct manager [for the community].”
The event was organized by the Social Brink, a student organization that started in January 2010 by Jennifer Armstrong, Amy Huttan and Julie Markham, whose stated purpose is to “inform, inspire, and innovate” the student body toward social entrepreneurial endeavors.
“A social entrepreneur is that person who has an innovative and creative idea to solve a social ill with an income generating activity,” said Adam Delp, chief operating officer.
The forum was aimed primarily at informing the students of the NGO’s work rather than explore the innovation of procedure.
The student turnout included Social Brink members and others interested in international development. The Social Brink also revealed an interest to bring the 1010 back to campus to continue the partnership process.
“[The forum was] very interactive and great exchange in knowledge,” said Lisa Guetzkow, a DU student.
“It was phenomenal opportunity to engage with local change agents,” said Alexander Page, another student.
Finally, as everybody left Vincent Buscar enthusiastically hollered back across the Driscoll Ballroom, “It was awesome.”
