Governments Urged to Protect Poorest Against Modern Slavery

In this UN news story, we’re sad to see more of the same… Standard practices in development continue to fail to listen to those whose voices matter most. With financing in development already in a slowdown before the pandemic, now, according to the UN independent human rights expert on the right to development, Saad Alfarargi:

 "Communities across the globe report that they are not being involved as decision makers from the start of discussions surrounding which development projects to finance. On the contrary (he added) development banks, governments and companies often propose projects without their input."

And now, in the context of COVID-19 communities are even more at risk. The UN are taking note of the risks of governments easing labour rights as a quick fix to economic concerns, worried that "there is an acute risk that the poorest will be pushed into bonded labour, forced labour or other contemporary forms of slavery for survival." 

More jobs, more rights for workers, less poverty!

#BusinessIsBetter

This article was published in UN News on September 16, 2020.

COVID-19: Female Entrepreneurs in Developing Countries

Image from the article on Borgen Magazine

Even Borgen Magazine says #BusinessIsBetter.

Just check out this article. #BusinessISBetter. Exactly how Alternativ has seen women and other former program graduates all over the world rapidly adjust their business models to serve their communities in times of crisis, this article looks closer at the evolving roles of female entrepreneurs in developing nations. Key Quotes:

“The informal economy (industries such as hospitality, custodial services, cooking and eldercare) employs up to 70% of women working in developing countries.”

”One of the most effective preventative solutions for COVID-19 is also a way to aid vulnerable women: getting cash to female entrepreneurs in developing countries.”

”Supporting female workers and investing in women’s entrepreneurial ventures directly helps contain the COVID-19 pandemic.”

From the Borgen Project Magazine on August, 18 2020.

Innovation in a Time of Crisis: Entrepreneurs' Response to the Pandemic

This article by the Kenan Institute explores how while COVID-19 takes the stage as an all-demanding problem that the world is racing to solve, opportunity lies with innovators and entrepreneurs. While healthcare professionals innovate in their search for vaccines, entrepreneurs innovate in their products and services as COVID turns normal business upside down. At Alternativ, we've seen the same exact thing. When hit with the pandemic and associated concerns (lockdowns, impacts to supply chains, need for new products, etc.) Alternativ graduates have used the skills they gained from training to innovate on their existing business models and address immediate community needs. Just scroll on down to our last blog!

Article from the Kenan Institute, from April 2020, by Chris Bingham, Mahka Moeen, and Ted Zoller.

Video Blog: Why Business Training and Support is More Relevant than Ever...

Our last blog was jam packed with updates and information from both Alternativ partners/graduates as well as international development experts around the world, all showcasing why #BusinessIsBetter in getting back on track with UN Sustainable Development Goals in a post COVID 19 world.

So Daniel, our Manager of Communications, and the rest of the team felt that we should share it again, through, perhaps, a format that’s a little more personal than a blog post. Although he might be a little nervous in front of a camera saying what needs to be said… here’s Daniel talking about why business training and support is now more relevant than ever.

Whether its in addressing fallout from COVID-19 and associated lockdowns, or the international community’s general goal to eradicate world poverty by 2030, Alternativ is committed to the truth that charity doesn’t end poverty, but business can. You can see more in our previous blog post below.

#Changemakers. #SustainableDevelopment. #BusinessIsBetter

Why Business Training and Support is More Relevant than Ever - Post COVID-19

A note from Alternativ

The last few months have certainly been a turbulent time for Alternativ partner organizations, training graduates, our local supporters and families and communities all over the world.

A recent blog by the World Bank Managing Director of Operations Axel van Trotsenberg claims that “due to the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, four out of five people in the global workforce of 3.3 billion are currently affected by full or partial workplace closures.”

Those closest to us have lost their jobs and entered into hardships never before seen. Alternativ graduates and daily wage earners all over the world have been forced to shut down their businesses. In Uganda, new apprentices and other recent hires empowered to seek opportunities for the first time in their lives have been laid off. In Nepal, families surviving on remittances from their loved ones working abroad have suddenly seen sources of income evaporate. More of the same can be seen both locally and wherever Alternativ and our partners have worked to empower communities and inspire entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Before 2020, acting under the guidance of the UN SDGs (learn more), the international community had celebrated consistent and steady declines in global poverty for almost 30 years. For the first time since 1990, it is more than certain that these numbers will again rise (see UN working paper: https://www.wider.unu.edu/sites/default/files/Publications/Working-paper/PDF/wp2020-43.pdf)

The same World Bank blog states:

“The economic and social impacts of the pandemic are reverberating globally: amid great uncertainty, we can all foresee a very different world for a long time to come. Millions more people are likely to fall into extreme poverty as a result of COVID-19, and the existing poor will experience even deeper deprivation.”

Should we hope to curb the global economic effects of today’s concerns, it is then, without question, that we work to integrate and optimize development programs with a long-term focus, emphasizing what has worked effectively and promoted self-sustainability. Although great strides have been made, as has been argued and proven time and time again (view more on our why business page) as well as emphasized in various formal studies, standard practices in development and aid have not shown to be very effective in eliminating poverty. This study by William Easterly, Economics at NYU, makes the same conclusion using quantifiable indicators and empirical models looking specifically at both UN and private development initiatives.

https://williameasterly.files.wordpress.com/2010/08/61_easterly_williamson_rhetoricvsreality_prp.pdf

When we invest in entrepreneurship, education, and business support, we encourage learning and we encourage trial and error. We break dependency. We promote innovation.

As Deirdre N. McCloskey. esteemed professor at the University Of Chicago, outlines in her book “Bourgeois Dignity: Why Economics Can't Explain the Modern World”, by investing in entrepreneurship, we “enable poor societies to find ways to create new approaches to help them move out from their plight.”

And we have seen this occur naturally, evident by Alternativ graduates all over the world rapidly shifting their business models or jumping on new opportunities to make a difference in their lives.

Alternativ Graduates shift business models to make Masks - Picture credit TOLI International

Alternativ Graduates shift business models to make masks - Picture credit TOLI International

Shanitah closed the doors of her shop, but not her business, keeping in touch with her customers via phone and FB and selling off have of her stock by the time lockdowns subsided.

Soap and cleaning supply business started to provide essential communities needs during lockdowns. - Picture credit TOLI International

Alternativ’s Business Essentials Curriculum and Mentorship Program has had incredible results uplifting individuals and families all over the world. But it’s only one part of the equation.

American entrepreneurs and business owners (like many of you reading this blog) did not get where you are alone. You surrounded yourself with effective team members and mentors. You grew up in an environment where taking risks was encouraged, where ongoing education was valued. You had access to business resources and support bodies, lawyers to help file patents, bankers to give credit, and more.

When society as a whole adds legitimacy, dignity, and liberty to entrepreneurs, entire social ecosystems change. When women are given opportunities to earn money, domestic situations improve. When people are shown how to budget and manage finances they are better prepared for emergencies. When communities come together to learn and pool resources, they unite and they grow. When individuals are taught business, they bring new markets and services into their community and they provide solutions to community problems. When local leaders in one village in The Democratic Republic of Congo see jobs and innovation grow after Alternativ Training, others request it in their village, for their own communities. Slowly but surely, individuals are equipped with the tools they need to get out of poverty. Slowly but surely, even the most marginalized gain equality and inclusion. Slowly but surely, governments and policy makers take notice.

“Entrepreneurship can be harnessed to fuel positive, sustainable global impact much faster than any other form of social good”

CEO - All Across Africa

Now, more than ever, Alternativ is committed to the truth that #BusinessIsBetter. While we, as a global society, move past addressing short-term emergency concerns brought on by COVID-19 and look towards addressing global poverty and refocusing on UN SDGs, we know that charity doesn’t end poverty. But business can.

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P.S. Want to support Alternativ in its mission to promote business as a tool to eradicate poverty? Donate today or join The A Team as a corporate sponsor.

Despite uncertainty and unease at home and around the world, Alternativ's work continues. Business IS Better.

- A note from Alternativ’s Executive Director -

*Previously Published: April 2nd 2019

For many of our communities, lockdowns around the world have caused many increased hardships and fueled underlying social issues. We've seen directly and heard stories of food shortages, economic despair, increased domestic violence, and more and our hearts are saddened.

We've also facing unprecedented times of civil unrest at home and want to make sure you know that Alternativ stands with our brothers and sisters of color, both at home and abroad, as we seek to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly.

Despite all of this, during these difficult times, we've also seen inspiring accounts of determination and rapid program adjustments to meet immediate community needs in addressing the fallout from COVID-19.

To share a few... ​

In the Democratic Republic Of Congo Alternativ partners Totonga Bomoi and One Thread - Reeds of Hope, in addition to requiring to close their respective training/support centers, border closures imposed by country lock down policies caused costs of basic food goods (like flour, salt, rice etc) to increase by anywhere from 30 - 900%. While the organizations quickly changed gears to address short term food needs, women from one center were able to leave with their OWN money that they had been saving as part of requirement of joining the hybrid One Thread / Alternativ program. Thus, they were able to experience, first-hand, the importance of saving for unplanned emergencies, a concept many had learned for the first time in their Alternativ Training! When emergency struck they were immediately in a better position than many of their peers who had not had this education.

Alternativ's Strategic Partnership and Commitment to Uganda (read more) has also seen many setbacks due to concerns in health and sanitation and otherwise. Following years of success after incorporating Alternativ training into The Remnant Generation’s “School of Purpose,” originally serving as a health/social center for young mothers in very difficult situations, 2020 was going to be the year where business propelled forward. Through vocational training, combined with Alternativ programs, young women were getting jobs, starting businesses, and improving their own and other lives in their communities, directly after graduating. Alternativ and the Remnant Generation were awarded a grant to expand the center’s business services and had invested to expand physical space (to offer shared office, storage, product display and other community areas) purchase computers, printers, and other materials central to business operations, as well as to hire additional staff to support the expansion. We had also planned to travel to Uganda in the fall to run another community training and further equip Remnant staff to continue their great work through our Train The Trainers program.

The pandemic has put this all of this on pause. The products mentioned above have yet to be delivered, stuck in limbo due to essential vs. nonessential working orders. The center had to close and many women were forced to return to where they originally sought refuge from. Funding rapidly had to be adjusted to maintain Remnant's vital staff. Recent graduates were laid off from their new jobs. Financial and other burdens have caused increased reports of gender based violence and, in some cases, the necessity of exchanging sexual acts for needed resources. This has obviously attributed to the general cloud of uncertainty and fear for the future. However, these challenging times also have presented opportunities for business. Two girls used what they had learned in training to innovate and after seeing market opportunity due to movement restrictions, began developing and selling snacks in their immediate community, while 5 girls have formed a small collective and have made, sold, and donated reusable masks. 

Although our hearts are heavy due to the difficulties and delays caused by ongoing concerns, Alternativ remains committed to our original goals to develop the Business Incubator and further our impact in Uganda. As funding has and will very likely continue to be adjusted due to short term emergency concerns and developments related to COVID, please do consider making a donation to help refuel Alternativ's strategic commitment to business development in Uganda. 

“We note with concern that if girls don’t get an income stimulus and business coaching, many will struggle to revive/start their businesses. We are stretching the incubation program to provide opportunity for girls to work on business solutions together. Initially, only 5 girls were going to receive startup capital. We would like to stretch this opportunity to benefit more girls. ”

— Annabelle Nakabiri Ssebakijje, Director, The Remnant Generation

In Pakistan, even before any current developments, 65% of the country lived on less than $1 a day; only 20% of women were involved in the labor force, 20 million children were not in school and young people were threatened by early marriage, extremism, and more more. Alternativ had partnered with the Moqah Foundation to change this. 2019 saw more than 60 emerging entrepreneurs trained in the Alternativ Business Essentials Course, with another 70 plus on the books for training this year. The goal was to slowly organize microfunding and grants to support local bazaars and independent vendors that had blossomed in communities that had received training, all while slowly displaying the economic and social benefits of ensuring women are provided opportunity to work and education. This has come to halt as have a majority of general economic activities with people finding themselves with little or nothing to eat due to the lack of work and income. As such, local leaders have worked to provide food rations to families most impacted and with your support on Facebook, Alternativ was able to contribute an additional $750 for food rations. THANK YOU!

You can help us reach more families by sending additional funding for supplies and food items.

It's important to note that communities all over the world, in countries where Alternativ training is implemented or where we hope to train, have been impacted in some way by current concerns. As evident by the above and current developments at home in the United States, many underlying community issues or social issues have been further inflamed by anxiety and uncertainty caused by the pandemic and accompanying policies, laws, and events. 

Together, we will push through these uncertain times. Local business and community leaders and all emerging entrepreneurs Alternativ and our partners serve all over the world will lead the way. Small business, community empowerment, education, and unity (the kind that inspires individuals to rise up together) will be more important than ever. 

Business Is Better.

Lauren Hallaron DeSutter

Executive Director, Alternativ Global Entrepreneurs

These 30 International Entrepreneurs Really Are Solving the World's Problems

Take a look at 30 amazing entrepreneurs from around the world! This article dug up from Entrepreneur.com shows how some of the world’s biggest, newest, and most impactful tech and other companies come from everywhere, not just Silicon Valley! Some of the countries represented on this list are those where Alternativ has brought our Business Essentials Training. Go Business!

“As this list of incredible minds illustrates, international entrepreneurs are not limited by gender, age, background, location or preconceived notions.”

Article from Entrepreneur.com by Serenity Gibbons, June 17, 2017.

Global poverty reduction slows – but there’s a fix

The first and foremost of the UN’s sustainable development goals is to annihilate poverty by 2030. However, according to the University of Oxford’s “Our World in Data”, in ten years there will still be 500 million people in extreme poverty, i.e. living on $1.90 a day (figure given by the World Bank). According to Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, the issue lies in the flower pot. Poor countries don’t have good enough institutions of justice (flower pot) to grow to the full of their potential.

Article from Action Institute by Andrew Vanderput, May 10, 2019.

How “Made in Rwanda” is breathing life into Kigali’s fashion scene

Rwanda’s economy being mostly about subsistence agriculture and tourism might be disturbed by the new high end fashion wave gaining the country. With the creation of multiple highly technical fashion houses, Rwanda proves to the world its unique flair and growing appetite for economic growth. Read and discover how this small country in Central East Africa rivals with developed countries in the fashion world.

Article from Quartz Africa by Abdi Latif Dahir, May 25th 2019

These are the world’s most creative countries

A study by the Martin Prosperity Institute shows the connection between creativity and global economic development, ranking the world countries with a new model of economic development called the 3Ts : talent, technology and tolerance.

Discover this new model and the international ranking. 1st place goes to Australia, second, USA. You will have to click on the read more to know about the rest.

World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development

Held every year on 21 May, the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures, but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue for achieving peace and sustainable development. The United Nations General Assembly first declared this World Day in 2002, following UNESCO’s adoption of the 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity,  recognizing the need to “enhance the potential of culture as a means of achieving prosperity, sustainable development and global peaceful coexistence.” 

5 things I wish someone told me when I first started – Carla Javits, REDF President and CEO

Carla Javits, was interviewed recently by Yitzi Weiner, a writer for Forbes, Huffpost and creator of the blog series – “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me,” which appears in Thrive Global. In it, he interviews CEO’s, leaders, and celebrities in order to share advice that can empower people and help to improve the world. This is an excerpt from that conversation.