Firms collaborate for emergence of Social Enterprise Network Nigeria
La Roche Leadership and Education Foundation identified and rewarded some young dynamic individuals who are using their skills, resources and network to creatively provide solutions to society’s most pressing needs. These awardees were later encouraged by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to form a network and develop a framework that will make it easier for government to partner with them on Social Enterprise Network Nigeria.
Social Enterprise Network Nigeria comprise group of organisations (Wecyclers, West Africa Vocational Education, Pea Foundation, Fair Life Africa Foundation, Easyshop Easycook, Stand to End Rape Initiative, among others) that applies commercial strategies to maximize improvements in human and developmental well-being rather than maximizing profits for external shareholders.
Members of the network develop and implement sustainable strategies to tackle key issues like promoting and improving a reading culture among the populace; reducing environmental degradation; equipping unemployed youths with work place skills and experience; eradicating illiteracy and promoting adult education; ending rape and securing justice for its victims; facilitating mentoring for children from disadvantaged background; promoting the education of the girl child and equipping them with ICT skills and many more.
Speaking at the inaugural press briefing held in Lagos recently, Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, Co-founder/CEO, Wecyclers, says “Wecyclers empowers households with their waste by providing convenient recycling services to households in low-income areas. Households get redeemable points in return which can be exchanged for household goods, electronics, training classes and cash.”
The network which is currently in operation in Lagos is saddled with the vision to directly impact 100,000 people in various Nigerian states every year by providing an enabling environment for social enterprises in Lagos State.
Neolla Moshi, programme lead, West Africa Vocational Education, says “West Africa Vocational Education is a vertically-integrated vocational training platform that seeks to empower millions of West African youth with industry-relevant employability skills.”
Some goals and objectives of this network are: to facilitate collaboration among the members of the network therefore creating opportunities to scale their impact; and to sensitize the general public about the activities of social enterprise and subsequently encouraging them to partner and support social enterprises through voluntary service and or donations.
Adedapo Conde, founder, Pea Foundation, says “His foundation is committed to improving teaching and learning of less privileged children in every community in Lagos State. Our programme supports learning in and outside of the four walls of the classroom.”
PETER EHIGIATOR