| Bangladesh
Field of actions as a social entrepreneur
Education
Rights of Women & Children
Drugs
Environment
Your personal work and expectations for the future
The Original Dream:I was not happy as a teen age student with what was happening
around me. The healthy academic atmosphere, the friendly environment,
the logical discussion on various issues, or dealing with subjects
outside syllabus, all too were lacking so much in my school days
that I was desperately looking for a change. A change that ensures
all these mentioned above available. I wanted students to know
about their problems, and the problems being faced by the society
in different spheres. I also dreamt students would engage themselves
in various development activities, and acquire problem solving
ability to become better equipped for bigger responsibility in
future.
And the demoralizing scene in the society, the reign of terror,
corruption, injustice, autocracy, and denial of various rights
for the common people made me committed to work for the children
in the high schools who would know more, be more conscious and
grow up as better citizenry than their predecessors to create
a more just and equitable society. And hence i floated the organization
'Working for Better life (WBL)' in 95 after my studies, unnecessarily
lingered due to political disturbances, were over in Dhaka University.
The Action: The idea or the strategy of this organization is to engage Bangladeshi
school students in social debates to divert their attention away
from uninformed political activity and antisocial behavior and
towards participation in the social sector. Thousands of teen
age students in hundreds of schools have been so far organized
under Debate club in Bangladesh by our organization. By creating
the structures for them to hold debates and Round Table Discussion
program among themselves on serious issues such as Drug addiction,
Women and Children Rights, Environment Pollution in front of key
policymakers, I try to provide students with an avenue for civic
participation and policy impact. Students discuss various issues
through parliamentary style debate program or in round table discussion
program among their fellow mates and with their teachers, parents
and invited guests from the policy. They research in the community
to know in depth about the subject they discuss, bring out wall
magazine on various issues in their schools, regularly contribute
in the school bulletin published to highlight their activities,
also organize and participate Seminar on issues where students
from various schools present paper and engage in follow up discussion.
Expectations for the Future: After participation in issue based debate and discussion programs,
students who previously did no reading outside of their prescribed
syllabus have begun to read for themselves and participate in
their communities. Their knowledge of complex social issues has
dramatically increased and they develop a sense of self worth.
I envisage that this program first of its kind in Bangladesh,
shall bridge the gap between Bangladesh's academic community and
general public. And serious problem oriented projects will be
initiated by the students enabling them to participate in development
activities for their problem torn country. I seriously hope and
expect students one of the most potential sections of the society,
come forward in the nation building activities out side their
school time and make significant contribution from an early stage
of life.
Your personal definition of Social Entrepreneur
Social Entreprenuers are those citizens who care enough and skilled
enough to press for social change. Like a business entrepreneur,
a social Entreprenuer has exceptional levels of vision, creativity
and determination, and frequently creates entirely new projects
& programs instead of industries which is beneficial for mass
people. He or she devotes to come up with new solutions to social
problems. The person is a creative problem solver who is able
to identify effective alternatives when faced with complications.
S/He is able to set out workable future steps and find innovative
ways of keeping his/her work moving in a positive direction. The
person is an independent and persuasive leader capable of managing
and inspiring others in the society. S/He should have a sound
leadership/administrative skills and be able to efficiently and
effectively manage all aspects of his/her program, the person
should be demonstrably ethical and honest, and lastly the individual
must be able to not only outline concrete measures to implement
an idea but must also have a clear plan for creating an impact
on a large scale. (Sources : Various Publication of Ashoka:Innovators
for the Public)
The useful suggestion that CFF member would give to all potential
& active social entrepreneurs
oWe should remain honest in personal as well as professional life.
oWe should be optimistic, hardworking, committed to our work and
never give up our hope & aspiration.
oWe should do some specific good works regularly, set examples,
let others know about our good works and inspire others to engage
in good works.
oWe should plan with others, devise programs for social change
and engage others to work according to our plan, instead of engaging
ourselves in the day to day work of our projects/programs.
oWe should see more and more new people every day and inspire
them and do advocacy for our vision, try to influence people who
are at the policy, but shall never try to involve ourselves in
power-politics. To be precise, we shall try to influence politicians,
but never involve in politics.
oWe must build local, regional & international network among the
active Social Entreprenuers and help each other with all sorts
of support.
oWe must take care of ourselves and ensure that we live a healthy
& sound life both physically & mentally.
Find more about you:
See also:
http://www.changemakers.net/journal/98sept/friedman.html |
