Is Social Capitalism Alive in Ireland?
January 13, 2004
The latest issue of Fast Company applauds social capitalism and draws attention to some of the more noteworthy projects taking place. Social capitalism applys the principles of entrepreneurship to social problems to improve lives, not to generate profit. majority of the cases highlighted are focussed on addressing social problems in the US, such as education and health, but there are a few that look to helping our brothers and sisters from developing nations. One example is Room to Read which aims to improve literacy levels in Nepal, Cambodia and Vietnam.
The reason I raise this in today's blog is because I'd love to know if social capitalism is alive and well in Ireland?
Since my return to this country in 2001, I heard one story about a successful entrepreneur who is building houses in the shanty towns outside Cape Town, but that's about it really. For a nation that used to pride ourselves on our giving - we were the highest per capita donors at Live Aid - I wonder if that spirit still survives, or if our recent increase in wealth has removed our memories of poverty and famine that spurred us on to act.
Speaking of famine, BBC showed a very interesting programme last night about Ethiopia 20 years on. Yes, it is 20 years since Michael Buerk's disturbing images of dying children hit the 6 o'clock news and made the world open its eyes and act.
There is no shortage of worthy projects and issues to tackle, I'm just wondering if there is a shortage of social entrepreneurs?