Travelpedia

A solution to Corruption? - Social Enterprise  The Social Enterprise model differs from a traditional charity model, as the recipients are paying a fair price for the good or service. As long as the customers continue to purchase the good, there is proof that the product is needed. The main benefit of this model compared to charity, is the sustainability and long-term impact. Charity donations are largely affected by the current economic conditions in the donor country, and as such, donation levels can vary drastically. In periods of strong economic prosperity, charities receive large donations that can be distributed to the developing nations in need. The problem arises when these funds are reduced. The services and goods that were being relied upon stop arriving from the charities and as a result, many individuals and families are placed in a precariously isolated situation. From a broad perspective, and from the arguments above, my team and I truly b...

A solution to Corruption? - Social Enterprise Please forgive the clickbait title, as there is no easy way to solve corruption. This trait has been ingrained in human society since the dawn of time, and no new business model can fix this. Yet this new relatively new business model, social enterprise, does have merit in contributing aid in areas particularly stricken with corruption. The company I worked with in Malawi, Project Everest, is dedicated to creating socially beneficial goods and services for the people who need them. By creating socially beneficial goods and services, in comparison to monetary and other forms of aid, there is no chance for corrupt government bodies and officials to act as a middleman in the distribution process. By providing sustainable and socially beneficial business straight to the consumers in need. The inherent problem with the charity model will be explored in the next blog post, as for a special treat, this topic deserves a more in depth a...

Social Injustice - Malawi There are a variety of reasons to visit Malawi, but there are also a variety of reasons not to. The social-injustice present in this small economy creates a great deal of social problems. Government corruption is a large portion of this social-injustice. The number of late model Mercedes-Benz vehicles throughout Blantyre, the city I spent most of my time in, was unattractively contrasted with the disturbing figure of average income in Malawi. The latest figures state that the average yearly income in Malawi per person is $608.31 AUD, but has been declining since 2014. Government corruption in Malawi creates a large divide between the population, and often furthers a distinct race segregation. In Malawi, the wealthy class is predominately of Indian heritage, whereas the mass populace is of African heritage. Throughout the 5 weeks I spent in this welcoming, yet troubled population, I witnessed no dislike between these two parties, yet the distinction i...