American Social Enterprise Building Schools in Uganda

George Srour, founder of a social enterprise called "Building Tomorrow" in the U.S., has taken up a challenging task of setting up schools for needy children in Uganda. Building Tomorrow has already opened seven schools in the country, and it is looking at taking up this figure to 15 schools very soon. The seven schools at present are providing education to more than 2,000 students.

George Srour, who at one time worked as an intern with the United Nations, says, "You don't have to be a Bill Gates or a Warren Buffet to apply yourself and make a difference. A really normal person, who had no previous affiliation but felt something, has been able to start making that difference. That can be a pretty powerful for people to see."

Srour does not view his social enterprise as just another charity that is dependent on other people and institutions for money. He does not believe in simply forwarding funds or financial assistance to the needy, but wants to engage closely with the social projects that his enterprise funds. Srour's aim is to create a new force for social change in Uganda. He says, "We are passionate about everyone doing their fair share. Everyone we work with has a stake in the work that we do."

Through Srour's efforts, U.S. colleges are building long-term one-on-one relationships with the Ugandan communities which they raise funds for. Local Ugandans donate land and labor, while the government of Uganda pays the salaries to the school teachers. "Building Tomorrow" also closely engages with the students in the U.S. to teach them about the challenges the children in poorer countries face. This helps generate social responsibility and a sense of empathy in the U.S. students for their less fortunate counterparts in Uganda.

Srour says, "We have students who have moved on, who are doing things, have graduated. It's incredible to see so many applying to Peace Corps, applying their talents, their ability, to something that's for the greater good." U.S. students have already raised more than $750,000 for Srour's social enterprise over the last five years.

Photo Credit: onetwo