"The Earth is but One Country
and Mankind its Citizen"
– Bahá'u'lláh



Social Enterprise Program

Introduction

Participants of the program sharing materials during the training

The Social Enterprise Program is designed to enhance the capacity of individuals and institutions to contribute to the social and economic development of their communities. Participants begin by analyzing the needs and opportunities in their communities, and then develop plans for how they will respond to the opportunities and challenges before them. Initial efforts are often modest, but as the participants gain experience and confidence, they are able to take on more complex and sustained activities.

Initial efforts are often modest, but as the participants gain experience and confidence, they are able to take on more complex and sustained activities

Two elements stand out in the Social Enterprise Program. One is the importance of science, the second the importance of collaboration and cooperation. The Badi Foundation recognizes that for individuals and communities to take a more active role in their own development, it is essential that they understand and have access to the scientific developments occurring around the world. For this reason, developing an understanding of science and helping to advance the culture of science in the community are important parts of all social enterprise courses.

The second element is the importance of collaboration and cooperation. Social Enterprise courses help to develop the skills needed for effective cooperation, whether it be in implementing a new system of production on one's farm or in improving the standard of education in one's classroom. As participants in the program collaborate to share knowledge and overcome difficulties, they find that they have far greater resources at their disposal than they previously thought.