Many international development efforts identify the needs within communities to plan for and implement programs. Problems are identified and solutions designed to address the deficiencies. The starting point is the notion that something is not working rather than identifying opportunities.
Because the world has changed drastically since the outbreak of COVID-19, we need to rethink this type of development. Every crisis brings opportunities for systemic change. Something which could just not be done before, all of a sudden has become the only viable option.
SINA is eliciting marginalized communities’ own potentials in Uganda to create solutions and pursue purpose in the world through social entrepreneurship. We believe a different approach for development exists, which does not look at communities’ deficiencies but starts from their capacities and what strengths already exist. These are leveraged to create change from within and by the community itself through self-organization. Challenges are turned into opportunities for social enterprises. Existing assets are activated to elicit solutions from the community itself. To start from what is strong, not what is wrong, calls for asking different kinds of questions we would like to discuss with further international student groups.
After the success of two international SINA Summer Schools and dozens of short programs for international university groups at SINA, we are seeking partnerships with universities to develop joint “Development Field Trips” to Uganda with the aim to emerge students into an intense experience. A trip to one of our SINA Communities in the refugee camps in Uganda has so far always been a highlight of any group we have engaged with and a mindset shift of the students.
If you are interested in co-creating tailor-made field courses and field trips in Uganda to give students first-hand experience in development contexts, reach out to us.
What others are saying about SINA:
“This is the most wonderful experience in my life ever.”
– Shu from Hong Kong
“It was one of my best experiences in Eastern Africa. I was so deeply impressed of their passion, their creative ideas and the unique spirit in this place. I could see how a mission of social innovation and a concept for innovative learning can turn life stories and change the world.”
– Anna from Germany