What are your resolutions for 2007?
Finding the funds to start my non-profit (first project: to build desperately needed adult ed facilities, starting in SA and hopefully eventually globally).
And then DO IT!
LEIGH BARRETT PROJECT
Changing the world through education
Contact leighbarrettproject@yahoo.com for more information.
HIV/AIDS, CRIME, CHILD ABUSE
Awful words.
Realities that often seem insurmountable.
HOW DO WE SOLVE SOME OF THE WORLD’S DESPERATE PROBLEMS?
One word.
EDUCATION
Research over the decades has shown repeatedly that a well-educated population displays a lower percentage of violence, crime, abuse and disease.
Many wonderful organizations are doing extraordinary work with primary education, aids and other preventable disease. However, not as much work is being done with those adults who are living with these realities now – and the despair and hopelessness that accompanies a lack of education, minimal opportunities, coupled with the responsibility of taking care of themselves and their families.
That hopelessness can often manifest itself in two main ways: a birth of entrepreneurship, or a turn to crime to survive.
It’s wonderful when a person who has nothing, finds the ability and skills to create their own business. But for so many, the lack of education and knowledge just does not exist.
For those people, the Leigh Barrett Project offers a solution.
Launching the LBP in South Africa – a country that has
an extraordinarily high crime rate and unemployment rate – a new concept in
adult education is available.
Our goal is to teach unemployed and unskilled adults how to become not only employable in a variety of markets, but how to be entrepreneurs and create their own opportunities in areas and communities where they are sorely needed.
With the assistance of professionals in various related industries, students will be directly involved in the building of the facilities – learning building skills in a hands-on environment.
Plumbing students, trainee electricians – all learning skills they can use in their own communities. Classes will be provided to teach building codes and the theoretical side of the students chosen industry.
Once the building is completed, carpentry students will furnish the classrooms and workshops with furniture they make.
The classrooms and workshops will then be used to teach other practical skills, such as auto mechanics, welding, plumbing, office machine maintenance and repair, basic home improvement, painting, plastering, repairs – all fields: furniture restoration, bicycle repair (and other non-auto vehicles).
Other classes include:
Academic classes: literacy, writing, basic bookkeeping, basic legal knowledge, service skills, etc.
Rural classes: farming as a business, organic farming, etc.
While students are learning these invaluable skills, they will also be required to take classes in small business management, thus equipping them to advance their lives in a meaningful way. Students should graduate not only with practical skills, but also with the knowledge of how to run their business on a daily basis.
This manner of learning will mean that strong networks will be formed with fellow students as well as industry professionals and educators. This network or support system should include a mentor to help them with any problems that occur after they graduate.
Wherever possible, funding to support them in the initial process of starting their business should be sought.
Instructors will be asked to spot additional strengths in students, such as salesmanship, creative design, and potential employers alerted to special or gifted students.
Never underestimate the value of self-esteem! When a person has no hope, the tendency is to turn to crime to survive. With this program, those who reluctantly choose that course are now given ever reason to create a new life for themselves and their families. They can start to contribute to their communities – and the ripple effect created will absolutely affect the country as a whole in a positive and lasting way.
It’s not enough to give people hope.
It’s infinitely better to give them skills!
