On August 3, a team of young professionals, students and entrepreneurs from Greater China concluded an 8-day social innovation program in Rwanda focused on sustainability and innovation.
The question of how to balance economic productivity with environmental responsibility is an increasingly important one for the next generation in Africa, in China, and around the world. This summer, Beijing-based youth organizations Kente & Silk and Philanthropy in Motion (PIM) set out to provide emerging young leaders from Greater China with a platform to explore that balance on the ground in Rwanda.
Through workshops, dialogues, and field visits, participants dived into Rwanda’s leading international efforts to develop a green, low-carbon and sustainable economy.
“I really appreciate that we’ve been able to meet with so many diverse business people here,” commented one participant from Hong Kong. “I think these leaders are actually putting a lot of things that we talk about– innovation, tech – into positive use.”
A photograph of participants at StarTimes offices in Rwanda
Kente & Silk, a social enterprise focused on changing the perception of Africa in China by creating opportunities for collaboration, partnered up with Philanthropy in Motion (PIM), an education organization with a mission to empower the next generation of changemakers, to create the 360° Deep Dive program this August.
A photogragh of participants at Zipline .
“We chose to host our first deep dive in Rwanda because Rwanda defies the stereotypes many Chinese people have of Africa,” commented Kente & Silk Co-Founder Zahra Baitie. “It has transformed itself at a breathtaking speed, and is a strong example of good governance, stability, rapid innovation and sustainability. We believed a trip to Rwanda would not only shift perceptions but also provide participants opportunities to learn from Rwanda’s example, and thus give birth to meaningful collaborations and further engagement.”
Through immersion opportunities and interaction with entrepreneurs, academics, and public-sector officials, the 8 young leaders from China were able to gain a deeper understanding of Rwanda’s progress and vision in achieving an efficient, sustainable, and green economy. In the process of cultural exchange and mutual learning, the program has also opened up exciting new opportunities for the next generation in China and Africa to have meaningful discussions, and to start a new chapter in the Africa-China story. “I have so much to learn about China’s presence in the continent of Africa,” concluded one participant, “and now I know I just have to learn more.”
With support from Akilah Institute, a women’s college in Kigali, PIM and Kente & Silk brought together 8 rising young leaders from China, Hong Kong and the US. The trip to Rwanda was an exciting and inspiring experience, as the participants came to explore and understand Rwanda through a different lens, which not only included readings and academic discussions, but also workshops, site visits, and hands-on analysis of Rwanda’s social innovation and sustainable policies.
Source: Kente & Silk (K&S)
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