Check Ashoka’s Fellowship Program that gathers the best Social Entrepreneurs in the Arab region. Now you have a chance to join it.

Apply/ Nominate a Social Entrepreneur to Ashoka Fellowship and contribute to social positive change: http://www.ashoka-arab.org/about-ashoka/nominate-a-fellow.html

@Nakhweh: Good evening, we owe you a lot of “thank you’s” but this one if for accepting to be our guest for tonight. CSR in Arabia. A mix between charity & what CSR really means. What’s your definition?

@DinaShoman: CSR is beyond charity, it is engaging in & creating sustainable initiatives 2 help in important areas, includes volunteering. We cannot look at CSR as just donations and charity, this is not the solution. The sustainability part of it includes keeping in mind economic, social and environmental aspects as well.

@Nakhweh: From your point of view, where are we in Arabia when it comes to CSR?

@DinaShoman: Although mostly charity, there has been a shift in mindset to a more comprehensive CSR approach.The subject is still relatively new in the region in my view, but is picking up quickly, especially since there is a big need

@Nakhweh: Positive jealousy plays a role here?

@DinaShoman: Definitely! Nothing wrong with hoping that others will follow, but also because of the realization that there is a big need to do something more

@Nakhweh: You said volunteering, how much it’s needed with CSR and how does it support?

@DinaShoman: One of the most precious resources one can give is of his/her time, it gives extra helping hands to organizations, as well as builds better understanding and sense of responsibility in volunteers; one’s time is precious and together with combined efforts, we can do so much more

@Nakhweh: Since we like to be trouble makers… Give us examples for those who are doing real CSR in the region

@DinaShoman: Good one May I humbly start with @arabbankgroup, but honestly, there are many great organizations & foundations that do GREAT work, I am sure you are more informed than I am. What would be great though is if all combined efforts to ensure no duplication is done, and to maximize effect

@Nakhweh: We will accept the answer… @arabbankgroup is one of our main examples usually. Moving forward to ask about you as a person, you’re on the board of …? other than ours

@DinaShoman: On the NGO side, I am honored to be on the board of @JordanRiverFDN , @INJAZorg @raneenmedia and on the program committee board of @oasis_500, board of the Abdul Hameed Shoman Foundation and your advisory board.

@Nakhweh: We’re not going to ask why you’ve been chosen, we know the answer… Simply because you #KeepTheNakhweh… The question is, why would you accept being on them all? Especially that @JordanRiverFDN is the biggest in Jordan

@DinaShoman: I do try. Well of course @JordanRiverFDN is one of the biggest, but it cannot do everything alone by itself, there are many organizations that do great work, even those I am not on the board of, but I would like to add that. I don’t like to be on a board just for the sake of being on a board, if I cannot make the time or contribution, I refuse. As with organizations working together, would be great to see more collaboration on the NGO and initiatives level. New project for you

@Nakhweh: So you’re an EVP at @arabbankgroup & you’re managing to help all these… You have the time?

@DinaShoman: Definitely, one of the functions under Branding is sustainability which includes CSR, and it is a core area of interest for the bank and me personally, I make the time… Luckily all have been very understanding with scheduling meetings, as I hate to miss any meetings.

@Nakhweh: Then a message to those who pretend to be busy and unable to help?

@DinaShoman: When there is a will, there is a way… And if not you, you can find someone else in the organization to give time. With all due respect to all of us busy people, of course.

@Nakhweh: Thank you, enough said… A young global leader for the WEF… Congrats! How do you aim to take advantage of this for the good of Jordan?

@DinaShoman: Thank you! Well I am still exploring the opportunities, but looking forward to sharing ideas and taking advantage of the experience of other YGL’s around the world, and see what we can do for our beloved country.

@Nakhweh: Good luck with that, we bet you’ll do a lot…

@DinaShoman: Thank you, always proud to represent Jordan

@Nakhweh: Back to definitions, but this time it’s social entrepreneurship, how do you define it?

@DinaShoman: Nakhweh? but seriously, it is creation of initiatives for the better good of society, and not just in the CSR realm. I was serious about Nakhweh though. You can say that it deals more with social issues in an entrepreneurial way.

@Nakhweh: And is it really needed? weird question, but we need your insights

@DinaShoman: Not weird at all. I believe so, I think any innovative/entrepreneurial way of attempting to resolve or enhance social issues is a plus, it cannot hurt. Sometimes that is the only way that works.

@Nakhweh: And you think now youth have more opportunities to start an initiative than before? If yes, why?

@DinaShoman: Yes yes and yes… a few reasons, mostly there is a big need, plus they are more empowered and supported now they have the power and they are the main stakeholders of such initiatives, for a better future.

@Nakhweh: Social media maybe?

@DinaShoman: Of course, that goes without saying… social media is a powerful tool and means of reaching others, it is such a given that I didn’t even think to mention, we are so used to it.

@Nakhweh: We were about to ask a question but we’re gonna ask and answer it on your behalf… Would @arabbankgroup support an initiative? Yes, supported us before we become anything but a website

@DinaShoman: Yes we proudly did support you and proud of your achievements thus far

@Nakhweh: As a successful young businesswoman, what is your message to young people in Jordan?

@DinaShoman: You know I get asked that a lot, to be honest there is a lot I would like to say (maybe I will say it now). I would say never to give up, to continuously learn new things, to make sure you experience things & learn from them, rather than just want to jump to titles, positions and salaries… I would also say surround yourself with good honest people and mentors to help you, that there IS a brighter future and that it is never a one-man show, working together and not forgetting helping others and giving of yourself. Always be honest, give so you can get, and the sky is the limit. We have great talent and sharp minds in Jordanm we can achieve so much when we stop thinking of “me” and start thinking “we”… Celebrate each other and our success.

WOW, that was definitely a nice “fadfadeh” hope it wasn’t too long. Oh, and not to forget to get rid of the negativity and adopt the positive outlook, the CAN DO attitude. Like I said before, when there is a will, there is a way.

@Nakhweh: WOW! that was brilliant… Now we know why we click. Actually a question that crossed my mind as @kamelasmar; what would you say to someone who keeps saying “I’m not an entrepreneur and I will never be one?”

@DinaShoman: Is it because they don’t want to be, or think they can’t?

@Nakhweh: Thank you, message delivered. At the end, we would love to thank you for such an amazing conversation… Very inspiring. With you beside us, we will always be able to #KeepTheNakhweh

مقال بقلم غسان نقل – نائب رئيس مجلس الإدارة في مجموعة نقل:

عرف العالم مصطلح الريادة الاجتماعية في الستينيات والسبعينيات من القرن الماضي لكن سنوات الثمانينيات والتسعينيات شهدت انتشاراً أوسع لهذا المفهوم الذي يمزج بين جني الأرباح التي تثمر عنها العمليات التجارية المختلفة من جهة وفكرة التقدم الاجتماعي على مختلف الصعد من جهة أخرى، ليصار بعد ذلك إلى تكوين وابتكار أساليب جديدة وحديثة كان لها وقع كبير وأصداء واسعة على مفهوم العمل الاجتماعي الذي أصبح يستمد واحداً من أهم مصادر تمويله واستمراريته من مشاركة وإسهامات القطاعين العام والخاص بصورة أكثر فاعلية دعماً لعملية تطوير المجتمعات والارتقاء بالمستوى المعيشي لجميع طبقاته.

وفي العالم العربي بشكل عام، انطلقت فكرة العمل الاجتماعي من مفهوم الحسنة أو الصدقة، وهو مفهوم إنساني نبيل متأصل في ثقافتنا المجتمعية الشرقية، إلا انه وبالرغم من سموه، لا يساهم كثيراً في حد ذاته في تحقيق التنمية المستدامة وتمكين أفراد المجتمع الأقل حظاً، حيث يبقى تأثيره آنيا قصير المدى. لذلك، برز حديثا في عالمنا العربي نهج “الريادة الاجتماعية” “Social Entrepreneurship” لتتم عملية مأسسة هذا العمل بطريقه تضمن إحداث نتائج بعيدة المدى ومستدامة ذات آثار ملموسة على تلك الفئات التي تعتبر الأكثر حاجة لهذا النوع من العمل الاجتماعي.

يستند المفهوم الجديد للعمل الاجتماعي على أساس من التعامل مع القضايا والتحديات الاجتماعية بأسلوب إبداعي عبر تطبيق حلول مبتكرة لمعالجة وحل هذه القضايا بحيث تكون هذه الحلول ذات مردود اقتصادي اجتماعي مستدام . ولعل ” محمد يونس” مؤسس بنك ” جرامين” يعتبر من أشهر الرواد الاجتماعيين حيث يقدم هذا البنك قروضا صغيرة للفئات الأقل حظاً لتمويل نشاطات اقتصادية متواضعة توفر لأصحابها دخلاً يمكنهم من العيش الكريم، وقد حصل بفضل جهوده هذه على جائزة نوبل للسلام عام 2006.

وفي بلد كالأردن حيث نرى نسباً متزايدة من جيوب الفقر التي تشكل عبئاً كبيراً على القطاع العام لتلبية احتياجات أفراد المجتمع بشكل عام، والفئات الأقل حظاً بشكل خاص، فقد أصبح من الضروري إعادة النظر في أسلوب العمل الاجتماعي، وخلق منظومة جديدة لهذا العمل تضم مؤسسات القطاع العام والخاص والمجتمع المدني، بجانب المنظمات غير الحكومية، لتبني مبادرات ريادية وفاعله قادرة على التصدي لهذه التحديات الاجتماعية الجديدة.

وفي هذا السياق، لا بد من استغلال قطاع هام لنشر هذه الرسالة وتعزيزها بين أفراد المجتمع، إلا وهو الإعلام بمختلف وسائطه المقروءة والمسموعة والمرئية، والتي يمكن لها جميعاً أن تسهم بشكل كبير وواضح في عمليه التوعية بأهمية الريادة الاجتماعية والتعريف بها عبر برامج تخدم هذا الغرض، تعمل على إبراز أهمية هذا التوجه نحو العمل الاجتماعي وأثره في تحسين وتطوير المستوى المعيشي والاجتماعي لدى الفئات الأقل حظاً والنتائج التي سيلمسها المجتمع بمختلف شرائحه عند تطبيق  هذا المفهوم الإنساني.

وقد تكون نقطة البداية في خلق الوعي للمفهوم الحديث للعمل الاجتماعي المؤسسي ونشره في المجتمع هي من خلال تدريسه في المؤسسات الجامعية، أسوه بما تقوم به بعض الجامعات العالمية بإدراج مواد تعالج هذا الموضوع ضمن التخصصات التي تطرحها وتحت عناوين مختلفة مثل “Social Enterprises” و “Social Entrepreneurship” وما شابه. وقد بدأت الجامعات في العالم بتدريس هذا المفهوم بهدف تدريب جيل جديد من الرواد الاجتماعيين. وبذات الأهمية يأتي دور المدرسة في زرع بذور حب العطاء والعمل التطوعي من خلال إدخال هذا المفهوم في الكتب والنشاطات المدرسية المنهجية واللامنهجية على حد سواء بهدف غرس هذا المفهوم وتنميته في عقول أبنائنا منذ الصغر، ليكونوا بذلك نواه للرواد الاجتماعيين الجدد.

من هذا المنطلق أوجه دعوة لوزارتي التربية والتعليم والتعليم العالي لتوجيه جامعاتنا ومدارسنا الأردنية لتطوير مناهجنا في هذا الاتجاه للمساهمة في إخراج جيل مسؤول وواع اجتماعياً، يساهم في دفع عجلة التنمية الاجتماعية والاقتصادية بشكل فعال نظراً للعوائد الاجتماعية الهامة والكبيرة التي ستظهر بصورة تنمية مجتمعية مستدامة، يشارك في صنعها جميع فئات المجتمع، يداً بيد مع مختلف قطاعات الدولة الأخرى.

ولا يقل دور القطاع الخاص أهمية في هذا الشأن فهو يعتبر المصدر الرئيس في مثل هذه المبادرات الخلاقة التي يقوم بها رجال الأعمال في مختلف المجالات لتفعيل دورهم الإنساني في محيطهم، وتحديداً أولئك الذين يرون في تحقيق الأرباح المادية وتخصيص جزء منها سبيلا إلى التغيير المستدام في مجتمعاتهم، وتأتي أهمية هذا الدور في الفرص التي يمكن خلقها بشكل جاد لأفراد الطبقة الأقل حظاً والخيارات المتعددة التي بالإمكان طرحها والتي تناسب إمكانيات تلك الطبقة لتحقق ذاتها ولتكون قادرة على التحول من طبقة متلقية للخدمات والسلع إلى طبقة منتجه لها ومستفيدة من عوائدها بشكل يضمن كرامتها ويصون وجودها.

وفي الأردن تتجلي أهمية دور القطاع الخاص في هذا المجال فهو الأقدر في هذه المرحلة الاقتصادية الحرجة التي نشهدها على خلق الفرص الحقيقية للطبقات الأقل حظاً لتحسين مستواها المعيشي من خلال إيجاد مبادرات جديدة لفئة الشباب ليكونوا فاعلين أكثر في مجتمعاتهم. وهنا تحديداً، فإنني أدعو كافة المعنيين في القطاع الخاص إلى توحيد وتكثيف جهودهم للبدء بإيجاد مبادرات عمليه يسهل تنفيذها ومتابعتها تكون معيناً حتى لأجيالنا القادمة.

The concept of social entrepreneurship was first introduced internationally in the sixties and seventies. It was further developed and enhanced during the eighties and nineties through the creation of stronger inter-linkages; between profit making tools and social related causes. As a result, it led to the enhancement of adopting a more creative, innovative approach to social work, and redefining the meaning of the term to encourage a more financially sustainable outlook. This was the drive to enhance public / private partnerships in a more pro-active way, which works towards improving the quality of livelihoods throughout society.

Generally speaking, the idea of social work in the Arab World stemmed from charity and doing good; a humanitarian notion that is embedded in our Arab culture. However humanitarian these acts may be, they are by nature short term and not focused on the empowerment of individuals, nor address sustainability in the long term. This is where social entrepreneurship adds value, as a role that can institutionalize humanitarian or charitable efforts into developing long term results that are sustainable, tangible and lead to widespread impact for under privileged people in the wider society.

This new concept is therefore built on the basis of tackling social issues and challenges through creative, innovative tools and approaches that inevitably lead to sustainable socio-economic development. Mohammad Younis, perhaps the most well known social entrepreneur in the world founded the ‘Grameen Bank’ in an attempt to alleviate poverty. Through his intervention, he was successful in revolutionizing economics by providing micro loans to underprivileged people who are in dire need. His approach finances modest income generating activities that enable such people to improve their livelihoods and quality of life. This model and his efforts earned him the Noble Peace prize in 2006.

An increase in the pockets of poverty in Jordan is creating additional pressure on the government to provide appropriate services that meet the emerging needs for all its citizens, in particular people in disadvantaged circumstances. It has therefore become necessary to reconsider the methodology or approach of social work and to adopt a more entrepreneurial framework that enhances the active partnership between public, private sectors as well as civil society and NGO’s, to address pressing social issues in the most effective way.

In this context, it is crucial to also capitalize on the role of the media in all its forms (audio, visual and print) as it represents a valuable tool that can create widespread understanding on the concept of Social entrepreneurship through various awareness related programs and activities. Utilizing the media can also be used as a vehicle to highlight the importance of social entrepreneurship in addressing socio-economic issues and challenges, whilst improving the quality of life of under privileged members of society.

Subsequently, teaching the concept of social entrepreneurship as a subject in universities represents an important door opener in institutionalizing and building national awareness amongst the younger generation. In the same way as universities at the international level offer various courses that include; social entrepreneurship and social enterprises amongst others, with the aim of training and preparing a new generation of social entrepreneurs for the future.

Equally important is the role of schools in instilling the passion for volunteerism and community service at an early age. Through incorporating such concepts into the school curriculum as well as extra curricula activities, this benefits in increasing awareness and building a new generation of emerging social entrepreneurs in the long run.

In light of the above, I call upon the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to guide our universities and schools towards developing a curriculum that promotes a socially responsible and aware generation who can take a more active role in the socio-economic development processes; in turn, encouraging a more participative approach towards collectively advancing socio-economic development in Jordan.

Additionally, the role of the private sector is just as important, as it represents a key source for such innovative initiatives that are undertaken by businessmen in their various fields, with the aim of activating their humanitarian efforts in serving their communities; in particular, companies who allocate a portion of their profits for the sole purpose of creating sustainable social change, within their communities. The importance of the role the private sector plays is further accentuated through their involvement in creating opportunities and increasing choices for under privileged people, through tailor made initiatives that meet the emerging needs and capacities. As a result, this assists in the transformation from an aid receptive mentality to a productive citizen mentality.

In light of the difficult economic situation we are witnessing in Jordan, the role of the private sector is further manifested in the creation of opportunities and the improvement of the quality of livelihoods for disadvantaged people. This can be achieved through providing innovative initiatives that target our youth, in order to enhance their pro-active participation and productivity in their respective communities. I therefore invite all concerned in the private sector to unify our efforts in creating tangible and practical initiatives that are easy to implement and monitor; whereby the benefits can be far reaching and felt by future generations to come.

Last Monday we held our first #Nakhweh1to1 interview on Twitter, the first guest was the Director General of Jordan River Foundation and a member of the Nakhweh Advisory Board, Valentina Qussisiya.

Q: Meeting between youth of the Leadership Program and @QueenRania today, takes you back in time when you started as a volunteer?

A: Definitely. It reminded me of myself when I first started to volunteer in 1989.

Q: Probably very few people know that you actually started as a volunteer at @JordanRiverFDN, you left to private sector at some point and went back again to JRF… Why did you go back?

A: The volunteering experience showed me how much I love social development but I never thought it would be my future. So as everyone else I worked in the private sector but the experience I gained during volunteering was more rewarding.

Q: Well, you’re holding a bachelor degree in computer science… how could you relate?

A: I used my education in improving & automating the processes at JRF on one hand yet I continued my masters in management, also it doesn’t matter what you study, it’s what you love to do. Volunteering made me select the career path I love.

Q: Was that volunteering experience with JRF really beneficial and made you figure out what you want?

A: Definitely. It showed me that I love to give a helping hand, interact with grassroots & do good. I switched my career.

Q: Do you really think this is the way to go for our students with the current educational system?

A: Unfortunately our education system doesn’t prepare students for the labor market. Volunteerism definitely prepares students.

Q: You started with a couple of employees at JRF and now you have more than 250 employees… How easy is that to manage? Especially that you also serve more than 1 million beneficiaries…

A: It is never easy, each person has different needs & responsibilities. But a good support team helps make it look easy.

Q: To what extent you relay on volunteers?

A: We have over 500 volunteers within our programs. We rely heavily on them to support our activities across Jordan.

Q: What do you say to those who say volunteering is for wealthy people?

A: Volunteering is about giving freely of one’s time to assist others. Each one has this ability & it is not about money. Also volunteering prepares you for life. It builds one’s character and life skills. The personal gains are amazing.

Q: If you want to describe the result of voluntary work in one sentence, what do you say? by @MohammedYounis

A: It is a preparation for life!

Q: One last question from @Deema22… how can we create more awareness for the programs of JRF so more will benefit?

A: Use of media, social media & volunteering can help spread the word & raise awareness of available services.

Due to the exceptional turnout of “Sho El Fekra?” campaign with Jordan River Foundation and some technical difficulties that didn’t allow us to upload some ideas on time, the deadline of submitting ideas and voting has been extended until the 31st of March 2012.

طالب إدارة أعمال في الجامعة الأردنية يبلغ من العمر 20 عاماً، سند، شاب متحمس وقبل فترة قصيرة وجد نفسه من خلال مشاركته في إحتفال مع الأطفال المعوقين الذي شارك فيه بالنيابة عن صديقه الذي لم يستطع الحضور في ذلك اليوم. صديقنا سند إكتشف كم هو مفيد وممتع أن يكون مواطن فعّال في مجتمعه، الأطفال الذين تفاعل معهم في ذلك اليوم جعلوه يفكر بطريقةٍ أخرى، وقال لنفسه مبتسماً: “واعتقد انني  أكثر سعادة… قد أعطي قليلامن وقتي، ولكن أولئك الذين تطوعت معهم اعطوني شيئاً ذو قيمة أكبر، اعطوني شعوراً بالرضا والانجاز”

بعد تلك التجربة، إعتقد سند أن التطوع هو وسيلة لتحقيق طموحاته و أحلامه، خلال ذلك اليوم تعرف إلى عالم جديد لم يتعرف عليه من قبل. لقد شعر أن التطوع وسيلة ستساعده في بناء مستقبل أفضل من خلال معرفة ورؤية وتجربة ما تتطلبه الحياة ليضع نفسه على الطريق الصحيح عندما ينهي دراسته الجامعية.

زارنا سند الاسبوع الماضي وقال لنا انه لا يرى في قصته حالةً خاصة وأن كل شخص يمكن أن يحدث فرقا في مجتمعه، لذلك قرر أنه سيساعدنا في نشر رسالتنا عن طريق مشاركتنا قصصه ودعوة المزيد من أصدقائه للانخراط في خدمة المجتمع.

Sanad is a 20 year old student at the University of Jordan, studying Business Administration. He’s a passionate guy and just a little while ago, found himself at an event for handicapped children on behalf of his friend who couldn’t make it that day. He discovered how rewarding and fun it is to be a proactive citizen of his community. The kids he interacted with gave him a whole new perspective, he finds himself smiling, unconsciously: “I’m just happier I guess… I might give a little of my time, but what the people I volunteer for give me is so much more, they give me a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of fulfillment”.

He believed that volunteering is the path to achieving his dreams. That single day and experience exposed him to a world he had never discovered before. He sincerely felt that this will help him build a better future for himself by knowing, seeing and experiencing what is needed from him to set him off on the right track when he graduates.

Our dear friend Sanad came to us last week. He felt that this was not a special case, and that everyone can create a difference in their community. He decided to help us spread our message by sharing his stories and inviting more of his friends to get involved.

Driven by the aim of nurturing cultural and artistic backgrounds while equipping scholars with new skills and enhancing existing relationships amongst scholars, graduates and ENF, Elia Nuqul Foundation (ENF) recently organized a cultural event in collaboration with The National Center for Culture and Arts- King Hussein Foundation that was held on the 25th of February.

During the event, an interactive drama workshop was organized engaging ENF scholars with NCCA’s team. The workshop was followed by a play created and performed by the NCCA’s team which offered a platform for self expression in a team spirit atmosphere capitalizing on specific tools and methods in the field of drama.

Ms. Randi Abdin, Director of Elia Nuqul Foundation commented: “Today’s event reflects the true meaning of engagement and interaction across different levels which includes cultural and artistic diversity with a professional and yet human touch that has affected all of us. What has been accomplished is inspirational and entertaining.”

Abdin added: “At ENF we have created a comprehensive plan for our scholars to develop their skills and capabilities enticing them to widen their horizons through interactive workshops and diverse activities. We also offer networking opportunities for our scholars and graduates to meet entrepreneurial leaders who inspire and give hope which will ultimately lead to empower them educationally, culturally and guiding them to choose their right career path.

The Director General of the National Center for Culture & Arts, Mrs. Lina Attel commented: “We were pleased to work with such a distinguished group of students who participated creatively in the workshop; which provided them with techniques to develop their communicating skills in dealing with socio-economic challenges. We are proud to partner with ENF and to contribute to the noble cause of serving Jordanian youth by providing them with knowledge and building their capacities to invest their energies in serving their local communities”.

Elia Nuqul Foundation’s goal is to create an atmosphere that enhances and nurtures scholars’ skills which will facilitate their career and entrance to employment market and will support them to become leaders locally and internationally with the determination to make a difference in their communities.

About Elia Nuqul Foundation
The Elia Nuqul Foundation was established in 2008 by the Nuqul family as a philanthropic entity focusing on social development initiatives benefitting individuals and local communities within the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan through its two areas of interventions – the Elia Nuqul Scholarship Fund and the Social Entrepreneurship Program.
The Elia Nuqul Scholarship Fund and Social Entrepreneurship Program aim to encourage the development of Jordanian youth through access to higher education at universities, community colleges and vocational training facilities, provide lifelong learning experiences and skills training to produce well-rounded individuals, enhancing better employment opportunities, encouraging youth to think socially and advocating in promoting the growth of a sound social entrepreneurship sector in Jordan.

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