(http://www.chnook.org/partner/the-arc-initiative/)
During the course of my high school career, I developed a passion for volunteering and helping out in my community. I loved knowing that I helped make a difference, even in the smallest possible ways. It has always been a dream of mine to go on humanitarian trips and experience what life is really like in the developing world. Although this goal was definitely on my bucket list, I never imagined that I could combine my passion for volunteering with my passion for business, until I was introduced to the Arc initiative.
The Arc initiative is an opportunity for Sauder students to go to developing countries and provide aid in local communities by teaching aspiring entrepreneurs about business skills. Using knowledge that the students learn in class, they help these entrepreneurs build upon their own business tool kits and in turn these entrepreneurs act as catalysts that improve their own communities’ economic well-being. I was so inspired by the stories that I heard and by the whole program itself. The story of Tesfaye Mekonnen from Ethiopia was one that especially resonated with me. Tesfaye creates paper, cards, and folders using banana plants. It was so inspiring how even though his eco-paper factory is small and his methods of making the paper were simple and without modern technology he was still determined enough to accept the challenges of large orders, such as that of the Sauder folders. His genuinely kind heart, and determination and drive to advance in his business venture makes him a great role model. Overall I think that the Arc initiative is a fantastic channel for students to apply skills and concepts that they learned in class, while also helping other people achieve their goals and dreams. It is definitely an opportunity that I want to be involved with in my future.
Sources:
https://startanevolution.ubc.ca/projects/the-arc-initiative/
http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/Global_Reach/ARC_Initiative
http://www.sauder.ubc.ca/News/2012/Sauders_Arc_Initiative_mentors_entrepreneurs_in_Ethiopia