As the Deputy Director of the Office of the Governor of Tucson, Arizona, Nathaniel Dunigan visited Uganda as a HIV prevention educator for one month. After he saw many children dying and suffering, he was determined to make a change. Dunigan established AidChild as a hospice center and pediatric facility. Today, more than 3,000 children receive treatment through their services, including laboratories, clinics, and homes. AidChild is a social enterprise, meaning that they are driven by a social mission. They operate the Equation Gallery, an art gallery and café located on the equator, Ten Tables, a restaurant, and AidChild’s Terrace Club, a boutique hostel. All profit proceeds to helping children overcome disease, and 70% of their budget is covered by the profit.

Afte reading about AidChild, I feel more determined to play my part in making the world a better place. Dunigan had the courage to quit his job and sell all his belongings at the age of 26, with an initial investment of a mere $3,500 when he first moved to Uganda. He frequently stresses that if he could do it, then those who are more privileged than he was can do it too. Dunigan is a true social entrepreneur.

To read Nathaniel Dunigan’s blogs, click here. To read more about AidChild, click here.

“Working together, we must make a difference. We can make a difference.” – Nathaniel Dunigan

Reference:

• “Aidchild.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Dec. 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aidchild>.
• Dunigan, Nathaniel. “Vote for Child Health & Wellness.” AidChild RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov. 2012. <http://aidchild.org/>.