Think Impact believes that poverty is an immensely complicated challenge. Health and education challenges have many correct answers, which are affected by the individual cultures, traditions and community needs. Effective answers are best identified through direct engagement with the challenges the community faces and require creativity and ingenuity.

In the 21st century, young leaders are uniquely equipped to identify and develop solutions to the health and education challenges that continue to plague half of the global community.

The only way that an answer to poverty will have lasting effect is if it comes from the community in need and has a sustainable model. Social entrepreneurship, we believe, offers an exciting framework for solving many challenges we discussed here because it empowers the individuals and community members who establish it and sustains them through locally-generated revenue. Social entrepreneurship, the theories and applications of which are taught to all participating students in Think Impact’s programs, when applied can provide the long-term support needed for individuals and organizations to build upon.

Locally owned solutions must be considered first in any effort to answer poverty. Young people are uniquely equipped to conduct this essential work and learn the fundamental challenges facing the developing communities.