Each year, I encounter so many people driven by the power of purpose to make the world a better place for all.
They may seem ordinary to many, but to us they are superheroes and this report is about them. If you are reading this report, it’s about you too.
EWB’s superheroes span Canada and sub-Saharan Africa tackling global poverty and inequality. They run workshops on campus in Victoria, meet with politicians in Ottawa and study social ventures in Montreal. They innovate, design and take risks in Kampala or Nairobi or Accra. Wherever our superheroes take action, they exemplify three key skills that we believe can create the sustainable, inclusive future we all seek: entrepreneurship, leadership and active citizenship.
Entrepreneurs dare to think outside of today’s economic box to offer something new. Their ideas are at the vanguard of a new, more inclusive and more equal economy. Leaders bravely challenge the status quo with the strength to keep sight of the big picture of change while tearing up the roots of legacy and complacency. They are not afraid to ask questions of themselves, and to ask questions of the world they live in. Active citizens exercise their rights and privileges to demand better from today’s national and international decision makers.
Each of these actions contributes to our mission: to bring people and ideas together to tackle the most crucial causes of poverty and inequality. I am grateful for all of the people who took action in 2017. The stories in this report represent all of the entrepreneurs, leaders and active citizens who contributed to our collective global impact.
Taking thoughtful action takes hard work, as well as access to opportunities. It means a hand up, rather than a hand out. Our supporters understand that, and they know that at crucial times, every hand up counts. As I look back at 2017, our donors helped build EWB’s superheroes. With your support, our organization has created lasting results in the lives of so many people.
Thank you for all of the tough, courageous, and humble actions you took this past year. Let’s celebrate and let’s keep working together to improve people’s lives around the world.
Sincerely,
Boris
