We have the largest generation of youth before us, making up 43% of the global population. Anyone who is committed to sustainable development should be devoted to upholding the needs and priorities of young people.
That’s the reason why there are countless of organizations who cater the youth. But apart from their participation in voicing out global advocacies or attendance in movements, can the youth really contribute to concrete solutions as early as today?
The answer is an astounding yes. The youth have entered the world of social enterprise through fresh, driven and creative business innovations. Working with and through untapped or overlooked markets in the Philippines, local Youth Social Enterprises continue to emerge and build foundations as integral efforts toward positive change.
Check out MP-KNN’s list of emerging Youth on Social Enterprise and support the YSE industry:
1. Taclob
Taclob is the creator of Compassion, an environmentally friendly and weather-resistant backpack made of upcycled jeans and high-grade Japanese tarpaulins. What makes each purchase of Compassion special is its equivalence to one Courage backpack donated by Taclob to children that were victims of Typhoon Haiyan. The Courage backpack is made of water resistant fabric and works as a flotation device.
Visit their social media accounts: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Taclob team | Photo courtesy of Taclob
2. Edukasyon.ph
Nelson Mandela calls it a weapon. John Dewey, life. Allan Bloom also says that it is the movement from darkness to light. Education is that one key to freedom and great heights. That is why Edukasyon.ph believes that providing students opportunities to get education is a brilliant way to combat the problems of the society, and an answer to a sustainable future. Edukasyon.ph is a website created to connect students, parents and schools. The website showcases scholarships and other educational opportunities to match with its student applicants.
Visit their social media accounts: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Edukasyon PH | Photo courtesy of Edukasyon PH
3. Save the Day! By RKI Creatives
Hand a baby an iPad and he can likely show you how to use it. Today, handheld devices are as accessible and natural as a spoon. This is why RKI Creatives has created Save the Day!: a mobile gaming application aiming to make learning disaster preparedness handy and accessible to the youth. In a country where typhoons have become an annual misfortune, RKI Creatives wants to ensure safety by preparation with the use of technology.
The application is free in the iOS App Store and Android’s Google Play.
Visit their social media accounts: Twitter | Facebook
Save the Day team | Photo courtesy Save the Day
4. A Liter of Light
“Isang Litro ng Liwanag” is a project of the MyShelter Foundation: an organization creating sustainable yet low-cost innovations at the grassroots level. A Liter of Light is a 55-watt solar bulb that recycles used soda bottles and is cheap (you only need water plus bleach to restrain algal growth). The bottle is fitted through the roof of a house and if properly installed can last up to 5 years.
Visit their social media accounts: Twitter | Facebook
A Liter of Light session | Photo courtesy of A Liter of Light
5. BeHearty
Why choose banana flour? Well, it’s gluten-free! BeHearty manufactures banana flour, a healthier alternative to the usual wheat flour. Providing value-adding agricultural opportunities to Saba farmers, BeHearty creates a 100% natural and 100% locally sourced flour.
6. Maruyog Charms
Tagupaypay, salundugok, panamig, diamante negra and amigos are the five anting-anting (traditional amulets) made by the Ata community in Guimaras Philippines. Now branded as Maruyog Charms, these accessories are made of materials from the tree of life: coconut. Maruyog means “beautiful” in the Ata’s dialect, which works well with the social enterprise’s goal in creating beautiful lives for the community.
Visit their social media accounts: Facebook
Products of Maruyog Charms | Photo courtesy of Maruuyog Charms
Social entrepreneurship is a strategy for inclusive growth. To support these start-ups is a step in creating a diverse and competitive economy led by the promising youth.