"Le travail d'Acumen consiste à défier les systèmes traditionnels de charité et d'aide"

Acumen's mission is all about rethinking how we traditionally approach charity and aid. Imagine this: instead of just giving people money or resources, what if we invested in them so they could create their own sustainable futures? That's the core idea. It's about building something lasting, not just providing short-term fixes.

Historically, charity and aid have often been about addressing immediate needs. Think back to any natural disaster—aid pours in to help with food, water, medical supplies. And while this is crucial, it doesn’t solve long-term problems. Acumen, founded in 2001 by Jacqueline Novogratz, identified this gap and decided to tackle it differently. They aim to invest in social enterprises that bring long-lasting change, lifting communities out of poverty through entrepreneurship and innovation.

Take for example, d.light, a company that Acumen has funded. d.light produces affordable solar energy solutions for families without reliable access to electricity, primarily in Africa and Asia. Instead of handing out solar lamps, Acumen invested in d.light, enabling the company to scale up its operations. As a result, millions of people now have access to clean, reliable energy. This creates a ripple effect: kids can study at night, businesses can stay open longer, and health improves as families move away from harmful kerosene lamps. It’s a perfect illustration of how investing in solutions can lead to sustainable change.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by shifting your mindset from short-term fixes to long-term solutions. If you’re involved in charity work or even just looking to help someone in need, think about how you can empower them. Instead of giving money to a homeless person, consider supporting organizations that provide job training and resources to help them get back on their feet. If you’re donating to a cause, look for those that focus on sustainable, scalable solutions.

Imagine you’re part of a community garden project. Initially, you might just be providing fresh produce to those in need. But what if you took it a step further? Offer workshops on gardening, teach people how to grow their own food, and even help them start their own community gardens. Over time, they won’t just have vegetables—they'll have the skills and knowledge to sustain themselves. It’s about planting seeds of growth—literally and figuratively.

Think about a time when you faced a problem. Did you look for a quick fix or did you try to find a way to prevent it from happening again? It’s the same idea. By focusing on long-term, sustainable solutions, you’re not just helping someone today—you’re setting them up for a better tomorrow.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to look for quick fixes. But if we take a moment to consider the bigger picture, as Acumen does, we can make a deeper, more lasting impact. So next time you want to make a difference, think long-term. It might take more time and effort, but the results will be worth it—just like that flourishing community garden, thriving on the seeds you helped plant.