OneWorld.net (U.S.)

Dear Friend,

One of the joys of working for Ashoka is the direct exposure we get to dedicated social entrepreneurs and their innovative approaches to social change. We are given a gift of seeing the world through a prism of solutions rather than insurmountable problems. Each Ashoka Fellow is deeply committed to making a lasting difference in our world. All are working to solve the problems you and I care deeply about. Their successes give us so much hope for the future.

We'd like you - supporters of Ashoka - to feel more connected with these successes because you've done so much to bring them about. Starting this month, we will compile monthly snapshots of our new Fellows and then send them to you. Their stories are inspiring and hopeful, and a reminder of how much is possible when empathy and innovation join hands.

It's our way of sharing the good news. Thank you, Diana Wells, Co-President

Joseph Williams, U.S.A. Reducing criminal recidivism A former prisoner himself, Joseph knows that the way to reduce criminal recidivism is to provide community support for those trying to turn their lives around: housing, employment and educational assistance, substance abuse counseling, and mentoring by trained members of local congregations. The recidivism rate for those in his program, New Creations Community Outreach, is just 18%, compared to a national average of 65%.

Caroline Casey, Ireland Promoting the contribution people with disabilities make to business In 2000, unemployment amongst people with disabilities was 90% in Ireland against a national average of 4%. Registered legally blind herself, Caroline is reshaping this scenario. Caroline is leading a positive movement to alter the perceptions and behaviors of business towards people with disabilities -- recognizing the abilities of disabled employees while highlighting their economic value as consumers. Thanks to her approach, employers are realizing the social and economic advantages of a diverse, capable work force.

Wayan Patut, Indonesia Coral reef conservation through community-owned ventures With their livelihood threatened by tourism development, fishermen along Indonesia's coastline have resorted to desperate measures, such as fishing with cynide, to economically compete. In order to stop the destruction of valuable natural resources, Wayan is creating local economic incentives for coral reef conservation. Wayan works with local fishers to start cooperative businesses, including coral farms, which generate revenue and steward natural resources. Now, through community ownership and marine resource management, Wayan is re-defining coral rehabilitation in Indonesia.

Abdellah Aboulharjan, France Fostering entrepreneurship in immigrant communities Home to most of France's immigrant population, the French suburbs have become increasingly "ghettoized." For those aged 15 to 24, unemployment reaches 38%-- twice the national average. Abdellah's solution: create a program to foster entrepreneurship among local youth. Providing the training and mentorship necessary for young people to earn a living as entrepreneurs, Abdellah creates a ladder of opportunity and, in the process, contributes to the integration of segregated areas in France.

Hasina Kharbhih, India Intervention in human trafficking Hasina could not sit back and continue to watch her native Northeast India become a hub for human trafficking and exploitation of children. Hasina is attacking this problem through her "Meghalaya Model," which builds a tracking system for children vulnerable to exploitation and provides extensive follow-up through a network of police, judiciary, government, and civil society partners. This network prevents trafficking by keeping watch of vulnerable children, prosecuting traffickers, rescuing trafficked children, and providing for their rehabilitation.

Kovin Naidoo, South Africa Affordable, accessible eyecare for the rural poor Kovin realized that the debilitating eye problems of South Africa's rural poor were largely due to their inability to access basic eye care. Kovin is creating low-cost training programs for aspiring eye care professionals and placing students in underserved hospitals. He is also establishing channels of production for eyeglass lenses that can be sold at a fraction of the previous cost. Kovin is now persuading the government to replicate his model across the country.

Click here to read about other new Fellows and meet our entire global community of social entrepreneurs -- 1,800 in over 60 countries!