I recently came across a really interesting organization called Samasource, which uses information and communication technologies to provide work for individuals in developing economies. The founder and CEO, Leila C. Janah recognized the need to provide sustainable jobs for women, youth, and refugees by connecting them to digital work. This idea came as a result of her travels through Africa and India, she recognized the lack of economic opportunities in those areas and knew that a culture of hand-outs is neither sustainable nor will help develop these economies. She saw an opportunity in the availability and growth of computers and internet. Here is how it works:
On the back-end Samasource recruits Service Partners in developing economies that meet certain criteria, both social and technical. They then provide training to these partners in core areas, like technical skills and project management. Once they are done with the training and due diligence, they delegate projects to them.
On the front-end Samasource receives projects from companies, they break it down into micro-work and allocate it to Service Partners in developing economies. Once the work is completed, it is sent back to Samasource where experts there compile and assure quality. At the end, the company gets a completed project while helping reduce poverty, providing economic opportunity, and empowering individuals.
Here is an inspiring TEDx video of the founder, speaking about her experience and the birth of Samasource
On the back-end Samasource recruits Service Partners in developing economies that meet certain criteria, both social and technical. They then provide training to these partners in core areas, like technical skills and project management. Once they are done with the training and due diligence, they delegate projects to them.
On the front-end Samasource receives projects from companies, they break it down into micro-work and allocate it to Service Partners in developing economies. Once the work is completed, it is sent back to Samasource where experts there compile and assure quality. At the end, the company gets a completed project while helping reduce poverty, providing economic opportunity, and empowering individuals.
I think the idea is very novel. One difficulty they may have faced in the beginning is having to invest a lot of time in training/quality control. But as they continue to grow and build stronger relationships, the individuals will grow with them and learn. They will also have to invest heavily in building relationships with companies, as their success depends on having continuous projects from them.
Here is an inspiring TEDx video of the founder, speaking about her experience and the birth of Samasource
No comments:
Post a Comment