Why – are we doing this?
Because we took a long hard look at the world, and then asked ourselves two questions:
- Too many people are miserable. How can we make people happier, kinder and resilient, in spite – perhaps even because – of adversity?
- How can this state of being help galvanise them to make their communities and the world truly better?
Why – happiness as a focus?
Because the research conclusively shows that when people are sustainably happier and resilient with dignity in spite of adversity – when they flourish – they are best able to innovate, to collaborate, to serve others, to grow sustainably to truly transform the world.
Why – the focus on research and evidence?
“Unless there is a scholarly foundation and research, things tend to be a fad.” – Marcella Bremer
Why – are we a business?
Because people often assume that activists and priests are the only ones who can build wealth that changes the world. Business – and profit as its engine – can actually be channeled to build public wealth. We want to pioneer this model. The American benefit corporation model helps us achieve this.
Why – Africa?
Because our heart bleeds for our continent. But also the fact that we have lagged behind in the global politics and economy presents a massive opportunity for us to learn new behaviours, adopt new thinking and pioneer a new way of being for the world. There is presently no mainstream engagement on this brave new world on the continent, and we are leading that charge.