Ashoka-Lemelson Fellow

Today I had a quick chat with Ashoka-Lemelson fellow Jack Sim, founder of the World Toilet Organization. The WTO is committed to delivering healthier and safer sanitation around the world.

He talked about where he sees his organization going. Now that they've perfected a means of delivering toilets to those who need them, Jack wants to use that system to offer a platform for delivering numerous BOP products and services. Note: This video contains slang for and frank discussion of sewage.

Showing my nonprofit background, I asked Jack what he sees as the role of NGOs in the informational campaign he describes. Is this the sort of area where NGOs and social enteprises can partner with each other. Jack's wonderfully direct answer: "Yes, of course, but it's even better if it's a social enterprise and a social enterprise partnering with each other."

"The charity model," Jack said, "is, 'Prove to me that you are useless, helpless, and worthless, and I will show my great generosity in helping you.'"

See this older post for more on how Jack makes toilets sexy.

This video profiles Ashoka-Lemelson fellow Hilmi Quraishi's work with mobile innovations in rural India and demonstrates the power of collaboration between the private and citizen sectors. The video premiered during yesterday's panel session on building the business-social bridge.

Mobile Technology Inventions in Rural India: The Case for Building Business-Social Bridges from Cory Wilson on Vimeo.

Below is a longer version of the video.

"Earthquakes don't kill people...poorly built buildings do." -- Elizabeth Hausler

On this week's episode of the AshokaTECH Podcast, host Alex Budak interviews the founder of Build Change, Elizabeth Hausler, an expert on sustainable building practices to prevent earthquake damage and an Ashoka-Lemelson Fellow.  Alex asks her for her thoughts on the recent tragedy in Haiti, and how similar catastrophies might be avoided in the future.  Elizabeth has faced similar challenges following earthquakes in India, China and Indonesia, and provides poignant commentary on the challenges that now face Haiti, as well as advice on engaging the community.  

As always, be sure to follow Alex on Twitter, @TheBudak, for updates on the podcast and your chance to have your own questions answered in future interviews.

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