Most people who have little or no knowledge on social enterprise, often associate SE with charity and non-profit organizations. Just a few days back when i asked my friend what a social enterprise is, her first reply was, 'ohh.. like a charity?' However after i explained to her, she was able to have a better understanding of what a SE is. In the survey done by SE Association, it was stated that when known to the respondents, 70% of them are more willing to support SE as a form of giving back to the society.
These survey results clearly shows that with an increase of awareness towards social enterprise, people will become more aware and willing to support SE. But definitely, by creating awareness, SE are not asking for any special favours; Instead of selling compassion, SE hopes to gain support from their product, where it is of value to the buyer.
i believe now; as of 2012, awareness towards SE has increased. Like what was mentioned in my previous posts, it's really comforting to know that more and more social enterprises have been set up to meet the unmet needs of the society. With more upcoming programmes and campaign, more people will definitely be aware of what a SE is. One example would be in Republic Polytechnic where they have a module on Social Enterprise and with this module in place, more awareness among the youths will be created.
Not forgetting that on our part as change-makers (self-declare. hehe.), we can help spread the awareness of social enterprise too by educating the people around us on the basic facts on what a SE is (:
Cheers!
References
Grosse, S (2011). Study shows low public awareness of social enterprise in s'pore.
Retrieved November 16, 2012 from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1150901/1/.html
Retrieved November 16, 2012 from http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/1150901/1/.html
Hi there again!
ReplyDeleteAfter reading most of the articles and posts by our BZSE peers, it is true that social awareness has been low. However, I believe that this awareness would increase in the coming years as social entrepreneurship is a growing trend all over the world, including China (from my recent post).
It starts from us, BZSE students! We are one of the key factors for the raising of awareness on Social entrepreneurship in Singapore. Over these years we have been spreading what a social enterprise is to our family and friends. Bit by bit, I believe that this would make a difference from the chain effect of social enterprise. :) What's more, with the new batch of students from RP (stated from above), more awareness would be spread!
Hi Kiahgek,
ReplyDeleteI really agree about what you mentioned about the public awareness of Social Enterprise (SE). For the past three years, whenever I meet up with my friends or families, they will ask, what are you studying about, I will always say Business & Social Enterprise, then they will say, wow, you can be a businessman in the future.
Even if I have explained for a few times, some of them will still only understands it as starting a business. Even if the increasing trend of awareness towards SE, I really feel that more people should know and understand about SE.