In order to boost the effectiveness of its projects, The Stern Stewart Institute has now set up a nonprofit organization in Burkina Faso. This organization will be headed by Laciné Sawadogo who has an impressive track record with regard to various development projects in the northern region of Burkina Faso. "By establishing a local organization, the Stern Stewart Institute significantly increases the leverage of its future projects," states Mr. Sawadogo.
In pursuing its goal of pushing Burkina Faso towards economic independence, The Stern Stewart Institute continues to focus on projects in three main areas: education, business development and micro finance. “All our projects have been a great success. But we can double the impact if we connect the projects and subordinate all activities to a greater vision,” says Maximilian Koch, member of the Stern Stewart Institute Board. “We must enable the children that are going to our schools, to capitalize on their education. That means, for example, to support professional schools or provide capital for entrepreneurial activities through our micro finance organization.”
The challenges that The Stern Stewart Institute will be facing in 2010, are numerous. But its new organizational set-up will enhance its abilities to promote empowerment and entrepreneurship in Burkina Faso and contribute to the development of one of the poorest countries in the world.