Jacqueline Novogratz’s superb book on her journey towards the creation of the Acumen Fund, her groundbreaking business that helps build social institutions for the poorest of the poor, is a must read. Not only is it well-written but it also provides a clear and thought-provoking template on how to approach development work. Over the course of 25 years, Novogratz has worked in some of the most challenging regions of Africa and India, learning invaluable lessons along the way that speak both to the heart and to the head. The result has been the Acumen Fund which, together with other for-profit and non-profit organizations, invests in businesses that invest in people. One of the most visible successes has been their investment in the development of mosquito repellent impregnated nets which, having been distributed gratis by WHO to mothers and young children, are now being purchased in marketplaces across Africa. Not only do they propose that development can be good business, but they insist that those who need the help also need to be an invested part of the process.
Cape Town is one of the world's great cities. The setting alone is worthy of top billing. And then you have a vibrant culinary scene, a fascinating flora and fauna representative of its microclimate, a diverse population and the logistical advantage that makes it a gateway for visits to the wine lands, to the garden route and north into the bush. In spite of the aforementioned, what makes me vibrate with anticipation in Cape Town is its flourishing art and design scene, its world class museums and galleries, its artisans, many of them passionately committed to ensuring that hand and design skills endure. The person who knows as much about this sector of the Capetonian landscape is Marion Ellis whose company, Cape Insights, designs whole or partial itineraries that feature - among other subject matter - the flourishing arts of the city. Marion's knowledge has both the breadth and depth to take you on a meandering journey across the media - from paintings and ceramics to photography and art installations - and behind the scenes to meet with collectors and artists, teachers and innovators."
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