Find out how these change-makers are making a difference

I’m always in awe when I see young leaders that are passionate and committed to making a positive impact in society.

This week, One Young World, the global forum that empowers young leaders to create lasting change announced the winners of Lead 2030, a challenge that recognizes 10 change-makers who are making a difference through their initiatives that bring the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to life.                                                                                                               

The SDGs are an urgent call for action to make our world more inclusive, prosperous, sustainable and resilient by 2030. They tackle inequality and ending extreme poverty and hunger, with the aim of leaving no one behind. KPMG is committed to the SDGs and we’re proud to have sponsored the award for Goal 17: building scalable partnerships to accelerate education, literacy and skills development.

The winner of SDG17 is the organization WSV, which helps development organizations build sustainable and independent communities through their social franchises designed for communities living on less than $2 per day. It was co-founded by 26 year old social entrepreneur Bradley Heslop.

One of WSV’s social franchises is their Right Light micro-enterprise that sets up small businesses in the community to distribute affordable solar lamps through a rental scheme. Not only does it empower women to become entrepreneurs, it creates access to safe lighting, allowing children to continue their education after the sun sets.

Benta was one of the first Right Light entrepreneurs in Kenya in 2013, starting with just 10 lamps. She kept one lamp for her family and rented the rest nightly at 10 KSH. Benta now has a regular and stable income, allowing her to save more easily and deal with unexpected expenses. Within two years, she repaid the loan that enabled her to get started and she has now grown her business to 20 lamps. She used her income to send her little brother back to school, and eventually continued her education herself. It’s humbling to read stories like Benta’s which bring to life how important WSV’s projects are for people who need it most.

WSV’s other projects include Petal which aims to help girls to stay in school and Roots which builds toilet facilities in schools. As winners of the Lead 2030 Challenge for SDG17, WSV will receive a $50,000 grant from KPMG for their project, and business mentorship from a team of KPMG employees and Partners. You can learn more about the other winners here.

I’m passionate about KPMG’s role in the community through our focus on lifelong learning and the work we do with not-for-profit organizations around the world. Volunteering for organizations like We Day Canada and the United Way Campaign Cabinet is a big part of my life and has helped me develop invaluable skills and a broader perspective. I hope that these winners inspire others to reflect on what they can do personally and professionally because we can all make a lasting positive impact if we choose to.