Talking Impact in Lebanon
It is always good to catch up, especially if it is with good people. Maya Rahal, Country Director of Alfanar in Lebanon, definitely falls under that category. While in Bilbao, she featured on The Purpose Pod, the podcast of our member organisation Investing for Purpose. We are happy to share the inspiring episode, hosted by Richard Mullane, with all of you.
Alfanar is, of course, Impact Europe's local partner in the EU-funded market building project Impact Together!. As you may imagine, it hasn't been the easiest period for them to do their work. Geopolitical conflict has imposed itself in their routine, and while it has made their work more challenging, it hasn't made it grind to a halt - quite the contrary. Social enterprises and the entrepreneurs that run them have proven instrumental in shifting resources to those that are in acute need, and Alfanar has been quick to roll with the punches and adapt their support accordingly.
We will let the episode speak for itself. It includes, among other topics:
- Stories from flourishing regional social enterprises across educational technology, circular fashion and culture
- What it takes to stay working towards positive solutions in zones devastated by conflict
- How Alfanar select enterprises and help them transform from being reliant on philanthropy to being self-sustaining
- Lessons learned from 20 years on the ground for other global venture philanthropists
- How Maya made the journey from being a journalist and communications expert to an impact leader
- Why the relationships between funds and enterprises can be like a marriage, the social ingredients that make Lebanon such a special place to live, tips for staying grounded and healthy - and more!