The Broccoli Project: audience favorite Global Entrepreneurship Competition
“The Broccoli Project is a life-affirming programme that approaches poverty alleviation and some of its attendant issues from a unique perspective. Using a similar model to the many incentive and loyalty programmes targeting the rich, the Broccoli Project rewards the poorest members of society for positive, life-enhancing behaviour.
It’s actually really simple. Poor people who take advantage of free health screening programmes, actively seek work, or keep their children in school are rewarded with vouchers for basic necessities. So, for example, people who take an HIV test, or who are screened for hypertension or diabetes will get vouchers they can exchange for food, clothing or building materials. But it doesn’t end there. If, say, someone does test positive for HIV, the system can be geared up to reward them for regularly taking anti-retrovirals. Now that’s a pretty cool thing, as there’s not much point taking the drugs if you can’t afford to buy decent food.
And it’s backed by a sophisticated biometric data base with some really sexy functionality so it’s easy to keep track of what’s going on. The organisations administering the programmes can effectively monitor the progress of individuals or communities, and donor organisations will receive comprehensive reports based on reliable data. Experience has shown that donors who know where every cent is going are more likely to hand out more. So everyone wins.
Like your mom always told you – broccoli is good stuff.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 7:46
@everybody thanks for the comments, it makes our project good for the world.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 7:53
An inspiring and exciting programme. Engender (www.engender.org.za) helps women in e.g. informal settlements establish & manage ‘organic’ backyard & community gardens. We’d like to collaborate with The Broccoli Project…
All the best with Barcelona, one of the most beautiful cities in the world :-).
with appreciation,
Bernedette Muthien
http://www.engender.org.za
Junio 15th, 2009 at 9:23
Many people work so hard to assist the less priveleged people in our country. The imbalance is so big. An acknowledgement of this initiative would make a difference to all of us and help us maintain a presence of hope not only for South AFricans, but for many other Africans who are dependent on good will, so that they can better themselves and start a chain reaction of making a difference to others.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 9:24
Well done guys
Junio 15th, 2009 at 9:34
Projects like these are essential for our beloved land of Africa. I love this idea because of its simplicity, pragmatism and the overall optimistic way that it is planning to address some deeply concerning and relevant issues.
This project needs our full support, count me in!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 9:35
Brilliant initiative. there should be more out there.
Africa needs its Africans!!!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 10:08
Amazing concept!! Well done :) Viva Broccoli :)
Junio 15th, 2009 at 10:26
Congratulations on your inspiring ideas - Good Luck! Looking forward to your launch on the 18 Jun 2009! Love it!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 10:41
I love this project and its potential to serve communities.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 11:11
If the rich can get incentivised for doing stuff then so should the poor!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 11:28
Excellent initiative - well done.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 11:51
Many think of good deeds. Few make it reality in their life.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 12:00
I can only commend you on this fantastic project and here is hoping that you people go from strength in this project.
I will approach you project team under separate cover so pursue cooperation, as I see many areas where there could be beneficial cooperation.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 12:35
A definite vote for Marc
Junio 15th, 2009 at 12:51
Original and exciting project. What’s great is that it’s not about handouts, but about encouraging people to actually do something about their situation. Good luck.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 12:52
What a brilliant project :-) Innovative and excellent all-round!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 13:09
As a food i hate broccoli, but as an idea this is great. Best of luck
Junio 15th, 2009 at 13:43
I think this could change our world for the better!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:08
Awesome project. There are so many reward schemes for the rich. About time there was one for the less fortunate.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:13
food for all
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:20
Broccoli Project: truly a case of action not words.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:28
What an inspirational project! Good luck!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:37
An inspiring innovative project worthy of support, for the good of our country and its people.Best wishes for the future.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:48
Brilliant in its simplicity, and designed to make a visible difference.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:52
I support the Brocholi project
Junio 15th, 2009 at 14:56
Awesome
Junio 15th, 2009 at 15:51
Cool project! Brilliant - keep at it!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 16:00
What a brilliant idea - and I love it that other people can get involved by buying vouchers. Well done, Broccoli Project and all the best for Barcelona.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 17:58
great concept
Junio 15th, 2009 at 19:16
Fabulous concept
Junio 15th, 2009 at 19:27
What an excellent idea. I’m going to forward it to our director and see if the idea can be modified for our clientele as well. My best wishes for you in Barcelona.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 20:07
This seems an exteremely sensible project!
Junio 15th, 2009 at 20:09
This seems an extremely sensible project which should help alleviate at least some problems linked to poverty.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 20:15
well done - keep it up
Junio 15th, 2009 at 20:48
Giving people freedom of choice may be the key ….
Junio 15th, 2009 at 21:46
Congratulations, sounds like a brilliant concept. Good luck.
Junio 15th, 2009 at 21:52
Innovation in practise. Well done on a unique concept that can make a substantial difference to the lives of many.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 3:34
Great concept, education, to help them and in turn to help themselves. Good luck Marc.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 3:50
Africa needs such positive ideas from proactive people. Great stuff.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 5:17
Should be more of this type of project. Excellent indeed. Well done.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 5:49
Most mankind is motivated by reward, when you get something for free it is not valued. Thats why handouts don’t work. But when you give of yourself you receive and learn to live an abundant life. it is more blessed to give than to receive. Ultimately your best life is only lived when you give yourself completely and fully to Jesus and allow him to be the leader of your eternal destiny. An eternal blessed future which God would love to share with all his creation. Where poverty and death will be no more and God will be all in all
Junio 16th, 2009 at 8:02
It makes such perfect sense. There’s no reason why this initiative should not be adopted on a government level. Wait. Perhaps there is every good reason to keep this initiative fiercely independent.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 8:12
Delighted that our best brains are focusing on Africa’s challenges. Giving people hope and dignity as well as practical solutions is magical. Well done!
Junio 16th, 2009 at 10:41
Brilliant!
Junio 16th, 2009 at 11:04
Wonderful concept. Good luck.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 11:53
The broccoli project is not just for a niche group even though they are also important. The broccoli project is indeed good for the world - i.e. its good for the vast majority in this world of ours who do not even have the privilege of fitting into one of these niche groups. They first need to make it on the bottom of the pyramid. Go marc - your work is good for the world.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 12:41
Awesome project; awesome team; good luck!
Junio 16th, 2009 at 12:48
I don’t usually like broccoli, but this looks great. Good luck all.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 12:52
It’s an excellent idea. well done.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 13:20
good idea.