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 16th, 2009 at 13:24
We need to find role models, and ways, to break through the seemingly never-ending increase of identities that either resist something, or legitimise systems that benefit only a few. The Broccoli Project is such a new way, a role model for making a positive contribution to the benefit of all. We can all participate, and we can all benefit. And we should. South Africa, Africa, and the rest of the world need this. You’ve got my vote.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 13:40
Well done Maz, Broccoli rocks, and you can count on my support and vote :)
Junio 16th, 2009 at 14:07
A significant intervention in developing a culture of independence and responsibility as opposed to the more common charitable dependence. Well done!
Junio 16th, 2009 at 14:31
Great that was are being explored for people to help themselves.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 14:34
Great that ways are being explored for people to help themselves.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 14:41
good job, keep growing it!! fantastic idea.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 15:11
Brocolli is a highly nutritious vegetable with properties in it suited to all humans. The aim of the project seems to be like brocolli, nutrition for the mind of the underprivileged and priveliged and suitable for all humanity. like the vegetable, may this project grow and produce its lawful fruit. We support it.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 15:54
Amazing idea! Needs all the support we can give. Innovative projects like this will surely help break the cycle of poverty and despair on our exceptional but troubled african continent.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 17:34
Marc and the team at the Broccoli Project dare to care and they DESERVE support from every individual and group that care. My wish is that this venture takes off big time….
Junio 16th, 2009 at 17:46
Brilliant concept.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 19:50
1st world wealth = 3rd world poverty
$8 trillion siting in tax havens
Junio 16th, 2009 at 20:07
Excellent website with true meaning.
Junio 16th, 2009 at 20:43
brilliant idea!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 5:11
I think this is great idea. Teaching people to take some sense of responsibility and working together to reach a common goal. Teach people the value of working together and the value of food etc, and to get rid of the “I want…Give it to me…Its my right” attitude!
My vote goes to The Broccoli Project
Junio 17th, 2009 at 5:18
Great idea!!!!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 5:39
well done! great project : )
Junio 17th, 2009 at 7:16
Seems a good idea, if a little patronising - if it takes off I imagine it will in a gig way and then all the better for those participating. Tracking and, I assume, feeding the information back to the participant is the top innovation. Look forward to hearing progress! You got my vote!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 7:22
I think the brocolli project is the most innovative idea that have been missing in our country that will make sure that the poverty aleviation programme is in place and prosperous.
Junio 17th, 2009 at 7:34
well done! Great! Go for it!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 8:13
Excellent concept. Wish there were more such initiatives.
Junio 17th, 2009 at 8:25
Wonderful idea.
Junio 17th, 2009 at 8:38
Brilliant idea!!!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 9:04
Sounds like a great project. Wishing it the best of success!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 10:23
Interesting concept , as a first phase effort is now rewarded , it now needs to progress where results / output is rewarded !
Junio 17th, 2009 at 11:23
Super! I wish there would be more like you guys!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 11:34
Broccoli project is one of the most amazing and innovative initiatives that not only support but empower the needy of the Mother City. My vote goes to the Broccoli Project with the sincere hope that investors will see the ground-braking potential this idea has to really change our global village… for the better!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 11:53
Scalable, sustainable and cost effective….I like it - cross-program & border
Junio 17th, 2009 at 12:38
great stuff!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 12:59
A necessary project to encourage people to help themselves
Junio 17th, 2009 at 13:08
About half the unemployed have not registered as such so the problem is far worse than acknowledged by Government. This project is to be commended as throwing a beam of light on the problem. Good luck Marc.
Junio 17th, 2009 at 15:04
Great idea with lots of legs! Well done Maz!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 15:33
Fantastic way to develop self worth in people, and get them to realise the value of their lives as well as the value they can bring to the world around them when they take care of themselves. The Broccoli Project has my vote!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 16:49
Thisis a fantastic idea - think it has the possibility of working well
Junio 17th, 2009 at 18:07
This is a very worthwhile cause and credit to the Broccoli Project for an innovative way of giving to Africa without allowing for money to be used in the wrong ways.
The unpriviledged need support from those that are!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 19:01
The sky is the limit with this model! Keep at it!
Junio 17th, 2009 at 22:10
What a fantastic way of encouraging people to make a difference in their community by rewarding them with basic human needs. Well done.
Junio 18th, 2009 at 5:58
Wow - really innovative! I like it. Do you have vendors in the Johannesburg Area yet?
Junio 18th, 2009 at 6:10
Great idea! Good luck with the presentation and the project in the future.
Junio 18th, 2009 at 6:21
This kind of project is just what we need in South Africa - giving people a hand up to help themselves instead of a hand out that leaves them forever dependent. Go Broccolis!
Junio 18th, 2009 at 6:50
Great Idea and practically applicable. My vote goes to the Broccoli project
Junio 18th, 2009 at 9:08
Great innovative idea - helping people to develop and aim for a better future. My vote goes to the Broccoli project….more of the same needed…
Junio 18th, 2009 at 11:54
Great idea!!
Junio 18th, 2009 at 12:26
nice one guys. We need to LIFT Africa at all times1
Success
Junio 18th, 2009 at 14:06
what a great idea…
Junio 19th, 2009 at 7:04
My vote goes to the Broccoli project - just what SA needs
Junio 19th, 2009 at 9:02
The Broccoli Project resonates wonderfully with South Africa’s marketing by-line of “Alive with Possibility”. It has the potential to make a huge impact from a social perspective - not just in South Africa, but world-wide, and the process of exploring opportunites between this entrepreneurial team and corporate South Africa is an exciting one. We wish broccoli all the best.
Junio 19th, 2009 at 9:30
We need more of these ideas in SA. I’m all for it! The best part is that it makes everyone involved feel good to do good deeds.
Junio 19th, 2009 at 13:25
This looks great! Need to role it out on a large scale….
Junio 20th, 2009 at 10:46
The broccoli project is a big step towards changing the lives of South Africans!!I am inspired
Junio 21st, 2009 at 1:52
hope this project really helps