Making a Difference...with David Helmer
January 2010.....
"When most people hear of the country Rwanda, the first word they think of is .....genocide. Yet, with adept leadership Rwanda has progressed very rapidly from those brutal events of 15 years ago to a society and economy that is becoming the envy of its neighbors.
The wounds from its recent history are still deeply embedded in the national psyche. Yet, the country is also pursuing strategies that allow for present reconciliation and future opportunity. One of the main tenets of this new plan is the establishment of Rwanda and its capital, Kigali, as an economic center for East Africa. This allows for job creation, economic and political stability, alleviation of poverty and decreasing mortality, as well as hope.
"It is in this renewed, vibrant economy that Global Resource and Development Partners (GRDP) works with the government of Rwanda. It is also the reason for my involvement there. GRDP's mission is to
increase the capacity and capability of entrepreneurs through strategic business training and mentoring. Personal development of high potential entrepreneurs grows business. Growing businesses create jobs and pay taxes. Economically healthy governments and families allow for a stable economy, which then gives opportunity and hope for individuals.
"My business, Helmer, Inc., partners with various organizations around the world, using our resources to empower our people to make a difference in the lives of others. Our involvement in Rwanda allows for us to connect Helmer employees and other US business people, who can then use their years of experience, with Rwandan entrepreneurs. Past trips established relationships with government, civic and business leaders. The next trip in January initiates our quarterly strategic workshops that begin the process of relationship building and development with our Rwandan counterparts to transfer a wealth of business experience to leaders who will use it "tomorrow". We are expecting 100 attendees, including a few college students who are genocide orphans. It is a great experience to see leaders take concepts and form them into individual plans for their companies. It is equally exciting to see US executives and entrepreneurs grasping the value of their experience, as they also enjoy the richness of what their Rwandan counterparts understand about relationship.
"It has been a wonderful experience to give away all of my life, not just my financial resources, in our small effort to establish justice, and to aid the poor and marginalized of the world. We are beginning to engage our employees at their highest level of capability. As a result, they are more engaged in our company purpose, and that vision is spreading to their families, as well as other businesses. A "Culture of Generosity" is developing. Not only is that good for the people we are serving, it is good for my business, and it is what I wish to be about in this world."