Empowering social entrepreneurs to lead the charge: a guide

The lessons learned from Kibera, Kenya: a tale of transformation

In a world where global challenges—from plastic pollution to climate change—are escalating, social entrepreneurs are emerging as powerful forces for change. These visionary individuals are not only identifying pressing issues but also developing innovative solutions to address them. David Warner, co-founder of the Human Needs Project, has been at the forefront of this movement, working to uplift communities in Kibera, Kenya, through a holistic and sustainable model. His work offers valuable lessons for aspiring social entrepreneurs looking to lead the charge.

1. Start with community engagement

One of the most important lessons from Warner’s experience is that real change begins with deep, authentic engagement with the community you seek to serve. Social entrepreneurs must move beyond assumptions and engage in active listening and co-creation with the people most affected by the issues they’re addressing.

Warner explains, “We were never separated from the community. The umbilical cord of information was back and forth.” This continuous dialogue allowed the Human Needs Project to shape services that were relevant and sustainable, such as clean water, internet access, and even a banking system tailored to Kibera’s unique needs. Recently, spurred on by the birth of the Global Plastics Treaty in its own backyard, the organization has started to offer its users the opportunity to exchange plastic waste for the vital services it offers.

2. Address holistic needs

A fragmented approach often fails to create lasting impact. Social entrepreneurs should consider addressing the full spectrum of needs in the communities they work with, instead of focusing on isolated issues. The Human Needs Project provides multiple services—from water and sanitation to education and financial services—all in one community hub. This model has been transformational in Kibera, providing residents with the tools they need to uplift themselves and their families.

“Most of the fractured attempts inside Kibera were parts and pieces of that holistic, what we do every day at our homes,” says Warner. By recognizing the interdependence of various needs, Warner and his team created a space that not only solved one problem but became a platform for economic growth and community empowerment.

3. Innovate and adapt with flexibility

In social entrepreneurship, rigidity is your enemy. To truly lead the charge, you must be willing to evolve your approach as new challenges and opportunities arise. Flexibility is key to making a meaningful impact.

“You have to be adjustable. You have to be dynamic. And you have to be able to listen to the community and then create new features that they really need,” Warner explains. For instance, the Human Needs Project didn’t initially plan to offer financial services, but through feedback from the community, it became clear that banking was a priority. Today, over 1,500 residents have graduated from the project’s microloan program into the formal banking system.

4. Leverage technology for social good

Technology is a powerful tool for social entrepreneurs when used thoughtfully. Warner’s project in Kibera incorporated solar power, clean water technologies, and even precision hydroponics to help residents access clean energy and grow food in urban settings.

“The community center here is an embodiment of everything I’ve learned in California, and flipping backwards, everything that I’ve done here is now rotating back to California,” Warner shares, highlighting the potential for technology and innovation to travel both ways between the Global North and South.

Whether you’re addressing urban farming, energy needs, or financial inclusion, technology can amplify the impact of your social enterprise, making it more scalable and sustainable.

5. Create financial empowerment

One of the most powerful tools at a social entrepreneur’s disposal is financial empowerment. In many underserved communities, access to banking and financial services can be transformative. Warner’s introduction of a community banking system in Kibera has given thousands of residents access to microloans, savings accounts, and financial literacy programs.

“If you save more than $500, we graduate you into the formal banking world,” Warner explains, underscoring how financial empowerment can be a stepping stone to greater economic stability and independence.

By creating systems that allow individuals to save, invest, and grow their resources, social entrepreneurs can help break the cycle of poverty and create long-term solutions.

6. Integrate sustainability with social justice

For Warner, the intersection of environmental sustainability and social justice is central to his work. His architectural and sustainability expertise has shaped the infrastructure of the Human Needs Project, ensuring that solutions not only meet the immediate needs of the community but are also environmentally responsible.

“Our sanitation system is highly sophisticated…we’re moving 15,000 gallons of black water a day into pathogen-free water,” Warner says, highlighting how innovative ecological design can enhance the quality of life in underserved communities while preserving the environment.

Social entrepreneurs must prioritize sustainable practices that protect both people and the planet, as these elements are deeply interconnected.

7. Be a bridge between worlds

Warner’s work bridges two worlds—his experience in sustainable development in California and his hands-on work in Kibera. He believes that social entrepreneurs should be open to learning from all contexts and applying solutions across borders.

“Both worlds are serving each other, and more importantly, they are serving our planet and sustainability,” Warner says. This perspective can broaden the reach and impact of social entrepreneurs, allowing them to transfer knowledge, tools, and technologies between different cultural and geographic settings.

Conclusion: leading the charge

David Warner’s work with the Human Needs Project offers a powerful blueprint for social entrepreneurs looking to make a real difference. His approach—focused on community engagement, holistic solutions, adaptability, financial empowerment, and sustainability—provides a guide for those ready to lead the charge in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.

Social entrepreneurs have the unique ability to combine business acumen with a deep commitment to social good. By learning from leaders like Warner, they can build enterprises that not only tackle global issues but also empower the communities they serve.

For more insights from David Warner and to learn how you can apply these principles to your own social enterprise, listen to the full interview on the adaPETation® Podcast.