Solution

"Impact Sourcing"

This solution addresses labor pools lacking opportunity in Cambodia, Laos and Kenya for youth from low income families

  • Ddd sl2

Problem Description

Digital Dive Data creates better futures for disadvantaged youth in Cambodia, Laos and Kenya. The innovative work/study program that is core to DDD’s social enterprise enables young women and men from very poor families to gain work experience plus access to higher education. As a result, they secure professional jobs and earn lasting higher incomes, breaking the cycle of poverty. Since 2001, the projected increase in lifetime earnings for youth in DDD’s program is more than $250 million. DDD pioneered the model of offering employment in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry to people from disadvantaged families, now called “Impact Sourcing.” Inspired by this model, dozens of other firms around the world now engage in Impact Sourcing. DDD’s approach is unique in that it incorporates a comprehensive program of employment and higher education to support young people in realizing their dreams.

Building Blocks

Story

Seeing an opportunity to bring India's business process outsourcing model to Southeast Asia, DDD began in a small office in Phnom Penh, with a project to digitize Harvard University’s student newspaper, The Crimson.

Today, DDD successfully delivers work to hundreds of international and local clients from four operations centers. From a small data entry operation in Cambodia, the company now offers a wide range of digital content services. DDD is the largest technology-related employer in Cambodia and Laos and recently won Kenya’s Vision 2030 Award for the Best BPO. DDD’s unique Impact Sourcing model has developed a growing network of young professionals and propelled hundreds of families out of poverty. Jeremy Hockenstein serves as Chief Executive Officer.

Solution Type

  • Skoll Social Entrepreneur

    • Photos

    • Ddd sl2

    Solution Stage

    One of the 7 stages of an innovation. Learn more
    STAGE SPECIALIST SKILLS REQUIRED EXAMPLE ACTIVITIES RISK LEVEL AND HANDLING FINANCE REQUIRED KINDS OF EVIDENCE GENERATED GOAL
    Developing and implementing5
    Strong leadership, management, implementation skills
    • Policy design
    • Programme design
    • Business modelling
    • Organisational design
    • Prepare for some adaptation to implementation
    MEDIUM
    • Programme funds, equity, loans, grants
    HIGH
    A robust and detailed case developed through formal evaluation and evidence gathering – use of a control group to isolate impact
    An implemented and sustainable innovation

    Submitted By

    Bryan Lehrer74310022 copy

    Key Details

    Solution Type
    Skoll Social Entrepreneur
    Activity