To Peter De Sutter, entrepreneurship is also something that has an ethical dimension. A healthy enterprise is must not only balance economically, but it also has a social responsibility to carry. Which is why De Sutter Naturally is very closely involved with two Third World schemes. In these schemes the priority rests with contributing to the meaningful development of the poorest and the weakest in society... children.

1. The mobile school

This Belgian scheme has won some exposure thanks to recent media coverage. The project got underway with Arnoud Raskin’s end-of-study thesis on the street children of Colombia. Raskin launched a small-scale campaign operating a unique resource: ‘the mobile school’. An cleverly redesigned vehicle [a travelling telescopic motor vehicle carrying on board blackboards, educational materials, etc.] teaches children to read and write in a manner that is both simple and fun.

The main objective however is to go out and reach children in their own everyday environment. As self-esteem is the key to the success of the rehabilitation process, and the improvement of the children’s living conditions, this education enables the children to become aware of their abilities and talents. This increase in awareness may help to motivate them to take better care of themselves, to adopt an improved lifestyle, and to believe in themselves and in a better future.

The efficacy and results of this method of education has resulted in what began as a short-term project has since developed into a fully-fledged non-profit organisation, employing 5 full-time staff. De Sutter Naturally therefore takes great pride in being able to lend financial support to this unique scheme.

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2. Cidade dos meninos

A private scheme which is operated in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Here, children aged 13 to 16 from underprivileged families find a welcome refuge after the statutory half a day of schooling.

Over a one year term, the students are given further vocational training, enabling them to learn a professional trade. They also learn the discipline that is necessary for a better life, this lesson is also repeated in the Citizenship and Personal, Social and Health Education they receive.
Each year, De Sutter Naturally, takes 50 of these children under its financial wings as their patron. We take great pride in the fact that we are able to help 50 of these ‘meninos’, by giving them the opportunity to train and achieve a better and a more decent life.

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