From Social Project to Social Enterprise What I Learned About Defining the Real Problem

When I first started Nambo Udik, I based all my decisions and attentions on what I saw before applying structured research or deep engagement with the community. I believed that the main issue was that the students weren't learning effectively, meaning I had to implement more teaching and resources. But there was an underlying problem I couldn’t see. These assumptions were based on my own experiences and a desire to help, but they didn't always show what needed to be fixed.

Social entrepreneurship was something I wanted to do but wasn’t doing. I learned that social entrepreneurship needed some sort of slower pace, as I needed to research beforehand, listen to stakeholders, and also understand the root cause of the problem before acting with instinct. The course changed that way of thinking by stressing the need to define an issue before coming up with solutions. But something that really cracked my thinking was the difference between “We want to help” vs “What problem actually needs solving?” Even though I had to let go of my certainty, switching gears from the project team into insights of the community released inputs I would have missed.

Lessons from the course changed my overall thinking and approach on my whole Nambo Udik Project. Firstly, I learned that understanding the core problem isn’t easy and not a one-time step: it has to be an ongoing process. By observing and talking openly with stakeholders, I was able to have a better idea of the problems and priorities that were really important. As I continue this project, I now recognize that sustainable impact starts with understanding, not assumptions.

Key Takeaway: 

This journey taught me that problem definition is not a one-time activity; it is continuous.

Communities change. Needs evolve. Assumptions must be revisited.

Going forward, I approach decisions differently. Instead of asking, “What can I offer?” I now start with, “What is truly needed?” This shift has fundamentally changed how I view social entrepreneurship. Sustainable impact does not begin with action, it begins with listening.