International Students Witness Social Enterprise In Action
Young people from across the globe convened at New Community recently to get an inside look at a successful social venture.
More than 150 young people from nearly 20 countries participated in Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Social Ventures for Sustainable Development Seminar, which drew youth from countries as far away as China, India, Pakistan and Australia to Newark, New Jersey.
“Most of the young participants in Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Social Ventures for Sustainable Development program have never been exposed to civil society organizations like New Community,” said Dr. Jason Scorza, Vice Provost for Academic and International Affairs. “NCC both exemplifies the spirit of social entrepreneurship and has an enviable record of achievement serving the people of Newark,” he said.
The international visitors ranged in age from 18 to mid-twenties and came to learn about New Community through a presentation organized by local teens participating in a summer program with NCC Youth Services. Afterwards, the visitors got a whirlwind tour of New Community’s job training and employment programs (academic enrichment, allied health, automotive and building trades), daycare (Community Hills Early Learning Center), healthcare (Extended Care Facility) and Financial Opportunity Center.
New Community CEO Richard Rohrman welcomed the students to St. Joseph Plaza, where the group participated in a cultural exchange with Newark youth and enjoyed lunch prepared by the staff of New Community Extended Care Facility.
Whether constructing new buildings or offering services such as healthcare, New Community exists to help inner city residents, according to Rohrman.
“New Community is about self-sufficiency,” he said.
