Call for SEVEN Fund Student Essay Competition
Cambridge, MA – March 7, 2008
Cambridge, MA - March 8, 2008 -The S.E.VEN Fund has announced its 2008-2009
Student Essay Competition. The competition will award one (1) undergraduate student
prize of US$10,000 and one (1) graduate student prize of US$20,000. The submission
deadline is December 7, 2008 at midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST). Winners will be
announced on February 7, 2009
Essay Instructions
Great leaders require great followers. They create a vision imbued with moral purpose, tension, insight; and they open hearts and minds to that vision by embodying the personal values consistent with that vision, and by being eloquent.
Please review the videos called, “The Entrepreneur President, Paul Kagame of Rwanda,” Parts One and Two (available at www.sevenfund.org/essayresources) For purposes of this essay, assume the role of policy advisor to President Kagame, and consider these videos your personal briefing on his top priorities. In response, write a 2000 word essay with policy recommendations that put President Kagame’s vision into practice. The essay should use the first person, and be persuasive. The introductory sentence might even begin, “Your Excellency, I understand your vision and here are my policy recommendations.”
As further background to inform this essay on policy you may review Michael Fairbanks’ chapter in the book Culture Matters¹ , called ”Changing the Mind of a Nation”(also available at www.sevenfund.org/essayresources), though that is not necessary. The essay need not be comprehensive, but should focus on key policies. Your recommendations should not be purely ideological nor a regurgitation of conventional wisdom. Rather, we encourage you to formulate an original, practical and integrated set of policies for Rwanda that focus on Enterprise Solutions to Poverty. The essay should address specific policy recommendations in some or all of the following areas²:
* Monetary policy
* Fiscal Policy
* Direct Foreign Investment policy
* Trade policy
* Sectoral Policy
* Wage Policy
The winners will be announced on February 7. 2009. We intend to personally present the winning paper(s) to His Excellency, President Paul Kagame, and his cabinet for their review. The winning essays may be published in selected magazines and publications. SEVEN intends to publish a selection of all submitted essays on its website and in an essay book. By entering the essay competition, students are understood to give their permission for their essay to be used in that fashion.
SEVEN intends to run a version of this competition annually.
About S.E.VEN
Foreign economic and government programs have spent billions of dollars during the past five decades to alleviate the high number of people living in poverty. No country has been lifted out of poverty as a result of these efforts, but the mindset remains the same: aid programs are the key to poverty alleviation.
Entrepreneurship as a solution to eradicate poverty (i.e. a focus on wealth creation rather than poverty reduction via re-distribution and government programs), remains controversial because it goes against the mindset that solutions to public problems come from the government rather than from the private sector. The notion of creating wealth is often stigmatized as “exploiting the poor;” and businessmen in developing nations are sometimes regarded as too self-interested to be a force for positive social change.
At the core of the approach to poverty alleviation is the basic question: Are individual persons, no matter where they live, able to determine their own future? Does positive change come from the ingenuity of the individual or does a group of us have to tell the rest what to do? The answer to these questions goes to the core of our view of how we see the person, as fatalistic or self-determined; and it determines whether our proposed solution to an issue like poverty involves a “top-down” approach or a “bottom-up” solution. Indeed, to what extent do we rest the locus of responsibility for a person’s future on him or her; or on others, out of their beneficence?
S.E.VEN (The Social Equity Venture Fund) is an independent nonprofit organization1 supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. We provide monetary, organizational, and intellectual support for the research of enterprise based solutions to poverty, in accord with the S.E.VEN Fund Bylaws. The S.E.VEN Board provides the leadership, and a variety of qualified jurors make funding decisions. 1 501(c)(3) filed with the IRS June ‘07
The Fund’s activities are enhanced by the active participation of its S.E.VEN Fund Members. S.E.VEN Fund Membership consists of all researchers funded by the Fund, as well as researchers with membership granted by the S.E.VEN principals via invitation or application.
The aim of S.E.VEN Fund programs is to challenge the prevailing mindset in the fight against poverty. We want to stimulate discussion around the questions of whether wealth-creation may be the most effective solution to alleviate poverty. We invest our efforts and resources to discuss, find, research, and document examples where entrepreneurial success is shown to have led to poverty alleviation. In the process, we support entrepreneurs in developing countries with case studies, mentorship programs and publicity and services that help them succeed at what they do.
Questions & Answers
What is the essay question?
The question for both the undergraduate and the graduate student essay competition is: “View the videos ‘The Entrepreneur President, Paul Kagame of Rwanda’ and write a 2000 word policy paper that puts President Kagame’s vision into practice.”
How do I submit my essay?
* Submit your essay electronically in a MS Word or PDF format only using the submission form on SEVEN’s website. All information requested, including contact information, abstract, and essay should be included in a single document.
* For undergraduate student competition: www.sevenfund.org/ugessaysubmission.php.
* For graduate student competition: www.sevenfund.org/geessaysubmission.php.
* Every essay MUST, in addition to the actual essay, include a 100 word abstract at the beginning of the document.
Along with the submission, you need to include the following information:
* Your full name and mailing address, a contact telephone number and your academic email.
* Your degree-level and field of study.
* Your University’s name, official address and main telephone number; and the name, phone number and email address of someone we may contact at the university (Faculty member, Department Chair, or registrar) to verify that you are enrolled as a full time student.
* A brief one paragraph biography of the author(s)
Why has SEVEN selected the short essay format for this competition?
We believe that the short essay format is a powerful and underutilized mechanism in development thinking. It is a versatile medium that requires succinct, insightful writing that can be published in multiple venues. Winners of SEVEN’s previous essay competition have been published on our website. In addition, the 2008 graduate winner will be published in a forthcoming book. The John Templeton Foundation, the OTF Group, and SEVEN are planning to publish the essay book tentatively titled, “In the River They Swim, Essays on Enterprise Solutions to Poverty,” edited by Michael Fairbanks, Malik Fal, and Marcela Escobari. In the River They Swim is a collection of essays from development practitioners around the world, featuring commentaries by Luis Alberto Moreno, President of the InterAmerican Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka, President of the African Development Bank, and Ashraf Ghani, Chairman of the Institute of State Effectiveness and former Finance Minister of Afghanistan.
Does S.E.VEN have a preferred philosophical or scientific agenda?
We see a number of experts who opine about poverty and prosperity: i.e., macroeconomists, businessmen, educators, political scientists, social scientists, etc. We rarely see enough integration, where the experts of one domain borrow insights from another, and attempt to create an even more robust intellectual framework. We intend to foster this kind of integration, at the level of thought leader and practitioner.
Does SEVEN have any guidance to students preparing essays?
Essays should be original works that directly address the topic as outlined. We strongly discourage students from repurposing papers from college courses or analysis conducted on another country. Repurposed papers are easy to spot, and lack the integration and insight necessary to win the competition.
Who qualifies to compete in the S.E.VEN Fund Student Essay Competition?
Any full time student who studies at an accredited educational institution worldwide³ or a student who has been confirmed acceptance and matriculation for the following academic year may submit a 2000 word Essay in English to compete in the SEVEN Fund competition as long as the essay reflects the scope and guidelines stated in the call for essays. The winning students will be required to enter into a contract with SEVEN prior to final award. We welcome applicants from every field of study.
How long should the essay be?
Essays may not exceed 2000 words and must be written in English. Students may write an essay of less than 2000 words. Do not forget that you MUST submit a 100 word abstract along with your essay.
What is the 100 word abstract?
We ask you to submit, along with your essay a 100 word abstract which states the essence of what your paper is about. This is a very useful process for both the writer and the reader as it forces the writer to concisely state his or her point and it allows the reader to enter the reading of the essay with a better understanding of the idea and subject matter.
Do Undergrad and Graduate Students compete with each other?
No, Undergraduate and Graduate Students, while writing on the same question, compete in separate groups.
Are there any restrictions on the prize money? What may the prize money be used for?
The prize money is intended for use at an accredited academic institution for the winning student’s education. S.E.VEN will release the money directly to the educational institution or a student loan provider, not directly to the winning student.
How will essays be judged?
All essays that comply with the call for essay rules will undergo a competitive process of a confidential jury review. Expert S.E.VEN Fund jurors will evaluate and rank the essays according to the criteria described in the call for essays. The winning students will be required to enter into a contract with S.E.VEN prior to final award.
Can I submit multiple essays?
No, each student may only submit one essay.
Can I collaborate with another student?
You may decide to submit an essay together with another student, but the prize money is per essay, not per student. The two (or more) of you would share the prize.
What if I am unable to submit my application electronically?
Only applications submitted through this form on our website are accepted. If you encounter problems, please contact S.E.VEN at info@S.E.VENfund.org.
How is S.E.VEN financed?
This call for essays is supported initially by a generous grant from the John Templeton Foundation. S.E.VEN intends to run a version of this essay competition annually.
What sort of legal organization is S.E.VEN?
S.E.VEN is a non-profit corporation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. An application for recognition as a 501 (c) (3) organization was filed in June 2007.
Who is S.E.VEN? How is S.E.VEN administered and run?
S.E.VEN is primarily managed by two people, Andreas Widmer and Michael Fairbanks, bios attached. They are co-directors with different experiences in the high-tech industry and development, respectively. They founded and ran the only venture-backed firm in the USA to focus on selling software and strategic consulting services to developing nations. There is a board of advisors, and a board of directors with vast experience in global markets, advisory work, and enterprise solutions to poverty.
What if I have additional questions?
You may send your questions to info@S.E.VENfund.org.
Important Dates
* Inaugural SEVEN Fund Call for Essays: March 7, 2008
* Deadline for Essay submission: Midnight Eastern Standard Time,
December 7, 2008
* SEVEN Fund Essay Award Announcements: February 7, 2009
Acceptable Use of Prize Monies
* Full Time Tuition
* University/School Housing (only if it is to be paid directly to the University or School)
* Payment against Student Loans
Biographies
Michael Fairbanks
Michael Fairbanks is the Founder of The OTF Group, a software and strategy consulting firm based in Boston. It is the first Venture-backed US firm to focus on developing nations. Mr. Fairbanks is also the Senior Advisor to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, a USD 100 billion dollar bank located in Washington, D.C., which, last year, disbursed USD 7.5 billion dollars in grants and loans to the Caribbean and Latin America.
He was a US Peace Corps teacher in Kenya, a Wall Street Banker and has, over a twenty year career, advised scores of Presidents, cabinet members and CEOs in Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia on business strategy and export competitiveness.
Recent projects include working for the president of Rwanda to improve the prosperity of all
Rwandan citizens by increasing the competitiveness of that nation's tourism, coffee and agro-industry sectors; and advising the minister of finance of Afghanistan on private-sector reforms. He co-authored Harvard Business School's landmark book on business strategy in emerging markets, "Plowing the Sea, Nurturing the Hidden Sources of Advantage in Developing Nations," with a forward by Michael Porter. Business Week Magazine said, “Plowing the Sea points the way toward creating prosperity in developing nations,” the Boston Globe named it one of the ten best books of the year in Politics and Economics, and Exame magazine, Brazil’s leading business weekly, called it one of the ten best books of the decade.
He co-conceived and contributed to the global best selling book "Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress," with Sam Huntington and Larry Harrison at Harvard. His next book, edited with Malik Fal and Marcela Escobari-Rose, contains essays by OTF colleagues from around the world. It is entitled “In the River They Swim: Essays on Enterprise Solutions to Poverty.”
His work has been translated into a dozen languages, including Korean, Mongolian and Serbian. He was a visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford, a lecturer at Harvard, and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts. He has degrees in philosophy and biochemistry from the University of Scranton, a Jesuit university in Pennsylvania where he was trustee for six years, and in African politics from Columbia University in New York City.
He served on the Commission on Globalization with, among others, Mikhail Gorbachev, Jane Goodall and Joe Stiglitz. He also advised the Private Sector Commission at the United Nations. Fortune magazine named him one of the 150 Smartest People in the World. In 2006, his alma mater gave him its highest award, a doctorate in humane letters for his “accomplishments and devotion to social justice.”
Fairbanks serves on the board of directors of various civic, educational and commercial organizations.
Andreas Widmer
The co-director of the S.E.VEN Fund, Andreas Widmer was previously an executive in residence at Highland Capital Partners, a leading venture capital firm. A seasoned business executive, Widmer has led such international strategy consulting and high technology software firms as the OTF Group, Eprise Corporation, Dragon Systems and FTP Software. He has worked extensively in the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa and Latin America and has brought more than100 leading-edge technology products to market.
During his 17-year career, he has furthered the buildup of four startup companies with cumulative exits valued at more than $730 million. Widmer’s current projects include advising several medical device and high-technology startup companies on strategy, venture capital and angel fund-raising efforts.
He serves on the board of directors/advisors of the OTF Group, Virtual Research Associates, Twin Star Medical, Smart Destinations, Island Desserts, Legatus Boston, the World Youth Alliance and the Boston Catholic Men’s Conference.
Widmer served as a Pontifical Swiss Guard from 1986-1988, protecting Pope John Paul II. He speaks fluent German, Italian and French and has a basic knowledge of Spanish.
Terms and Conditions:
The SEVEN Fund has sole and absolute discretion to determine which submission entries, if any, merit an award. The SEVEN Fund reserves the right, in its sole and absolute discretion, to change, modify, extend or reduce the terms and conditions of, or to suspend or terminate, the competition without prior notice. SEVEN will endeavor to inform participants of any such change, modification, extension, reduction, suspension or termination, as the case may be, through any media outlet deemed appropriate by SEVEN in its sole and absolute discretion. SEVEN further reserves the right to nullify and/or cancel any part or all of the competition if it appears that any fraud or malfunctions have occurred in any form whatsoever. Each participant undertakes to indemnify and keep SEVEN harmless from and against any loss, damage, claims, costs and expenses which may be incurred by or asserted against SEVEN as a result of such participant's participation in the competition.
¹Culture Matters: How Values Shape Human Progress. Lawrence E. Harrison (Editor). New York: Basic Books, 2001.
²Additional background on the importance of these policy areas can be found in the book Plowing the Sea. Michael Fairbanks and Stace Lindsay. Boston: Harvard Business Press, 1997.
³Except for nations under US embargo
From : http://www.sevenfund.org/press-release-mar-2008-essay-competition.html
