Traditional development models often followed a top-down approach, with external actors determining the needs of communities and implementing solutions. However, modern development cooperation, is based on a different paradigm: people and communities can only truly empower themselves

At tara, we have embraced this principle wholeheartedly. We understand that our role is not to impose solutions, but to influence the environments and circumstances that communities face, enabling self-empowerment. This shift in perspective is more than just philosophical—it is a practical approach that leads to more sustainable and effective outcomes.

Social entrepreneurship brings a business-minded approach to solving social problems. It combines the innovation, agility and independence of the private sector with the mission-driven focus of non-profit organizations. At tara, we believe in this model as the best way to create a digital platform that connects skilled artisans from the Global South with home design firms from Western countries. But how does this align with modern development practices? The key lies in our collaborative approach.

Rather than developing solutions in isolation, we’re building tara as a community. We are working hand-in-hand with product designers and artisans at the grassroots level, ensuring that our platform meets their real needs and aspirations. This co-creation process embodies the essence of modern development cooperation—it is not about us creating for communities but creating with them. This is why we are currently planning our field trip to Sri Lanka, our first pilot country!

Diasporas play a vital role in the economic empowerment of their home countries (1) and diaspora NGOs like our partner Comdu.it have deep roots in local communities. They understand their needs, challenges, and potential in ways that external actors simply cannot. In our partnership with Comdu.it, we are actively involving a project team in the development of our operating model. We also plan to strategically collaborate with locally embedded organizations that share our goals in every region we plan to become active in. This collaboration serves multiple purposes:

As diaspora NGOs serve as bridges between cultures, they can facilitate cross-cultural understanding, helping designers from the West better appreciate and respectfully incorporate traditional craftsmanship into modern designs.

1. Respects Local Agency: We're not dictating solutions but creating opportunities for self-empowerment.
2. Ensures Relevance: Our solutions are co-created with the communities they serve, ensuring they meet real needs.
3. Builds Sustainable Ecosystems: By integrating various stakeholders into our operating model, we’re creating a network of mutual support and benefit.
4. Bridges Cultures: We’re facilitating meaningful cross-cultural collaboration and
   understanding.

As we continue to develop tara, we remain committed to this integrated approach. We believe that the future of social entrepreneurship lies not in working for communities, but with them. By embracing modern development cooperation practices, we’re not just creating a platform—we’re fostering an ecosystem of empowerment, creativity, and sustainable development. We invite other social enterprises to consider how they too can integrate these principles into their
work. Together, we can create a new paradigm of development—one that truly puts communities at the center of their own progress.

What are your thoughts on this approach? We would love to hear from you! Share your experiences or ideas.