The social and solidarity economy: a lever for the future for young people

Reinventing the economy, reinventing the future

In a world where inequalities persist and economic, social, and climate crises are multiplying, another path is possible. The social and solidarity economy (SSE) doesn't just produce value: it produces connection, inclusion, and hope. For Keur Espoir, which operates at the intersection of working-class neighborhoods in France and Senegal, the SSE represents a unique opportunity for young people to become agents of change by combining entrepreneurship and social impact.

• What is the ESS in concrete terms?

The social and solidarity economy brings together businesses, associations, cooperatives, and mutual societies that place people at the center of their projects. Their goal: to meet social, environmental, and cultural needs that traditional economics does not address.

This means that profits are reinvested in the project, that governance is often participatory, and that social impact takes precedence over the simple pursuit of profit.

• Why is this an opportunity for young people?

For young people, whether they are in Dakar, Guédiawaye, Bordeaux or Marseille, the ESS opens up new perspectives:

• Create your own job while giving meaning to your activity.

• Develop cross-functional skills (project management, communication, teamwork, innovation).

• Engage locally while opening up internationally.

• Acting for the climate and social justice, two major issues for the current generation.

  
  

The SSE also makes it possible to transform a problem into a solution: a neighborhood without jobs can become a laboratory for social entrepreneurship, a resource for residents and an example for other areas.

• The Keur Espoir experience: the ESS in action

At Keur Espoir, we believe that every young person has unique potential. Our projects, whether sports workshops, community projects, popular press labs, or intercultural training, are designed to combine concrete action, training, and civic engagement.

We support young people in:

• Set up their solidarity initiatives, from design to financing.

• Learn about social entrepreneurship through concrete projects in the field.

• Participate in intercultural exchanges to enrich their vision and skills.

• Participate in major global ESS events, such as our participation in the GSEF in 2023 in Dakar and our future participation in the GSEF in Bordeaux in October 2025.

4. A vision that transcends borders

The SSE is also a bridge between the North and the South. It allows for the building of equitable cooperation, the promotion of local expertise, and the rethinking of economic exchanges through the prism of solidarity.

As Cheikh Anta Diop, a major historian and thinker, wrote:

“Young people have the right and the duty to build their future on the basis of dignity and creativity.”

Act now

For young people, getting involved in the social and solidarity economy is not just a professional choice; it's a political act, a gesture of resistance, and a promise for the future. Keur Espoir will continue to be a springboard, a space for creation and cooperation, so that this generation is not just spectators but a driving force behind a fairer and more humane economy.

Keur Espoir: Field engagement, citizenship without borders – Jàmm ak Xel