How the UWC Short Course Inspired Growth Link Founding Members

Empowering Young Leaders: Warren Lim and Elin Kim’s Experience at the UWC Short Course

Founding members of Growth Link, Warren Lim and Elin Kim, recently attended the UWC Short Course: Doing Good and Social Change, hosted by Doing Good Vietnam. This immersive program focused on empowering young changemakers to understand the complexities of social impact and build the skills needed to drive meaningful change.

The experience not only broadened their understanding of social challenges but also strengthened their commitment to Growth Link’s mission of community empowerment. As part of the program, Warren and Elin had the opportunity to explore themes of leadership, collaboration, and sustainable development, leaving them inspired to create lasting impact through Growth Link.

Insights Gained from the UWC Short Course

1. Understanding the Power of Grassroots Impact
   • Warren and Elin learned that small, localized actions often create the most sustainable and meaningful changes.
   • “The program emphasized how community-led solutions are essential for addressing systemic issues,” Warren shared.
   • Insights from the Impact Report by Doing Good Vietnam reinforced this idea, showcasing tangible results such as 96% of participants feeling empowered to lead social initiatives after the course.
2. Leadership and Collaboration
   • Through workshops and discussions, Warren and Elin explored the value of empathetic and inclusive leadership.
   • Elin noted, “Leadership isn’t just about guiding others; it’s about listening, understanding, and amplifying the voices of the community.”
   • The Impact Report revealed that over 90% of attendees felt more confident collaborating with diverse groups, a skill they are eager to apply in Growth Link’s projects.
3. Practical Tools for Driving Change
   • The course provided hands-on training in areas such as project planning, impact measurement, and cultural sensitivity.
   • The emphasis on measuring long-term outcomes resonated deeply, inspiring Warren and Elin to incorporate similar strategies into Growth Link’s initiatives.

Key Takeaways for Growth Link

Inspired by the insights and outcomes shared in the UWC Short Course Impact Report, Warren and Elin identified several ways to strengthen Growth Link’s approach to social impact:

1. Focusing on Measurable Outcomes
   • Growth Link will adopt a more structured approach to tracking the long-term impact of its projects, ensuring sustainable change for the communities it serves.
   • “It’s about more than just donations—it’s about empowering communities to thrive independently,” said Warren.
2. Empowering Youth Leadership
   • Warren and Elin are committed to fostering leadership among Growth Link members, creating opportunities for them to take ownership of projects.
   • This aligns with the UWC Impact Report finding that 96% of participants felt equipped to implement their ideas post-course.
3. Strengthening Collaboration
   • The course reinforced the importance of partnerships in driving scalable solutions.
   • Growth Link aims to work more closely with local organizations, missionaries, and other NGOs, mirroring the collaborative spirit of the UWC program.

A Renewed Vision for Growth Link

The UWC Short Course has reinvigorated Warren and Elin’s vision for Growth Link. With a deeper understanding of systemic challenges and the tools to address them, they are more committed than ever to:

• Educate and Empower Communities: Focus on programs like financial literacy workshops and donation events that address root causes of social challenges.
• Foster Inclusive Leadership: Encourage Growth Link members to embrace empathy and collaboration in their initiatives.
• Build Sustainable Solutions: Design programs with measurable, long-term impact in mind, ensuring communities can thrive independently.

A Call to Action

Warren and Elin’s journey at the UWC Short Course demonstrates the transformative power of education, leadership, and collaboration. Inspired by the program’s impactful results, Growth Link invites you to join this mission of creating sustainable change.

Whether you’re a student looking to volunteer, a donor seeking to support impactful projects, or an organization ready to collaborate, there’s a place for you in Growth Link’s journey.

Together, let’s turn small steps into big impact.