Ascent is resourcing established community buildings that are crucial to continued development in urban poor communities. New roofing, doors and bathrooms provide a safe environment for gatherings of local people to attend training, educational programs. A music studio run as a social business also creates content for English language podcasts that are used as part of a language school in the slum.

We believe that business and income generation creates freedom from poverty and brings dignity to the individual. Offering quality products and services to the wider city also helps urban poor business owners and their employees break down social barriers. We have provided start-up grants and business consultancy to a number of partners in the community including a catering company, organic soap-making and locally created mugs for fair trade distribution. It’s wonderful to see these business owners growing in confidence and autonomy as they connect with a wide variety of local, corporate and expatriate clients.