Abstract 

Learning Outcomes

This case explores the evolving nature of social enterprises and the critical need for sustainability models in donor-funded projects. Using St. Theresa Pre-School and Primary School as a case study, students will examine the challenges faced by social enterprises in maintaining operations after donor funding is exhausted. They will explore strategies for securing resources, creating revenue streams, and ensuring financial sustainability while continuing to meet social impact goals. The case also highlights the importance of strategic management, leadership, risk management, and governance structures in maintaining long-term viability. Students will analyze how these elements work together to help social enterprises like St. Theresa’s avoid dependency on external funding and secure their future impact.

Case Synopsis

There is an unprecedented evolution of social enterprise theories in project work today. Most donor funded projects are increasingly interrogating the “donation” model as currently conceived citing lack of sustainability in the sense that as soon as funding is terminated, the project continuity remains in doubt. This essentially means that the sustainability question remains key to the survival of these projects. Somehow and somewhat, social projects need to have a sustainability model to ensure that even as they seek to meet their social impact objectives, they also sustain their own existence. The case study of St Theresa pre-school and primary school provides an example of understanding the evolving nature of social enterprises. While the previous models significantly leveraged donor funding as a lifeline for social investment, there is evidently a need to inject sustainability into these projects. From a sustainability viewpoint, St Theresa must continue to find a way of ensuring that the school remains open while also meeting the needs of the poor people in the society. To remain running, where does it get the resources?

Complexity/ Academic level

This case is designed for corporate leadership development programmes (GCEO, AMP, SMLP and some Board Programmes), and Graduate courses in MBA and MCOM.

Supplementary Materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Keywords

Social entrepreneurship, Strategic management and leadership, risk management, governance, project management, and sustainability.

Citation

Ndunge, A., Njiraini, N., & Ominde, D. (2024). St. Theresa Pre- and Primary School: Balancing Social Responsibility and Resource Sustainability. In Strathmore Africa Case Center. Strathmore Africa Case Centre. https://doi.org/10.70268/sacc-10-24-36

Publisher: Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Copyright © 2024, Strathmore Africa Case Centre

Category : Case

Author : Diana Ominde,Nancy Njiraini,Angela Ndunge

Publisher : Strathmore University

Document ID : SACC-10-24-36