What could be in common between two cities: Dallas
in Texas,
established on the Trinity River
in1841, and Saratov
in Russia,
founded in 1590 on the Volga-river, beside the fact that they are both located
in the hearts of their respective states?
For one, just last year the mayors of Dallas
and Saratov
signed a partnership agreement. Second, the actual cooperation and friendship
began back in 1992, when Highland Park United Methodist Church (HPUMC) was
asked to go to Saratov
and help with humanitarian assistance. Now, Saratov
is the capital of one of the most progressive regions in Russia
and a leader in the adoption of liberal democratic reforms. The Region was the
first to enact the laws authorizing private ownership of the land by
individuals and businesses. The region is rich in natural resources, and
agricultural products; Saratov Region also has a
skilled and educated work force. However, only recently have the people there
begun to learn how to express individual ideas and give back to their
community.
At first, HPUMC was helping Saratov’s residents with their basic
needs. But how much can one help people by providing only food, clothing or
helping with home repair? When in July of 2002, Jared Michael Jackson, Jr.,
representative of HPUMC, helped to assemble, repair and ship 25 computers to Saratov,
a new idea was born! “We can help them
learn to start and grow small businesses, expand existing ones, build economic
independence and give back to their communities.” - Mr. Jackson said. To
implement his dream, Michael formed the Business & Engineering Global
Outreach (BEGO) National Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization that
would facilitate economic, educational and humanitarian cooperation and
development by bringing together people of different nations and cultures.
During 2002-2003, BEGO attended meetings with the
government, as well as with civic and business leaders in Saratov to discuss
the region’s needs and to refine BEGO’s goals and projects. From those discussions and from consultations
with the board of directors, BEGO announced its first major project - a
Business and Office Incubation Center (“Business Center”). The Business Center
will provide business, marketing, information, and other educational
opportunities to individuals and businesses. It will also provide first-hand
work experience for students. The long-term goal is to expand the Business
Center to other cities and regions in Russia and to become self-sufficient in
supporting humanitarian projects that the students will have to develop and
implement in their communities. “Our goal is not just to teach business but to
highlight business ethics as a key-component of self- and business development,
to explain how ethics can be practiced and how it will benefit you, your community
and your country,” - Michael said with enthusiasm. - “The more ethical people
are in a business - the less of government supervision is needed. And then -
give back to community!”
Presently, BEGO has five projects for this year:
BEGO and Fininvest Breast Cancer Research Study; BEGO
and Saratov Chamber of Commerce Computer Center; BEGO,
Russian Peace Foundation and Orphanage
Computer
Centers;
BEGO and Saratov City Administration Business
Internet Database. To reach their goals, BEGO is looking for donations,
practical and technical assistance, especially with supplying and installing
PCs to open Business Internet Database by September 1st, 2004.
Additionally, BEGO helps Saratov
United Methodist
Church
to renovate its building. To raise money for BEGO Foundation and awareness of
Foundation’s activities and projects, BEGO is planning to organize a tour in
the U.S.
for “Crystal Balalaika” folk music group and a charity auction of children’s
art this year.
BEGO’s
goal is to promote business and educational programs through cross-cultural
experiences that facilitate personal growth and development of personal,
business and civic relationships. Another part of the goal is to provide
individuals and businesses in Dallas,
TX, and
throughout the United
States with business
opportunities in Saratov
region. BEGO invites individuals and leaders from American business and civic
organizations to share their knowledge, to develop relationships, and discover
opportunities in Saratov
and Russia.
“Come to Russia
with us to experience the issues that confront the people.” - Mr. Jackson said.
- “If you come, you will develop relationships that will change your life, just
as they have changed ours. Christian faith suggests to us that those who have
much should assist and help those who have less.” BEGO’s calling is
to help the people of Russia
with the gifts God has endowed in us! “To accomplish this, we are actively
seeking the support and participation of others, who share our goals” - Michael
continued. - “That is why we founded BEGO!”
For more information and questions contact: Jared
Michael Jackson, Jr.
3109
Knox Street, Suite 613, Dallas,
Texas, USA,
75205
Email: bego_saratov@yahoo.com
or call 1-214-682-5220
