Alexander McLean is the most inspiring man I have ever met. This past summer, I had the opportunity to talk with him at the life-changing Praxis Academy. He started our conversation by handing me a card with his name and contact information, encouraging me to reach out to him if I were to ever need anything. For the next hour or so, Alexander poured out his heart. At a young age, Alexander became extremely concerned about the social injustices taking place in Africa. He also grew an intense interest in the justice system. After he graduated high school in the UK, he spent time in Kampala volunteering at a hospice center. It was during this time in 2004 when Alexander felt called by God to begin African Prison’s Project. This ministry provides prisoners with basic health and education services, clothing, food, and legal assistance. About halfway through the conversation, the girl to my left hesitantly asked, “How do you see all of the injustice and traumatic experiences without losing hope and faith?”. His response drew tears from both himself and all of those listening. “The Lord is helping me feel emotions again. I cut them off for years and He is helping me become human again.” He spoke with a passion I have never experienced before, a passion of someone in complete surrender to the Lord. My friend Alexander is being the hands and feet of the Lord in places where it is needed most. He has inspired me to never question the Lord’s calling. This man truly loves.
Below are just a few of the high-profile awards Alexander and APP have received
- UK Charity Volunteer of the Year 2006
- UK Young Philanthropist of the Year 2007
- Overall Winner, Beacon Prize for Philanthropy 2007
- University of Nottingham Alumni of the Year 2007
- UK Graduate of the Year 2007
- Winner, Vodafone World of Difference Prize 2008
- Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (2008)
- Ashoka Fellow
- Time Top 30 Under 30
I never had thought about prisons in countries beyond Europe and the Americas. Even then in those places and in our country the prisons are not doing what they need to be doing. But to see the problem in a place like Africa is a bit more eye opening. Most people would never think of providing goods and services for prisons in Africa.
What an amazing idea he had! This is a great example of redemptive entrepreneurship and I am sure you had so much fun being able to interact with him and many others at Praxis. Sadly, many countries besides the US have horrific living conditions for prisoners. Instead of using prison to teach a lesson and reform the inmate, it is only punishment.
Alexander McLean’s immense care for social injustices in Africa exemplifies how entrepreneurs should approach a problem. While he has earned a number of awards and degrees that give him authority to solve a problem, he approaches helpless people with humility and patience. Great read Fisher.