"Do what you can, with what you've got, where you are" is a quote often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt (although in his autobiography, he credits Squire Bill Widener). The quote may be interpreted to mean that whatever circumstance or limitation you are bound by, do the best you can with what you've got. It can also be construed to encourage innovation and creativity in the pursuit of your passions, understanding that the traditional approach to your passions may be hindered, and you may need to think and act "out of the box."
Our journey in Nigeria has brought us to the point of needing to do the best we can with what we've got while simultaneously being creative and innovative in our pursuits. Nigeria is contending with multiple intersecting crises that have hindered our typical approach to community development. These crises include economic turmoil, extremism, and increases in criminality, all of which have been exasperated by the impending federal elections. In recent weeks, an effort to replace almost all of Nigeria's banknotes – partly to reduce the widespread practice of vote-buying – has also caused massive economic disruption and widespread anger (Burke, 2023).
Although Nigeria's current social and political challenges have produced multiple challenges, it has not deterred our resolve to be the change we want to see in the world.
Our mission is bigger than politics or any other manufactured institution; our mission is to effect lasting change in the communities where we work. Considering this, we are committed to doing what it takes to remain relevant and helpful to the mission.
Regarding our mission, the smiling boy in the photo to the right (center of the photo) at our latest project in the community of Agyaragu Musha (a community of 980 people) embodies
our intent to bring hope and happiness
through lasting change.
A Fresh Approach
Agility and adaptability are two characteristics that are vital to survival in the modern business environment; these are also critical to our community development efforts. As Nigeria's political, economic, and social winds shift, we will remain effective only if we are agile enough to adjust and adapt to these changes.
We have recently partnered with the University of Southern California's Sol Price School of Public Policy to create a borehole management plan that will allow for greater fluidity in our approach to borehole management. We have also engaged security and development experts experienced in conflict zones to ensure our work continues despite the perceived challenges.
Onward and Upward
Our water projects provide over 24,000 people with clean, safe, and sustainable water every day, and this is just the beginning! We have completed two projects this year and plan to be as productive in 2023 as we were in 2022.
Burke, J. (2023, February 27). Nigeria election: early results put ruling party's Bola Tinubu in strong lead. Retrieved from theguardian.com: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/27/nigeria-election-labour-peter-obi-wins-lagos