Changemaking Resources
May 28, 2019
Story
I must say that the resource inventory as discussed last week was an eye-opener. It made me know how blessed I am with so much assets at my disposal. These are assets we sometimes take for granted but the truth is that they are the things/people that make us tick; that make us the powerhouses that we really are. Some of the assets that make me proud and assured that I am indeed a change-agent in my generation include-
1. Familial Assets
My immediate and extended family support is priceless. My husband is a greatcheerleader. Although sometimes he does not agree with what I choose to do, his weight of support (whenever he does agree with it) gives immense credence and boost to my work and projects. My children’s involvement in my projects also brings so much joy and inspiration. My siblings equally inject financial and moral support to encourage me. In addition, I am blessed with true friends that believe in me and whatever I stand for. They are strong pillars of support and strength around my life and assignment.
2. Material Assets
For over 10 years, I had no formal operational office for our non-profit organization – Bestspring Foundation in all our services to vulnerable children and youth. I did most of my work from home and the media company (Independent Newspapers Limited) where I worked as a journalist for 13 years until 2015 when I left paid employment to focus on humanitarian services and freelance journalism practice. But between January 2015 and January 2017, God sent help my way. My family, with the support of friends, board of trustees and good hearted people, built an orphanage for orphans and vulnerable children. It is a mind blowing experience to see such an institution established and till date, I am still in awe. Indeed, this is beyond me and I remain eternally grateful to all those that sacrificed their resources tosee this dream come true. It is a great opportunity to nurture vulnerable children in an atmosphere of love and grace. It is also a platform to help teenage (indigent) mothers weather the storm of rejection and provide a safe space for their children while the young mothers have a second chance to pursue their dreams in areas of education or skill acquisition.
3. Social Assets
I enjoy a robust bond of network and collaboration with professional colleagues like The Media Project, Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), World Pulse, Guild of Professional Bloggers of Nigeria; Old School Mates, Women Prayer Fellowship, NGO Coalition Groups, my Mentors and of course, our Board members and Volunteers at Bestspring Foundation, who have been veryselfless and supportive.
To express more succinctly the power of synergy when women unite on a given course, here is my little poem.
When Women Unite
When women work together
It makes thoughts to gather
When all our thoughts are together
It makes our strength to gather
Yes, we can do more together
If we refuse to see only the outside
Yes, we can achieve more when we gather
If we can forget hurts on the other side
When hurts come, let them go
When pride shows, ignore it
When weakness manifest, cover it
When fear exhibits, dispel it
A broomstick can’t do a thing but prick
A bunch can sweep a nation spick
A bunch of broomsticks with the right heart
Can bring back our nation to the right path.