Creating Opportunity for Families in the Eastern Region of Ghana

Written by Elizabeth Plumley, long term Akaa leader, volunteer and board member – College of Wooster ’13

Okay, I know quotes can have some pretty negative connotations. As a society we’ve basically been kicked in the face with hackneyed generalities like, “reach for the moon…” and “what doesn’t kill you….” We’ve all been there when a friend/parent/coworker tries to remedy a bad situation with a completely unwelcomed quote. When I’m in a bad mood the last thing I want is someone shoving their generic, one size fits all comment at me. But maybe it’s not the quotes themselves that create the issue, perhaps it’s just the monotony of their overuse. I for one can use all the inspiration and advice I can get. In fact, a lot of quotes resonate with us, which is why they are so aggressively perpetuated by our friends and family. Maybe what we want are just some honest ideas, from some smart people, expressed in an accurate way. That’s a tall order, but absolutely not too much to ask for these quote-worthy individuals.

1. “The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by the skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were and ask why not?” – JFK

Isn’t it always easier to tear down something than to construct it in the first place? It’s too easy to think there are no attainable solutions or feasible ways to remedy injustices. However, the change makers will be the ones who are willing to try, and more impressively willing to confront failure. Rather than drawing attention to the shortcomings of the well-intentioned, we should be highlighting the problems that seriously need solutions. Problems like the high maternal mortality rates of sub-Saharan Africa or the number of girls who are routinely denied access to education.

2. “Take time to figure out what you believe is important, and have courage to live your values, whatever they might be. There are a lot of pre-fabricated notions of what constitutes “success” floating around; it’s worth reflecting deeply on whether they reflect your own instincts about what’s meaningful.” –Madeleine Ballard, Last Mile Health

I found this quote while scoping out Last Mile Health, a really cool non-profit that works in remote villages in Liberia- similar to Akaa. Since the villages are really isolated, Last Mile Health focuses on taking the healthcare to them and turning villagers into health workers through education. This quote probably stuck with me because I’m a recent grad trying to figure out what’s worth doing. Whether you’re taking the first step in your job search or are in the midst of a flourishing career this advice is still incredibly applicable. Your idea of a successful life is probably different than mine, but whatever that idea is its worth taking the time to understand. After all, doesn’t redefining our personal measure of success make a lot more sense than chasing some vague dream life we constructed at the thoughtful age of 6.

3.“When the history of African development is written, it will be clear that a turning point involved the empowerment of women.” – Sheryl WuDunn, Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide

If I were a teacher the absolute first book I would assign to my students would be Half the Sky by Nikolas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn. Lucky for the next generation I don’t have the patience to teach, but Half the Sky is one of those jaw dropping, epic, intentionally horrific books that really gets you fired up. It’s absurd that women are still being oppressed, sold and abused. Kristof and WuDunn smartly juxtapose the atrocity of slavery and the injustice of the “gendercide” of women to make clear the insanity that still runs rampant and largely untouched in our world.  

4. “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” –Margaret Mead

In his book, It Happened on The Way to War, Rye Barcott highlights this quote that his anthropologist mother reiterated throughout his life. On his journey to establish his non-profit in a Kenyan slum, called Carolina for Kibera, Barcott found Mead’s quote particularly insightful. That’s the coolest thing about a good quote- the fact that tons of different people have found inspiration in your words and apply your message in a personal way. I think Mead successfully points out that innovators and solvers make change while people that are too scared of failure are an impediment to their own impact.

 5. “Health is the biggest economic asset of the poor.”- Charity: Water

Whether it’s a trip to the nurse’s office or a visit to the training room, medical attention is readily available for most of us. Health is the foundation upon which every part of a person’s future hinges. If medical expenses and lingering illnesses drain a family’s income how will they educate their children, save money, or harvest crops. For those of us lucky enough to live without any health issues it’s so easy to forget the daily struggle of others. In order to aspire and to believe a person must first be healthy enough to dream of something other than good health. How is it fair that health and healthcare are incredible privileges not afforded to a vast many people? The next question becomes: how do we fix that?

6.“Tolerance, inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity are more essential than ever in a world where peoples are becoming more and more closely interconnected.” – Kofi Annan

As technology is proliferated the effect is the unification of different worlds and easier access to remote regions of globe. Connectivity can engage previously forgotten areas of the world and create the opportunity to employ creative solutions. Respect for people and collaboration with different communities is an integral part of any successful cross cultural effort. This may seem obvious but it’s amazing how often good intentions are inappropriately executed. This is a great reminder for any organization and we seek to learn from those we work with, continually improve and incorporate new solutions.

7. “Our actions- and inaction- touch people we may never know and never meet across the globe.” – Jacqueline Novogratz

Inaction is hard to fully comprehend but at some point we need to hold ourselves accountable for ignoring injustice and misfortune. Ignoring stats, turning a blind eye, and deciding not to become informed all have consequences. Whether you join a cause, support a group on social media, or inform yourself there is always something you can do. Apathy is an, all too common, unfortunate abuse of opportunity.

8.“There is no passion to be found playing small in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” –Nelson Mandela

Can’t really argue with Mr. Mandela can you? Although this quote verges on a “reach your potential” kind of cliché, Mr. Mandela’s wisdom and insight is both warranted and welcomed. Powerful quotes are relatable and create not only a common ground but a starting point for further action. Do something you find epic and believe in the beauty of the pursuit.

Although you’re not likely to hear these types of quotes while making small talk around the water cooler, these are the kind of quotes that we need to hear and share. The kind of quotes with both substance and perspective, and most importantly they are said by people who are willing to say the words others should hear, not the ones that they’ve already heard.

 

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