GOVERNANCE & POLITICS

Transforming Obalende is about bringing about change in the lives of a community which is on our doorstep and crying out for improvement, for hope.

We know that in order to make a positive and permanent change in this community we must not just give to Obalende but we must equip it.  We must inform its residents and empower them to start and sustain the process of attaining a better life for themselves.

The objective of the Governance Team is very much in keeping with this as it is about encouraging the Obalende community to take control of their own lives.  One of the most important ways of doing this is to get involved with the political system, ensure that they contribute towards putting in power those who will have their interests at heart, who are committed to improving the nation and prioritizing the basic needs of humans worldwide – education, health, infrastructure.

The Government & Politics Team focuses on public enlightenment and leadership development.  In light of the upcoming elections, it began its work by conducting a drive to get the locals of Obalende to partake in the voter registration exercise.  To cut through the lethargy and disillusionment that pervaded the community regarding politics, members of the team walked through Obalende, going from door to door talking to people about using the power they have to effect change in their lives.  The same was done with small groups such as the local widows, Road Transport Workers Association and market women.

Initially the reaction was not encouraging.  The people of Obalende did not believe that they could affect politics – could their individual votes really effect change in their lives? Also they were rather skeptical about the intentions of the members of the Changing Our World Foundation.  Were we trying to influence their votes to serve our own purposes?  However as they began to see a consistency in message, a commitment to the effort and a sincerity of purpose, they began to be more open to the message that their vote counts and so they should partake in the voters registration.

Averagely 1,000 flyers explaining the voters’ registration process and its importance were distributed weekly in Obalende during the registration period.  Once the election process begins in earnest, further promotions will be added such as car stickers and seminars.

The Team concentrated on the election to begin with as the timing was ripe for that due to the impending elections, however once the elections are over the intention is for the Team to look at governance more broadly including corporate governance and also domestic governance too.  We will develop a programme of leadership seminars and informal talks as well as promotional activities aimed at building leaders within the community who can stand as examples for various groups within Obalende bringing them together to work towards uplifting their community.

Apart from the personal satisfaction that comes from knowing we are contributing towards others, we are also encouraged by seeing that we have made an impact on the thinking and action of residents already.  Many of them have begun to change their perception of their own ability to influence change and have registered in spite of their initial cynicism.