SDG in Africa
As a consultant working in start-up mode, I get downright ecstatic when I land a new contract. My rate of conversion is still fairly dismal, but I get better with each prospect in regards to knowing which clients fit my ideal; which clients are ready to receive what I have to offer.
I hit the jackpot recently and landed a start-up with a sophisticated founder who is ready to change the world. She has everything going for her: brilliance, charisma, financial resources, humility, the desire, drive and the know-how to create tipping points.
We came to an agreement for me to create outcomes and set up the monitoring and evaluating aspect of her program. She asked that we align the outcomes to the Millennium Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), first started in 2002 and sponsored by the United Nations which has gone through several iterations. We agreed upon three goals: 3 (Good Health & Well-Being), 4 (Quality Education), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
The program she launched is in Africa and therefore I had to familiarize myself with the country and of course how the SDGs are fairing in that country. As you can well imagine, the reports and the data abound. No shortage there. Headway, progress? Not so much. Africa still lags behind on many fronts. Depending on which source you choose, reasons range from political corruption to weak and actually non-existent infrastructure, lack of education, illiteracy, outdated policies/ laws, and even foreign investment which actually harms more than does justice.*
I also know that positive change is possible. Rwanda shines as an example of positive change.
My client is a practical idealist. She gets it. Her life reflects this on all levels. I am positive that if she remains steadfast, she will create positive tipping points for meaningful social change.
https://www.healthpovertyaction.org/how-poverty-is-created/power-and-politics/
