Leadership Initiatives Students Creating Change

We want to thank you for your support to the Leadership Initiatives’ Interns participating in the  International Internship Program. Your donation has helped establish monumental growth in equitable healthcare for the Nagari Medical Clinic, while also helping to make healthcare more affordable for thousands of patients. 

President Tinubu's decision to end Nigeria’s fuel subsidy had severe consequences, with gas stations tripling prices overnight. The domino effect impacted transportation fares, electricity, and food for millions of people. Healthcare facilities were already strained and faced a dire situation as the cost of energy, drugs, and retaining health workers skyrocketed.

The Nagari Medical Clinic, a vital healthcare provider in the Federal Low-Cost district in Bauchi, saw its energy costs surge, jeopardizing its ability to offer affordable care. Like most individuals, businesses, and healthcare facilities in Nigeria, Nagari was forced to use generators to power their clinic as their primary source of electricity due to the inconsistent supply of energy from the National Electricity Grid. The Clinic’s average spending on energy supply increased more than 400% in the last six months alone.

The rising expenses could not be easily absorbed by patient bills. Most patients faced financial constraints of their own, earning an average monthly wage of about $30 USD. The increased health expenses threatened to make many medical services unattainable for patients, especially with over 90 percent of the population lacking coverage from the National Health Insurance.

The increase in fuel cost created extensive impacts on the Nagari Medical Clinic. Forced to pay over 25% more for drugs and consumables, higher operating costs for life-saving machinery, and increasing costs for travel of doctors and nurses, the clinic had to restrict access for patients. It started closing at sunset to avoid increased electrical costs and limited access to high-energy machines like X-ray machines. Diagnosis and treatment had to be delayed until daylight hours, and the storage of crucial medicines and vaccines was affected. 

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Leadership Initiatives worked with interns from its International Internship Program and embarked on a mission to alleviate the Nagari Medical Clinic's challenges. Interns called upon their communities to participate in the GlobalGiving Little by Little Fundraising Campaign, collecting small donations from over 1,500 supporters in September. This proved to be a turning point – the funds raised were instrumental in acquiring 40 400-watt Solar Panels, lithium-ion batteries, and a 15KVA/240v Solar Inverter for the clinic.

The installation of solar panels is a major improvement for the Nagari Medical Clinic. The hospital now enjoys a 24-hour uninterrupted power supply through solar energy, marking a significant shift in its operations. The lights are always on, and the medical staff can attend to patients without the hindrance of unreliable electricity. The solar-powered infrastructure ensures the integrity of stored medicine, contributing to the overall improvement of healthcare services. Plus, the solar panels produce electricity in an environmentally sustainable way, eliminating generator emissions of carbon dioxide and pollutants that contribute to air pollution and climate change.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the solar initiative translates into economic relief for patients. The hospital's reduced energy costs are reflected in the patient’s bill for a visit, making healthcare more affordable & accessible to the community. With a reduced economic burden, patients are able to seek treatment earlier, allowing for prompt detection, diagnosis, and treatment. 

The interns participating in the International Internship Program, with their dedication and the support of their donor networks, our interns have exemplified the power of collective action in addressing critical healthcare challenges. The solar initiative not only reduces the immediate burden on the Nagari Medical Clinic but also sets a precedent for sustainable and environmentally conscious healthcare practices. As the world grapples with evolving challenges, initiatives like these showcase the impact of innovative solutions in creating positive change and promoting resilient communities.

Over the last few months we have been focused on enhancing the capacity of micro business owners by providing comprehensive training in key areas. Business patterns who attend the  Financial literacy workshops were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to manage their finances effectively, make informed small business investment decisions, and optimize their business operations. Marketing training offered them insights into targeted advertising, branding, and customer engagement strategies, enabling business owners to reach a wider audience and establish a competitive edge. Additionally, skills training sessions equip participants with practical techniques to enhance the quality of their products and services, ultimately boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Recognizing the importance of access to resources, we have provided all of our business owners who participated in the International Internship Program with micro grants. These grants were carefully designed by our interns to provide business owners with the necessary supplies and tools that will enable them to expand their operations and attract new customers. Whether it's acquiring additional inventory, upgrading equipment, or improving infrastructure, the micro grants empower business owners to make strategic investments that foster growth and sustainability.

In our commitment to legitimacy and formalization, we have taken a crucial step by registering all participating businesses with the Nigerian government. By fulfilling the necessary legal requirements and paying the associated fees, we ensure that the micro business owners are recognized entities, gaining access to potential benefits and protections. This initiative not only facilitates the growth of individual businesses but also contributes to the formalization of the local economy.

To ensure the success of the participating businesses, we have gone the extra mile by providing comprehensive support beyond training and grants. Signs created by our interns were placed in front of shops to serve as effective advertising tools, attracting potential customers and enhancing the visibility of the businesses within the community. Flyers, business cards, and brochures have been meticulously designed by our internship team and distributed to promote the businesses, establishing a professional and credible image that resonates with customers.

The outcomes of our Micro Business Improvement Program in Bauchi, Nigeria, are undeniably positive and promising. Through our holistic approach of training, grants, government registration, and comprehensive support, we have witnessed micro business owners expanding their enterprises, attracting more customers, and contributing to the local economy's growth. 

Leadership Initiatives remains steadfast in our commitment to driving positive change and sustainable development. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our supporters and partners who have contributed to the success of our Business Program in Bauchi, Nigeria.