Inspired by the lessons learnt from LEAP Africa, a nonprofit organization which is committed to developing dynamic, innovative and principled African leaders, student beneficiaries of the Leadership, Ethics and Civics (LEC) programme, Agboju Secondary School Agboju, initiated the “Water for Life” project at Lion Junction Agboju, Lagos.

“Everyone needs safe water to stay alive”. As a result, the students chose to revamp an abandoned bore-hole project in the community. The students were confident to take on the project, which was abandoned by a politician, following LEAP’s training which equipped them with the knowledge that leadership is an act not position. Consequently anyone, irrespective of class or status can effect positive change in the society.

According to people and planet, almost a billion people on the planet do not have access to safe clean drinking water. Research has also revealed that lack of access to safe drinking water leads to a prevalence of preventive diseases, thus, addressing the access to water challenge in the community was imperative. In implementing the project, the students utilized the newly acquired skills from the LEC training such as project management, effective communication, time management, fundraising, strategic partnerships and alliances, as well as negotiation skills. In addition, the group mobilized community members to participate in the project to ensure ownership. Some of the community members also provided pro bono services which reduced labour costs associated with the project.

On November 13th, 2009, the water plight of over two thousand five hundred (2500) residents of Lion Junction came to a halt as the borehole project was completed. Today, residents of the community no longer have to walk long distance or join long queues for safe drinking water due to the leadership act demonstrated by these teenage LEC beneficiaries of Agboju Senior Secondary School.

Commencement of change initiatives such as “Water for Life” project is an important component of the Leadership, Ethics and Civics (LEC) Programme which is funded by Nokia with support from the International Youth Foundation. The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the State Ministries of Education in Anambra, Lagos and Ogun States.