alumni

Ensuring Rights to Health for Prisoners in Nigeria

Written By Drew Precious

July 7, 2020

Lucky Aziken is a 2018 Alumnus of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute at the Presidential Precinct. He is also the Founder and CEO of Vision Care Givers International (VCGi).

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July 25, 2018: From the Africa Ideas Summit in Williamsburg, Virginia, Lucky Aziken launched the Prevent Blindness Africa Initiative, one of many proven initiatives built to improve access to healthcare for Africans by Vision Care Givers International (VCGi).

Lucky during a Mandela Washington Fellowship academic session at the Presidential Precinct

June 26, 2019: As the Founder and CEO of VCGi, Lucky most recently shared the direct impact that his Initiative had on over one thousand refugees in Malawi. His project eventually grew into a partnership with fellow 2018 Mandela Washington Fellowship Alumni Bonface Massah and Jacques Baeni. This collaboration resulted in 545 eye exams, a first-time experience for many, distribution of 1,250 reading glasses for those in sincere need, and specialized treatment for those with a series of ocular diseases.

June 14, 2020: Lucky’s team at VCGi recently expanded their work with the all new Mission to Prisons project. This initiative involved production of a specialized antiseptic wash from locally sourced materials in the midst of a lockdown. The team then strategically placed wash stations all throughout an area correctional facility with detailed instructions on best hygienic practices to combat the spread of COVID-19. Elaborating on his motivation to reach the prison population, Lucky noted:

“The COVID-19 Mission to Prisons project speaks of resilience and commitment to the welfare of the most vulnerable in society. During my Leadership in Civic Engagement Institute at the Presidential Precinct in 2018, I was exposed to the concept of servant leadership and how to creatively solve problems with sustainability in mind. Years after, these invaluable lessons and skills gleaned have influenced my work across communities in Africa. While the COVD-19 Pandemic was spreading fear and panic everywhere, I decided to stand up for people who are least able to protect themselves as basic human solidarity, and I hope this inspires everyone to step up for the vulnerable groups in our communities.”

Lucky recently published a full report on VCGi’s Mission to Prisons project. Below you will also find a brand new video summary of his work.

Phase 2 Summary of the Mission to Prisons Project

As we follow the journeys of Presidential Precinct alumni like Lucky, we have great hope and confidence that opportunities for visionary leaders to continue impacting their communities do abound. We also see the innovative thinking that is required to adjust to a socially distanced world. The careful and calculated action required to ensure marginalized communities are given a chance to stand in the face of COVID-19 and all-too-common systemic oppression is daunting. As always, young leaders around the world stand ready for the challenge.

Thank you, Lucky, for your important work and leadership.

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Vision Care Givers International is a frontline nonprofit organization working in eye health, health education, and community development. Learn more at https://www.visioncaregivers.org/.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is a program of the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and administered by IREX. The Presidential Precinct is a sub-grantee of IREX and is implementing a U.S.-based Leadership Institute as a part of the Fellowship. For more information about the Mandela Washington Fellowship, please visit the Fellowship’s website at www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org.