Sometimes in life, we are confronted with situations that seem beyond our control, making us feel like victims unable to react to set things right. In such situations, an outstretched hand often remains a saving hand. Today, I would like to share the very inspiring story of an old friend of mine whom I will call Leonid here to preserve his anonymity.

Owing to its extraordinary resilience in the face of crises and epidemics, Africa has proven people wrong about the health impact of COVID-19 on the continent; it may prove them wrong about its economic impact. But let’s make no mistake, the situation is dire. African countries and people must remain mobilised to defeat COVID-19 and mitigate its economic impact on the continent. This is particularly important as Africa is likely to wait a little longer to vaccinate its population against the virus.

How can we remain positive and hopeful in a world where the COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions of people, killed thousands more, and plunged almost all countries into an unprecedented economic recession?

We can learn from the extraordinary resilience of my childhood friend who used his positive energy to expand his circle of influence and change his world.

Back in 2010, I led a team to prepare the child sponsorship campaign in the North-West of Benin. As part of this process, we organised meetings with communities leaders to introduce the project and seek their support for its success.

During these initial contacts, one of our hosts gave us a lecture on development and women empowerment.

Nowadays, people always expect something in return when they help you. Worse, they expect you to be grateful forever. They don't shy away from reminding everyone that it is thanks to them and them alone that you are who you are today, overshadowing your own efforts and sacrifices.

But there is a better way: give without expecting anything in return.

During my first 3 years in primary school, I was the only girl in the whole school. It was in a nomadic school where my father was a teacher. The nomads did not want the 'white' school, which they saw as a threat to their culture and identity.

When my father was forced to flee our country and became a political exile, he left my mother with a challenging mission: to raise me with five of my brothers and sisters.

As a teenager, I had to go above and beyond to support my mother in her noble mission.

When I walked out of my boss’ office, I was over the moon. 1,000 young people will have a modest job thanks to my project proposal… My joy was short-lived. His condition for approving the project was morally unacceptable to me. I was faced with two options, each with serious personal consequences.

A good boss teaches us what to do. A bad boss teaches us what not to do. Both can change our career for good or for bad. It depends on which boss we decide to follow the lead or not to follow the lead.

"Tell our guests this ...", with his index finger pointing at me, "this young man was not here the day we chose this project". Then, one by one, he addressed the children, young people, women, and the village elders: "what was the priority of your group? ".