Dear Members of the Alight Family, Our hearts were heavy as we learned of Daniel’s resignation as CEO of Alight. But as he warmly explains in his letter, he has concluded that now is the time to return to Australia and take the reins of an international humanitarian organization which has sought his leadership. We are full of gratitude for all Daniel has contributed, for all the good that has been accomplished during his tenure, and for the strong and resilient organization that is Alight. As his letter outlines so well, Alight has never been stronger, never been more effective, never been better positioned, and never had a deeper knowledge of what we are and what we are called to do. Although Daniel has led us, it is collective effort that has made all these successes possible. Please join us in conveying to Daniel our collective thanks and our warmest wishes for fulfillment in this new adventure back home. And please join us as we move Alight towards its … [Read more...] about A Message From Alight’s Board
Archives for January 2021
The Chicken Noodle Soup of Congo
“Usually here, when someone is sick, it’s up to the families and the relatives to bring them food at the clinic or hospital. But here, we do things differently.” The team at Asili is no stranger to thinking about ways to go above and beyond in their service delivery—and which aren’t necessarily the norm for the region. Slippers for the patients as they remove their muddy shoes. Crayons and coloring books for the kids. Medications that are always available, that are never expired. And, as we saw yesterday, the fluffiest of pillows and blankets for overnight stay patients. Part of thinking through the new overnight stay service means thinking through customer care, just like every other Asili business line. And it’s simply not dignified or safe to have a sick go patient go all night or even days without food. What if their families can’t bring it? The Asili team didn’t want to settle for the status quo. Instead, they opted to give all their overnight patients—and the … [Read more...] about The Chicken Noodle Soup of Congo
Taking Care
What sets Asili apart is customer service. It’s being kind, patient, and respectful, no matter who walks in the clinic doors. It’s thinking about the whole person, not just as the sick patient in front of you. That’s why, when setting up the new overnight stay service at the Mudusa clinic, the first thing the team thought of was not just clinical care, but human care too. What might a patient need to be comfortable? To stay warm? As patients rest in the beds provided in the observation room, they’re likely feeling sick, alone, and far away from friends and family. It might be a scary time. So what can we do to help? “First and foremost,” says Dr. Johnny, “people need to be comfortable. We need to think about that. It’s not something to take lightly.” It might come as a surprise to some, but many parts of Eastern Congo can get pretty chilly at night. The Mudusa clinic sits high on a hilltop, overlooking the neighborhoods below. Even during the day, the breezes that come … [Read more...] about Taking Care
The Way Forward
Setting up a new service like Asili’s overnight stay means ensuring that every single patient—no matter who they are or where they’re from— has access to the highest possible standards of care. It’s a bit of a big undertaking. And before Changemakers 365 stepped in to help, the team was feeling a little stuck, like there were so many barriers. Because, they said, they needed to ensure that every single service Asili offers lives up to what’s now such a trusted brand in the Eastern Congo community. “One of the things we needed to buy was different types of medications,” said Dr. Johnny. “Most people who need an overnight stay also need fluids, and when a patient gets that treatment you need to observe them for four to five hours to see how they’re reacting. These aren’t the types of meds we usually give patients for just a regular consultation.” Today, we’re helping to remove another barrier—all the medications they need to make this not just a reality, but an … [Read more...] about The Way Forward
Extraordinary Care
Ever since he was six years old, Dr. Johnny knew he wanted to be a doctor. “I visited my uncle, who was serving patients in the rural areas of Eastern Congo, and I saw how he was treating his patients. I loved the way he was dedicated to them. And I said, ‘I want to be like you.’ I want to help people in my community by treating them.” A couple decades later and many years of medical training under his belt, Dr. Johnny has stayed true to his word. Today he’s the perfect fit to lead the team at Asili. “As the Medical Coordinator, one of my goals is to make sure patients across all four Asili clinics, even in the poorest areas, have access to high quality levels of healthcare,” and where “even my kids, everyone’s kids, can be treated.” Growing up in Eastern Congo, Dr. Johnny knows just how critical this really is. And launching the Asili overnight stay service is a big part of that. Yesterday, we helped get the new overnight stay service off the ground with a prelaunch … [Read more...] about Extraordinary Care
Around the Clock
Amidst the hustle and bustle of street markets, motorcycle taxis, and uniformed students walking the winding hills of Eastern Congo, Asili stands apart. Launched in 2014 with the aim of bringing world-class healthcare and consistent, clean, and reliable water sources to people in the region, Asili’s social enterprise services and signature brand have quickly become beacons of hope and pride in these communities. The clinics offer primary healthcare in areas where even basic treatments and quality (i.e. unexpired) medications aren’t readily available. Their clean, white buildings catch people’s attention—but their reputation for quality keeps customers coming back. Asili has become a trusted, respected brand throughout the region. And that’s why its customers want even more. This week, with the help of Changemakers 365, we’re helping them launch a series of new initiatives that will have an even greater impact on Asili’s businesses—and the community it serves. First up, the … [Read more...] about Around the Clock