The Capacity for Change
- Kailee Carney
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
Making a resolve to take 1 step today towards positive change.
Statistically, 74% of the world has access to clean, usable water. Within the United States, 97% of people have access to serviced water. However, in Uganda, only 18% of people have access to safely managed water. It is this striking difference in percentages that enticed Joshua Kurtz to create The Ayin Project (TAP). For the past twenty years, Kurtz has worked in Uganda and has witnessed firsthand the systemic issue of water accessibility. And, when locals requested that a well be drilled in a small Ugandan village, he became aware of the several wells that were there already. After some research, it was discovered that out of about 50 wells in a 2-mile radius, 20 were non-functioning hand-pumps, and 30 were broken in some form and needed maintenance. The reality was, there were enough water sources in this village. However, the water sources the people in this village relied on, were broken. The shocking amount of infrastructure that existed, but was damaged and unusable led Kurtz down a pathway to what would eventually become the foundation of The Ayin Project – SUSTAINABILITY.
With a masters degree in the science of sustainability, Kurtz created a nonprofit organization targeting the lack of maintainable solutions implemented - in correlation with water accessibility.
Not only was The Ayin Project created with the goal of implementing sustainable solutions, but also to look at other issues related to water availability. Economics, environment, social dynamics, and government all come into play when addressing a large-scale issue. TAP takes these factors into consideration to ensure that the solutions provided last longer than a few months, and are maintainable for the community. The Ayin Project is filling in the gaps where these issues are able to slip under the radar, so that the people that actually need help, are receiving it. This includes minimizing the statistical gap between 18% and the world average of 74%.
The dynamic team that contributes to this cultivation of change is something that Josh has much pride for: “This is something I'm extremely proud of, being able to say that we as an organization have been able to create this team. A team that is now actually addressing these issues, these systemic issues within the country they live.” Not only that, but also the fact that The Ayin Project has been able to give people these opportunities and chances to “find a form of life and fulfillment” is another thing that Josh would like to highlight. The purpose in the work that the people affiliated with TAP are doing is not something that is found in every organization, and being able to find it here is an achievement on its own. This nonprofit has been able to foster and facilitate experiences in change on an international scale. It is making a difference by utilizing people's passion, and that is something Joshua Kurtz is proud of.
When asked what surprised him most about his journey, Kurtz recounted the struggle that comes on a personal and professional level: “The struggle is real”. The hope and vigorousness behind launching a nonprofit organization is also accompanied by mental challenges. The uncertainty of whether or not things will go as planned can be anxiety inducing. However, Mr. Kurtz expressed that even when he wasn’t sure things would work out, “somehow, someway, they do”.
“When you're starting something, there is a lot of grit that's associated with trying to move forward.”
Though he knew it would be difficult, the ability to persevere through setbacks and see the hard work paying off makes it all worthwhile. Seeing the change that has been brought about, brings forth a sense of pride - so much so that you want to keep working, because there is so much potential there. Kurtz confessed that he sometimes doubts himself and the decision to keep moving forward, especially when things don’t seem to get better or progress as planned. However, he also said something very inspiring.
“I've made a resolve that every day I'll just take one step. And if I can take one step today, in 100 days, 100 steps will have been taken. In 300 days, 300 steps will have been taken. It just takes one step today for us to be able to keep moving forward and to keep stepping into the new. Keep stepping into the unknown.”
A message from Kurtz…
To the youth, the world is your oyster! “The world is wide open and the capacity that you hold to bring change to this world is beyond what you could even know.” Throughout your life, you will face challenges. Don’t shy away from them, don’t be discouraged. Never forget your end goal. Take that step - and don’t be afraid to take it! What’s stopping you? It’ll take heart and there will be struggle, but keep that resolve to be the change.
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