Improper waste management, unfortunately, poses numerous health complications to the community through declining air quality, water contamination, and the increased risk of disease. Impassioned by the negative impacts of their current trash disposal practices on the community, which became drier during the COVID-19 pandemic, the community desired to create a sustainable solution to their waste management issue, despite their lack of funds. Luckily, Amadou was familiar with waste management best practices and planned to help implement safe systems under the guidance of the local government, EcoTri, a local organization, and Amadou’s expertise.

The community planned for and paid for, both monetarily and in-kind, a multi-step project that would educate the community and change the waste infrastructure. This project was planned to include waste disposal training sessions, the creation of a disposal system, and the distribution of trash cans to the community. To incentivize the community to provide their contributions quickly, Amadou organized meetings explaining the negative consequences associated with poor waste management, jump-starting the education and emotional buy-in process. However, during the planning process, Amadou and the community inadvertently spread the budget too thin, and accordingly, did not have the opportunity to enact all of the intended training sessions. Additionally, the project’s timeline was slowed, despite Amadou’s efforts to ensure adherence to the project schedule and the project completion.