CSC and the Calabar experience are very difficult to summarize. There are so many ways to review, tell, and apply the experiences of the last month. None are 'more right' than others, but it is a struggle to put the experience in the appropriate and eloquent light.
Two tries at making a connection.
#1 - Movie analogies:
"Let's look at this thing from a... um, from a standpoint of status. What do we got on the spacecraft that's good?" -- Apollo 13 (credit to Ron Favali for this one)
It is easy to prescribe best practices and ideal models, but do so neglects an understanding of the reality of life for the majority of the world's citizens. It is important to focus on the needs, abilities, and access to the essentials of the people who are working with, as opposed to the ideal 'solution.
For example,
a) they don't use/accept credit cards and power availability is poor, but they have mobile phones
b) given the choice between spreadsheet software package and lined paper, the paper will win almost every time in difference to the advanced capabilities of software.
"Build it and they will come" -- Field of Dreams
The notion doesn't work in pre-emerging areas any better than mature markets
"In this world there's two kinds of people, my friend. Those with loaded guns, and those who dig. You dig!" -- The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Okay, I like the quote. There are lots of diggers in Nigeria and other emerging countries. It doesn't mean this class of people can't be the driver of change. We learned more from interactions with 'diggers' than any other experience in Calabar.
#2 What I want to teach my kids from the experience:
Patience -- the most important virtue
Respect -- you can learn from sources that would surprise you
Always ask yourself if something is really that important
Concentrate on what is achievable
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