The Swahili word kujenga means “to build or construct.” For most, this may evoke images of a house, an apartment tower, or a park. However, a project manager sees a web of tasks and potential risks. A skilled project manager excels in risk management: identifying risks, assessing probabilities, planning mitigation, and preparing corrective actions. Without these steps, projects can spiral into constant quick fixes or outright failure.
When we think of construction, physical structures often come to mind. Yet, non-physical constructs like societal norms and laws are equally crucial. Laws govern behaviors and systems, often working invisibly until breached. While some endure for centuries, others evolve or are replaced over time, reflecting societal changes.
Imagine drafting laws for a new nation—truly a kujenga challenge. In the 1700s, communication was slow, reliant on ships, horses, and handwritten letters. Collaboration was face-to-face, sometimes escalating into arguments or even duels—just ask Alexander Hamilton’s ghost! Contrast this with today’s instant, overwhelming flow of information through TV, social media, and other channels. How did the founders, free from such distractions, manage to build a lasting framework? Would they succeed under today’s pressures?
The founders drew on precedent while rejecting the mistakes of their homelands. Their clarity of thought, undiluted by constant information bombardment, helped shape a stable democracy. But if they worked in today's hyper-connected environment, would the results differ?
Here’s the key point: democracy is like a game of Jenga, a name derived from kujenga. Over time, political parties make changes—like Jenga players removing blocks. But unlike Jenga, democracy isn’t a game with a definitive end. It’s our responsibility as stewards to counterbalance changes that weaken its foundation. To ensure stability, we must actively participate, lend our voices, and uphold what we cherish. By engaging, we strengthen our democratic tower and build connections with others who share this collective mission.
By Joe Castagliola, Democracy Is Us Council Member
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