In a world where many development projects are imposed top-down, Dr. William Dare takes a different approach: he listens first. As the founder of Willow Empowerment for Grassroot Development Initiative (Willow NGO), Dr. Dare has spent over a decade championing sustainable solutions in rural communities across Nigeria. His work, rooted in empathy, research, and deep local engagement, has empowered women, youth, and underserved communities in remarkable ways.

In this interview, Dr. Dare shares the story behind Willow NGO, the principles that guide their community-based model, the challenges they’ve overcome, and what keeps him going after nearly two decades in grassroots development.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into humanitarian and development work?

I am a community-based social worker, trainer, and development facilitator with over 15 years of experience in community development and social research. I hold a PhD in Development Communication from Covenant University, Nigeria, and have worked with various organizations in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, implementing community projects and providing research and training services to NGOs and community-based organizations. I currently work full-time as a university lecturer, in addition to serving as the founder and volunteer executive director of Willow Empowerment for Grassroot Development Initiative.

What inspired you to start Willow Empowerment for Grassroot Development Initiative? What’s the story behind it?

As a university undergraduate in the early 2000s, I was passionate about working with the grassroots and solving community problems. I volunteered with some NGOs during this period and implemented personal projects in communities. In 2009, I had a dream where I saw the word “WILLOW” as the name of a community-based development NGO. I felt it was a divine call to work with the grassroots and be a voice for the voiceless in my generation. This led me to register Willow Empowerment for Grassroot Development Initiative in 2010 and formally commence humanitarian and development work, especially with rural communities in Nigeria.

What is Willow NGO’s mission, and how does your team bring that mission to life on the ground?

Our mission is to empower and support people in rural communities to identify and solve their development challenges. We use community-based and participatory development approaches in planning and implementing our projects. We train local volunteers, work with community-based organizations, and use tools such as community mapping, needs assessment, and participatory learning and action tools. We always go to the people and work with them to identify and solve their problems, not solve problems on their behalf.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while running Willow NGO, and how have you managed or overcome them?

The major challenge has been funding. Since inception, we have not received donor funding for our projects. We have mostly relied on personal funds and in-kind support from friends and well-wishers. We have also partnered with organizations that have funds to implement community projects. Sometimes, we raise money from small consultancies to implement projects. We also faced challenges in getting the right volunteers with a passion for humanitarian work. However, through consistent engagement, mentoring, and capacity-building, we have been able to build a team of committed volunteers and partners.

Can you share a few success stories or proud moments from the work you’ve done so far?

Yes, we have quite a number of them. One that stands out is when we implemented a sexual and reproductive health awareness program in a rural community in Ogun State, Nigeria. After the program, we received feedback that several young girls who had previously been shy or ignorant about reproductive health now had the courage to seek information and support. We have also implemented community sanitation projects in several communities in Ogun and Lagos States, leading to improved hygiene practices and reduced open defecation.

What are some unique principles or values that guide Willow NGO’s work with communities?

The first and most important is participatory development. We never go to a community with ready-made solutions. We believe that every community has the potential to solve its own problems if given the right support. So we listen first, learn from them, and work with them to co-create solutions. We also value empathy, sustainability, and respect for local knowledge and culture.

How do you measure the impact of your work in the communities you serve?

We use both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Before and after every project, we conduct needs assessments, surveys, and focus group discussions to understand the issues and evaluate changes. We also monitor behavioral changes and improvements in community indicators such as health, sanitation, and education. Most importantly, we always seek feedback from community members to know how the project has impacted them.

What lessons have you personally learned through this work?

I have learned that development is not about money or projects, but about people. If you respect people and listen to them, they will open up to you and support your work. I have also learned patience, humility, and resilience. Community work is not easy, but the joy of seeing lives transformed makes it worth it.

What are your future goals for Willow NGO? What’s next on the horizon?

Our goal is to expand our impact to more communities in Nigeria and other African countries. We plan to set up a grassroots development institute to train young people in community development skills and support community-based organizations. We also hope to attract funding partners and collaborate with international organizations to scale up our projects.

How can people support Willow NGO or get involved in your work?

People can support us through donations, volunteering, or partnering with us on projects. We are open to collaborations with individuals, NGOs, and organizations that share our vision. They can contact us through our website or social media platforms, or reach out to me directly via email at williamdare2010@gmail.com.

Stay Connected with Willow Empowerment for Grassroot Development Initiative

Instagram: @willowempowerment

Website: https://horticulture.ucdavis.edu/drycard

Dr. William Dare’s work through Willow NGO reminds us that true grassroots development starts with trust, empathy, and collaboration. Rather than imposing solutions, Willow walks alongside communities, equipping them to find answers within. With more support, this model has the power to reach even further, creating lasting change from the ground up.

Want to Be Featured?

Are you a changemaker leading a nonprofit in Africa? Do you know someone whose story should be heard?
We’re always looking to spotlight humanitarians who are making a difference.

Email us at info@hexamedia.africa to get featured in our next Humanitarians of Africa story.

Photos of the Willow Empowerment for Grassroot Development Initiative (WILLOW NGO) in action