Recommended: #YALIPERIENCE - YALI RLC West Africa Partipants Share their 5 Weeks Experience at ASCON Campus (Part 1)
The Young African Leaders Initiative, Regional Leadership Center, Accra Ghana. YALI RLC, is a fully funded flagship program of the US Government initiated by former President Obama to invest in the next generation of African Leaders.
It's almost two months since I Completed the 5 weeks YALI RLC onsite training. I have gotten involved in a couple of projects since then as I get the chance to implement what i have learnt.
Not too long ago, I got some of my YALI Colleagues to share their experiences with me. There were 22 African leaders who shared their experiences. After publishing those stories, 7 more leaders indicated their interest to share.
I have had their responses in my google drive for weeks. I wouldn't want their efforts to be in vain. So I have repented and put this up for you to read.
Enjoy the read!
#1 Imafidon Ayemere/Nigerian/Entrepreneurship Consultant/BDS
Prior to the 5 weeks YALI in class training, I had almost lost touch with the humanitarian and social enterprising part of my life. Years back, I started my entrepreneurial life more as a humanitarian volunteer worker and social problem solver. Then I prioritized solving social problems amongst young people over genuine wealth creation but I later derailed on that noble calling. I shifted focus to wealth building!
Having gone through the 5weeks YALI life-changing leadership incubation process, I am now a brand new and better Social Entrepreneur. Having been inspired to unlearned, relearned and learn from amazing people (co-participants and facilitators), I am now reuniting with my first love- solving humanitarian problems and creating social values before wealth creation. Hence, I went, saw and conquered my fears. THIS IS THE YALI IN ME!!!
#2 Atem Arabella/Cameroonian/Educational Instructor
I am the CEO of Education and Health For Training Youths, Women and girls on Vocational skills and offering better Health Services
Before YALI , I trained youths , girls and women in vocational skills such as interior and exterior decor designs, beaded jewelry, cake making,hats and bags in a small scale and some times individually.
After YALI I had a great dream. The EHAF lifestyle Village which will incubate all of the vocations and others as well as services attached to the vocational training skills.
#3 Ojo Adefisayo/Nigerian/Educationist
An enthusiastic and knowledge Educationist who specializes on teaching of mathematics and sciences
Thanks to YALI Regional Leadership Center, West Africa, Accra an
initiative of Barack Obama, The former president of The United State of
America for given me the opportunity to unlearn, learn and relearn.
All glory to God for the wonderful Experience I had during the 5 weeks
leadership training and networking with the future leaders of Africa and
the world.
Before YALI Regional leadership Cohort 2, I didn’t have the
understanding that as an educationist, I can also involve my myself in
NGOs and expand my coast through networking. I was single focused on
teaching alone.
As an Educationist who has the passion to inculcate knowledge and skills
to empower students , attending YALI Regional Leadership program
endowed in me the knowledge ,skills and the professionalism I need to
improve myself , the right attitude towards my field and profession. Above all, the leadership ability to be a good leader in my sphere.
After the program, I have seen lots of positive changes and additions in
my ability and skills, opportunities are been explored daily and
networking with professionals
#4 Marvellous Olowe/Nigerian/Banker&Entrepreneur
I help bank customers with financial transactions as a customer service representative of a Bank. I am a CEO of Rytechoix Global Merchandise and Rytechoix Global Errands Companies.
Before YALI, There are so many things that I lack as an aspiring leader.i.e. finding it difficult to interact with people, public speaking nightmare, procrastination, failure to exercise my thinking ability, failure to implement ideas. I always keep my ideas to myself, thinking I don't have what it takes to actualize them.
Can you believe that I had same idea as X-MEN Ghana long time ago but lack of self confidence and fear of survival to quit my Banking job buried the lifestyle grooming services idea. I started petty business within neighborhood but I couldn't visualize it.
I will definitely be grateful to God for Former USA President (Obama) initiative and Co-Yalians who stood by me during my 5 weeks training at YALI RLC ASCON COHORT 2 in Badagry Lagos Nigeria. My insights and ideas were seriously kindled. Seun Onigbide and Leap Africa Rep inspired me in the sense that I can actual leave my Banking job in pursuing of my passion without fear of survival. I can confidently think of an idea and implement it without procrastinating.
Guess what? My Dormant registered company is back alive. I am currently working on my sub-company which will be published very soon. I got this idea during an entrepreneurship session at YALI. YALI in me is the beginning of Greater height.
#5 Ekpo Mfonobong Grace/Nigerian/Dentist and entrepreneur
I am work with children from low income homes, children with special
needs and their caregivers to teach dental health care while giving free
treatments to those who require it.
I also work to raise awareness about the importance of dental health on
the overall quality of life.
Before YALI, I saw myself as just a small town dentist helping people; I
did not see how I fitted into the larger picture of ensuring a changed
Africa.
I assumed that to make a difference I had to hold a position or a title.
My understanding of ethics and personal branding was limited.
After an intensive 5 weeks in badagry, I have a different mindset!
I learned that to lead I did not have to hold a position or have a fancy
title; I can make a difference from where I am now.
And to make this difference, I started working on my non for profit:
GIFTED SMILES AFRICA right there in YALI!
I started talks with the
government and stakeholders to see how lasting change can be made in
health policy.
More importantly I learnt the principles that have transformed me ever
since I left YALI; INTERGRITY, CONSISTENCY, BUILDING NETWORKS.
YALI broadened my horizon and gave me an opportunity to meet amazing
young people who continue to inspire me.
Lastly I learned to watch out for those banner headlines as I rise in my
field working on building a better Africa.
#6 Efunkoya, Ayoola Stephen/Nigerian/Communications Professional and Accessible Technology Enthusiast/Trainer
I write, edit and report issues in African and international news and
produce programmes for a radio station; research, inform, educate and
train on the use of technology to enhance the productivity and
independence of blind and visually-impaired persons; and deliver talks
on life issues.
I started Accessibility 360 long before YALI RLC (Nigeria 2) as a
platform to inform, educate and train blind persons to embrace and use
assistive technology and adaptations to mainstream technology to enhance
their productivity and independence.
The initiative however lacked a proper structure, its vision and mission
were not clearly defined and its operations and financing were not in
line with accepted standards.
Since YALI, with the support and encouragement of fellow participant
Chineze “Chichi” Oluwasina and banking on Henry Bondzie’s promise of
capacity development, Accessibility 360 is now taking on a new shape: We
are redefining its vision, mission, values, structure and scope of
operations; committed to proper record keeping; set to offer training
better suited to the needs of beneficiaries; among other developments.
YALI not only brought me in contact with like-minds but also opened my
eyes to possibilities, encouraged me to think big even when starting
small and through the extracurricular activities of swimming, partying
and excursions encouraged me to push beyond every self-imposed
limitations. YALI was not just a training. It is a lifestyle, a
memorable experience.
#7 Temitope Adegboyega/ Nigeria/Accountant
I volunteer and advocate for teenagers related projects being a peer educator trainer. I believe most of the decisions we live by are made in our teenage years, and by this it's imperative we teach and mentor teenagers with the right values to aid them in making life decisions.
I was becoming complacent and just let life control me instead of taking charge. I was almost giving up on Nigeria and lost interest in doing those things which add value because it seemed to me nobody cared about doing things the right way away anymore as long as results were gotten.
I hope this inspires you to get started on that dream of yours. You owe it to yourself to Lead Your Life! There is absolutely no one that can stop you from unleashing your greatness (except you). Take that baby step now! It might hurt a little, but trust me, you'd be fine.
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For More Information about this program, visit www.yaliwestafrica.org, www.yali.state.gov
