Naymote Partners for Democratic Development completed the 11th cohort of the Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa) from August 12-16, 2024, in Monrovia, Liberia. This flagship program brought together 100 emerging leaders from across Africa under the theme “Empower the Future: African Youth Leaders for Sustainable Development, Peace, and Security.”
The Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Hon. Jeremiah Kpan Koung, delivered the keynote address and called on African youth to take charge of leadership and actively participate in shaping the future of the continent. He urged the youth to take ownership of their future, stating, “If the government can’t, you must. You are the architects of your future. Give your all to correct the odds, and be competitive among your peers in other countries and on the global stage.”
The Ambassador of the United States to Liberia, Mark Toner, delivered a motivational statement that expressed confidence in Africa’s potential and praised the spirit of its people. “There are good, smart, and hardworking people here and across the continent, responsible citizens who have their country’s best interests at heart and are willing to work hard – in whatever capacity – to achieve them. That indomitable human spirit is Africa’s greatest resource.”
“For democratic development to truly advance, it requires more than just laws, regulations, and elections. The media, civil society, and engaged young people – like those participating in the Young Political Leadership School of Africa – who critically examine power structures, are essential pillars.” – Nikolina Stålhand, Second Secretary Program Officer, Democracy and Human Rights.
The 11th cohort brought together young politicians, activists, civic leaders, and civil society representatives. The week-long training included 16 intensive learning sessions led by ten international and national experts. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics crucial to political campaigns, political communication, electoral management, ethics and anti-corruption, gender in politics, ethical leadership, emotional intelligence, advocacy and networking, leadership in political parties, political ideology, and the Africa Agenda 2063. Notable facilitators including Omolara T. Balogun, Head of Policy Influencing and Advocacy at the West Africa Civil Society Institute in Ghana; Mr. Emmy Otim, Regional Manager for the Program for Young Politicians in Africa/Uganda; Dr. Hannah Issatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy, Minister of Water Resource and Sanitation of Sierra Leone; and Hon. Francis Ben Kaifala, Commissioner of the Anti Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone.
Tanya A. Garnett, PhD, Associate Dean, Amos C. Sawyer College of Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Liberia, Senator Edwin M. Snowe Jr., Head of Delegation at the ECOWAS Parliament, and Michael Johannes, Elections and Political Processes Team-Lead, USAID Liberia, Angela Ferrer, Political Economic Administrative Assistant at the US Embassy, and S. Aaron Weah-Weah, lll, County Technical Lead/Project Manager IREX etc.
Impacts of the YPLS Africa
The Young Political Leadership School Africa, (YPLS Africa) has been and still one of Africa’s leading political leadership schools grooming young people for democratic development. This institution and its events have expanded young men and women’s ability to learn, share, collaborate, network, and dialogue to improve their skills in political leadership, electoral administration, and democratic governance. The institution has trained 1,130 most prominent young politicians and civic leaders in Africa.
Progressively, we are extremely pleased with our achievements through the YPLS Africa, to name a few: 13 graduates from Nigeria and Liberia have the guts to compete for legislative and parliamentarian posts using their skills and knowledge gained from the trainings. YPLS Africa has produced six (6) junior ministers in previous governments and seven (7) junior ministers now serving in this current government in Liberia. Away from Liberia, in Namibia, a YPLS Africa alumna was elected as Assistant Mayor, two were appointed as Senior Special Assistant and Executive Assistant Director of the program’s office of the Senior Special Assistant on Citizenship in Nigeria, and another won a seat in the Local Assembly Elections in Ghana among others. Diplomatic embassies in Liberia and regional authorities acknowledge the program as a platform for grooming young leaders for politics, community service, and contributing to a better society. The governor of Delta State in Nigeria has also recognized and annually sponsors young people from his state to attend the program because of the impact in his state. The Vice President of Sierra Leone has also supported alumni of YPLS Africa in hosting the first ever Mano River Union Summit on preventing electoral violence and enhancing democracy among young people in March 2022.
Eddie D. Jarwolo, the founder of YPLS Africa, emphasized the importance of empowering Africa’s youth to transform their role in politics and democratic processes. “The numerical strength of young people in Africa is an asset, but there needs to be a paradigm shift in how they engage in politics. YPLS Africa was created to equip young leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to maximize their political participation and decision-making, and to cultivate a new value system that will position them as the next generation of leaders,” Jarwolo stated.
Quotes
“If you don’t confront the challenges head-on today, the problems will only worsen. As the generation with the highest stakes, you have the responsibility to address these issues. As the leaders of today, we must do everything in our power to uphold the rule of law and protect Liberia, the only home we have.” – Gregory O. W. Coleman, Inspector-General of the Liberia National Police.
“The Young Political Leadership School Africa session in Monrovia was an interesting exploration of fighting corruption, building effective campaigns, and the critical role of youth. The participants were eager to continue the discussion, demonstrating their commitment to this cause. As a country and generation, we must collectively work together to combat corruption. I am inspired by the YPLS program efforts to bring together diverse young leaders across Africa to drive this vital fight.’’ – Francis Ben Kaifala, Commissioner, Anticorruption Commission, Republic of Sierra Leone
“If you have made new friends, you’ve networked. If you have become more tolerant as a leader, and if, through this process, you have been inspired by any of the content, facilitators, or colleagues, then I would like to say that the YPLS Africa 2024 has been very successful”. – Emmy Otim, Regional Manager, Program for Youth Politicians in Africa.
“The front of Africa activism will not be empty. It is a mandate to reproduce activist, advocacy requires a network; you cannot do it alone.” – Omolara Balogun Board Chairperson, Naymote. Policy Influencing and Advocacy Unit, WACSI
