FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Yaoundé, Cameroon (23 October 2013). The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation today launched the Leadership Program for Young Scholars, a unique three-week intensive leadership development program with the purpose of “Inspiring Leaders of the 21st Century.” The program is open to young Cameroonians, Africans and young scholars from the rest of the world between the ages of 13 and 18. Throughout the program, these young leaders are stimulated to think of ways of positively changing their communities and the world. The issues in the world of today and the solutions for the Africa of tomorrow require a certain degree of dynamism in leadership that need to be stimulated at an early stage.
The Program forces young leaders to take a serious introspective look and to know themselves and their role in the world. This program will help prepare the next generation of transformational leaders who will tackle problems with a new sense of urgency and seek ways of promoting upward social mobility in the continent as a whole. The program will run from 20 July 2014 to 10 August 2014 at the lush campus of the Canadian-constructed Lycee Technique Nkolbison in Yaoundé. 100 young scholars are expected from all 10 regions in Cameroon, the United States, Great Britain and other countries. Admission to the program is on a rolling basis and interested students should apply through the website http://www.foretiafoundation.org/leadership-program-home/
A Unique Perspective on Citizenship
During the three weeks on the program, students gain new perspectives on what it means to be a global citizen and how they can contribute to the world given their Cameroonian heritage. Therefore, with the goal to increase individual knowledge of Cameroon, they will be continually exposed to its rich history, its socioeconomic systems and the cultural diversity that makes it unique. During the various discussion sessions, these young scholars learn from an outstanding cadres of leaders – entrepreneurs, business leaders as well as policymakers. They experience Cameroon through the inner-workings of government, business and civil society and spend time visiting leading companies, parliament and developmental institutions. They will definitely be exposed to the issues of the day and get the opportunity to think and discuss how they can contribute in formulating solutions to the many problems.
A Leader in Action – “Disruptive Innovators”
One of the main objectives of the Leadership Program is to challenge the students to “think outside the box” and to look for unconventional solutions to very conventional problems. Innovation is only possible when people think “outside the box”. Our focus is on “disruptive innovations” – innovations that fundamentally change our understanding of a particular issue. The Leadership Program stimulates their thinking on these issues by using practical and relevant case studies.
Leadership is a core value at the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation
The Denis & Lenora Foretia Foundation was established to catalyze Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on social entrepreneurship, science and technology, innovation, public health and progressive policies that create economic opportunities for all. The foundation works in partnership with local governments, policy makers, private enterprises, civil society organizations as well as development partners to expand the resources available to entrepreneurs, farmers, and small business owners in addition to improving individual livelihoods.
To support the Leadership Program or for any other inquiries, please contact [email protected]
Contact: Edith Gloria Ossono ([email protected])
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