Naymote Partners for Democratic Development is set to host the 11th edition of its renowned Young Political Leadership School Africa (YPLS Africa), a program designed to empower the next generation of African political leaders.
The event, scheduled for August 12-16, 2024, in Monrovia, will bring together 100 young leaders from 11 African countries under the theme, “Empower the Future: African Youth Leaders for Sustainable Development, Peace, and Security.”
This year’s cohort features a diverse group of participants, including young politicians, activists, civic leaders, and civil society representatives.
Over the course of the week, these emerging leaders will participate in 16 intensive training sessions led by nine respected international and national experts.
The curriculum is designed to provide comprehensive instruction in key leadership areas, such as political campaign management, strategic communication, electoral processes, good governance, ethical leadership, and the Africa Agenda 2063.
Upon completion of the program, participants will join the YPLS Africa Alumni Association, a growing network that now includes over 1,030 young leaders from across the continent.
Alumni of this program have played instrumental roles in advancing democratic governance in their home countries, leading political parties, advocating for policy changes, and promoting civic engagement.
Their initiatives include organizing town hall meetings, educating citizens on government operations, and conducting voter education, all aimed at reinforcing democratic principles across Africa.
Eddie D. Jarwolo, the visionary founder of YPLS Africa, emphasized the importance of equipping Africa’s youth with the tools necessary to transform their roles in politics and governance.
“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.
The program will be officially inaugurated by His Excellency Joseph Nyumah Boakai Sr., President of Liberia, who will deliver the keynote address.
Additional remarks will be delivered by Mark C. Toner, U.S. Ambassador to Liberia, and Urban Sjostrom, Swedish Ambassador to Liberia.
Among the distinguished facilitators are Omolara T. Balogun from the West Africa Civil Society Institute in Ghana; Mr. Emmy Otim from the Program for Young Politicians in Africa/Uganda; Dr. Hannah Issatta Sao-Kpato Macarthy, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Water Resource and Sanitation; and Hon. Francis Ben Kaifala, Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commissioner.
The YPLS Africa program has garnered widespread support from various international and local organizations, underscoring its critical role in shaping Africa’s future leadership.
