”The Young Political Leadership School Africa exposed me; I was able to interact and network with influential young leaders and change makers around the world. It expanded my professional network, provided a clear sense of direction for me and has shifted my life in a positive manner”.
My name is Banica S. Elliott; I am an Alumna of the Youth Political Leadership School Africa, and currently serving as the second Vice President of the Federation of Liberian Youth, an institution in charge of coordinating the efforts of young people in Liberia and facilitating development and empowerment of the youth and students . Also a graduate of the University of Liberia and the Bluecrest University College.
I entered the Young Political Leadership School Africa as a fledgling at politics and leadership, knowing not its significance and I literally had a different perspective about politics. The Young Political Leadership School Africa was introduced to me by one of its alumni during my period of internship at the Ministry of States for Presidential Affairs, R.L. I saw it as a chance to earn another certificate, not knowing it was a special period set aside to unleash my potentials.
At the Young Political Leadership School Africa, I acquired an in-depth understanding about Leadership and politics. I was taught that leadership is the potential to influence behavior of others and it’s also the capacity to influence a group towards the realization of a goal.
Are you aware of your leadership style or the kind of leader you are? I got to know mine through the Young Political Leadership School Africa. We were taught the different leadership styles. It was during this training I got to understand who a campaign manager is and the true role of a campaign manager; the different strategies in political campaigning, community organizing and canvassing.
Most importantly through the Young Political Leadership School Africa, I was opportune to work on different `projects with national and international NGOs, the famous of all was the first time voters project (Team 18+) I managed during Liberia’s 2017 election.
Along with other outstanding female alumni, we educated, inspired and engaged first time female voters across Liberia to register and vote in the election. The results of our engagement with support from partners led to increased participation of first time female voter in the 2017 election in Liberia.
Additionally, the knowledge and skills that I acquired from the Young Political Leadership School Africa helped me to contest and win successfully as Second Vice President of the Federation of Liberian Youth.I am grateful for how the Young Political Leadership School Africa have shifted my life in a positive manner.
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