Summer school cultivates leadership across Africa and Europe

Imagine 140 young leaders from 14 African countries coming together virtually, united by a shared vision of transformative leadership and collective action. This was the vibrant scene set by the first Summer School of the Together for a New Africa (T4NA) project, which kicked off on September 11, 2023. Over the course of five days, participants immersed themselves in the theme “Becoming a Changemaker,” engaging in dynamic online sessions while connecting locally to strengthen community bonds and strategize on driving impactful change across the continent. Participants from Kenya, Burundi, Madagascar, Nigeria, Cameroon, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Uganda, Angola, Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, and Ivory Coast gathered locally in their respective countries, fostering community bonds and enhancing their understanding of local contexts as they collaborated on plans for impactful change.

The T4NA project is dedicated to empowering young African leaders to tackle community challenges and shape the continent’s future through collective leadership, good governance, and the Ubuntu philosophy, which emphasizes unity and shared responsibility. This summer school is part of a three-year journey, offering participants from diverse academic, professional, and cultural backgrounds an enriching exchange of ideas and experiences.

A significant feature of this second cycle is the inclusion of young European participants, fostering an international and multicultural perspective on leadership in today’s globalized world. This initiative aligns with the AFR.E.S.H (Africa and Europe Same Horizon) project, co-funded by the European Commission and implemented by five European and five African partner organizations. This collaboration allows African and European youths to interact, share knowledge, and overcome prejudices, thereby making informed decisions about their development and that of humanity as a whole.

Participants like Somda K. Arnold, a student in materials physics and energy, highlighted the program’s impact: “Participating in this summer school has allowed me to build a shared vision between African and European peoples. This experience has convinced me that wisdom and collective responsibility are key to addressing the issues plaguing my country and becoming a true changemaker.”

Former Vice-Chancellor of the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Justus Mbae, emphasized the importance of integrating African values into educational institutions. During his session, he discussed the weaknesses in Africa’s education system and called for a reevaluation of the values imparted, starting at home, as a healthy community begins with family.

The summer school also provided an opportunity for tutors to understand their participants better, preparing them for the three-year journey ahead. The tutor Seydou Adjaratou reflected on the experience: “As a tutor, this summer school was a journey of giving and receiving, and a discovery of my own abilities as I adapted to new situations. I found my team to be resilient and committed.”

As the T4NA project heads toward its 10th anniversary in 2024, it continues to invite participants, alumni, and friends to be protagonists of change, equipped with a growth mindset and the skills to inspire and influence positive action. With AFRESH paving the way, this training marks the beginning of a transformative journey where participants embody hope and progress, contributing to the development and unity of their countries and beyond.