My experience at the Youth African Leaders Initiative

Mrs Moleboheng Ramulumo, Life Science Education Lecturer in the Department of Science and Technology Education, specialising in Early Childhood Science Education.

I recently had the pleasure of being part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Regional Leadership Center Southern Africa program. The program runs for 7-weeks and is aimed at creating the next generation of innovative leaders who are empowered to shape the future of business/entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and public management in Africa.

Over and above having to tackle 3 to 4 assignments on a weekly basis, I was also required to make a pitch on our prospective Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). My pitch was based on a CSO established for Women in Science and Engineering specifically black women in Science. The CSO was aimed at eradicating gender inequality in Science and Engineering, along with preparing young girls to take up their space in what is still a male-dominated industry. Out of a total of over 100 participants from all over Africa, my pitch was regarded as ‘OUTSTANDING’ with a 93% score which led me in a 2nd place position. The graduation ceremony will take place on the 18th of August 2021.

The opportunity of being selected for YALI programme was a new chapter for me. As an academic, it was way out of my comfort zone. Having to now establish a CSO overnight, discuss what its objectives are, and now setting up an action plan along with a budget. I wanted to give up so many times, thinking 'what are doing here?' 'This is not your niche area' 'leave it to the experts’. However, I am glad I did not give up. I am now equipped and empowered to establish my very own CSO, which will benefit my community.

#By Moleboheng Ramulumo

Publish date: 2021/08/18

Department of Science and Technology Education

My experience at the Youth African Leaders Initiative

Other news