Imagine a world where billions of global citizens recognise their own leadership potential and work together to find creative and inclusive solutions to local and global problems.
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Whatever your political persuasion, it can often feel as though the need for effective leadership has never been greater, and therefore the significance of emerging leaders cannot be overestimated. These young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a curiosity about the world which enables them to understand the modern landscape with all its apparent contradictions and challenges.
Over half the world’s population is now under the age of thirty, 90% of whom live in developing countries. The largest ever generation of young people is now entering into adulthood, inheriting massive challenges but also more opportunities than ever before to connect, cooperate and share their visions of a better world for everyone.
In the wake of global struggles with the financial crisis, political conflicts and tragic natural disasters, hope still lies within the increasing number of young people who want to make a real difference. There is more cross-border awareness and enthusiasm to interact than ever before and yes, leadership can be learnt!
By encouraging young people to venture outside their comfort zone and take on new challenges, and to engage with global issues by activating and cultivating a sense of purpose, responsibility and vision, leadership programmes can be a vital launchpad to developing the confidence and resilience which change-makers are going to need, as they lead their communities and constituencies into an uncertain future.
We are delighted to be able to support two talented young Oxfordshire leaders, Fatimah Kposowa and Sarah James, as they head off to Italy to attend the International Leadership Programme at WYSE.
Founded on the principles of Vision to Action, Learning from Diversity and Worldwide Co-operation, WYSE looks forward to a positive and hopeful future and we especially love their belief that everyone has the potential for leadership, and can take responsibility for making a difference in the world.
With this in mind, we asked Fatimah and Sarah to tell us, in their own words, why this learning experience is so important to them; this is what they said:
‘’Effective leadership requires human connections and empowerment. Such leadership encompasses the ability to guide, inspire and bring out the best in individuals and teams to achieve a common goal. Hence effective leadership and the idea of emerging leaders share both a symbolic and complementary relationship.
As the world gets complex, the need for emerging leaders is even more pressing. Reason being, I believe without a doubt that emerging leaders are the sparks that ignite the flames of innovation and progress, lighting the way towards a brighter and a more promising future.
A future the WYSE leadership programme promises to nurture and one that all the incredible sponsors seek to actualise.’’
Fatimah Kposowa (22)- Care Experienced Advisory Board for Children England Commissioner & Deputy Chair, Oxfordshire Children in Care Council.
‘’I believe leadership is important because it is a great skill to learn and be effective to be able to assistant managers or senior role in any line of work you need to be a leader. Someone who cares, understanding and has the compassion to be there! For example; making sure you have time for the children to have conversations with makes all the difference, and show that you care and that you are listening. It makes a huge difference and has a much bigger impact on them to show the right choices in life. You will become a role model of the society to them in the school’s community. It goes back to the saying of don’t focus on results, focus on the change! Leadership is making sure that young people in any setting or vulnerable adults are listened to and make it known to them you are changing what the issue is. The leader is all about making a difference to someone else’s life!
A leader is someone who uses their knowledge and initiative to take takes on and who supports and helps other people when they need it! That is a true leaser and someone who is a team player and looks after each other when you have sad days! Because leader shows that everyone in the team has a voice no matter what or who the leader is.‘’
Sarah James (22)- Freedom of the City of Oxford & Chair, Oxfordshire Children in Care Council.
WYSE alumni return to their communities with a strong sense of commitment to being change makers, working in their own unique ways to address the challenges we all face as a global community. They go on to lead change across the wide range of global priorities as identified in the Sustainable Development Goals, with a leadership that is fuelled by a passion for creating a world that is more inclusive, fair and sustainable, and underpinned by a recognition of our interconnectedness and shared values.
If you know a young emerging leader who would like to attend a WYSE course, then you can find out more about the programme on their website.
Fatimah and Sarah’s fully funded scholarships are supported by the following cross sector partners:
