In alignment with the Civic Engagement pillar of the Emerging Political Leaders Fellowship, Ugochi Onwuzurigbo and Daberechi Ekejiuba organized the Back to School Leadership Exposition on Friday, September 27th, 2024. The event aimed to empower students with essential leadership skills and promote the principles of good governance. Designed as a platform to engage secondary school students in leadership development and civic participation, the exposition reflected the fellowship’s core values of youth leadership and civic responsibility.
Primary Objectives:
The core objectives of the event were to equip students with essential leadership skills and promote the values of good governance. This was achieved through the establishment and inauguration of the Good Governance Club, complete with a binding document outlining its mission. Additionally, the exposition sought to encourage community involvement and inspire the next generation of leaders to take responsibility for societal development, with a focus on leadership and good governance.
Key Outcomes:
The event reached students across all Local Government Areas and geopolitical zones of Abia State, with participation from selected public and private schools. Students engaged in a range of workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions covering key topics such as leadership skill development, effective communication for teens, conflict resolution among peers, goal setting and achievement, mindset shift and enlightenment, project execution, scholarship opportunities, and political processes and leadership training. These activities were designed to shift students’ perspectives on leadership, encouraging them to view it as a responsibility rather than a title, while empowering them to lead with integrity in their communities.
One of the highlights of the exposition was the establishment of the Good Governance Club, a platform for students to actively engage in discussions about governance and leadership while learning how to apply these principles in practice. During the event, over 75 students signed up for the club, reflecting their enthusiasm for promoting good governance.
Additionally, a scholarship was awarded to an outstanding student in recognition of their leadership and academic excellence. This student was also appointed as the interim president of the Good Governance Club, with a formal election set for the next gathering in the coming month.
The club’s structure and activities were also shaped by student input. By popular vote, regular meetings will be held on the last Friday of each month. Students expressed interest in additional meetings on the first Friday of the month, where they would gather independently. The organizers would provide guidance during the monthly sessions. A student matron was appointed to oversee the activities of the club.
Lessons Learnt/ Recommendations:
Throughout the exposition, students displayed a high level of engagement and commitment to the topics discussed. Their enthusiasm for the Good Governance Club demonstrated their desire to remain actively involved in leadership and governance initiatives, both in and beyond the classroom.
Way Forward/ Next Steps:
Looking ahead, the Good Governance Club plans to expand its reach to other schools across Abia State. The goals include extending membership to additional schools in the coming months and closely monitoring the impact of the club’s activities to ensure that students apply the knowledge gained in real-world situations.
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