Today marks the commencement of the Leadership Masterclass Series for my Spark Scholars, a dynamic group of over 200+ young talents, with numbers steadily increasing. For those unfamiliar with Spark Scholars, these are driven young individuals who understand that the journey to Olympic gold in Paris began four years ago. Similarly, achieving exceptional academic performance in the next session and graduating with honours starts now. These scholars are part of my After School Practice Group, a new ed-tech platform designed to help them gain admission to the world’s best universities on full scholarship.
As part of our summer activities, we launched a four-week summer Leadership Masterclass titled “Unleashing the Future Leaders of Tomorrow!”
This intensive series is led by the globally recognized Parenting and Family Coach, Praise Fowowe, who is renowned for his innovative approaches to parenting and leadership training.
The Spark Scholars Initiative
The Spark Scholars initiative is more than just an after-school programme; it is a comprehensive platform designed to identify, nurture, and develop young talents with the potential to become future leaders. The goal is to provide these young minds with the tools, knowledge, and experiences they need to excel academically and personally. Our approach is holistic, focusing not just on academic excellence but also on character development, leadership skills, and social responsibility.
The Leadership Masterclass Series is a critical component of the Spark Scholars programme. This four-week series is meticulously designed to cover various aspects of leadership, providing the scholars with a deep understanding of what it means to be a leader in today’s world.
Masterclass Schedule:
Week 1: Understanding Leadership (18 July)
Week 2: The Visionary Leader (25 July)
Week 3: The Art of Influencing People (1 August)
Week 4: The X Factor in Leadership (8 August)
Each session is structured to ensure maximum engagement and learning. At the end of each class, students receive an assignment due before the next class, ensuring continuous engagement and application of the concepts learnt.
The first week’s session, “Understanding Leadership,” was highly engaging. Praise Fowowe, who has transformed countless lives through his coaching, emphasized the importance of nurturing innate leadership qualities in the scholars. He believes, as I do, that leadership values can be taught and that starting early is crucial.
Praise began the session with a compelling video about an Indian boy who became a catalyst for change when adults failed to act. The story served as a powerful introduction to the concept of leadership. Praise explained leadership in simple terms, helping the kids understand that “a leader is the one who creates a platform where others can become the best version of themselves without fear of losing out when they no longer need him.”
What Leadership Is Not
To provide a balanced view, Praise also discussed what a leader is not. He highlighted several traits and behaviours that are detrimental to effective leadership:
Cloning: True leaders do not seek to create replicas of themselves but encourage individuality and innovation.
Servitude/slavery: Leadership is not about subjugating others but about empowering them.
Threat-induced manipulation: Using fear and threats to control others is a sign of weak leadership.
Conditional love: Leaders should offer unconditional support and guidance.
Loyalty buying: Genuine loyalty cannot be bought; it is earned through trust and respect.
Perfectionism/pretense: Leaders should strive for excellence but not at the cost of authenticity and honesty.
West African Idolatry: Leaders should not place themselves above others as idols but remain humble and approachable.
Real-life Examples of Leadership
Praise used stories of global leaders to illustrate ideal leadership qualities, which resonated deeply with the scholars. For instance:
Mahatma Gandhi (India): Gandhi’s selflessness and non-violent protests stood out as a leadership style that many scholars embraced. His ability to inspire change through peaceful means left a lasting impression. Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, or non-violent resistance, was a powerful example of how moral integrity and patience can bring about profound social change.
Idi Amin (Uganda): In contrast, Amin’s dictatorship highlighted the dangers of autocratic leadership and the importance of humility and service. Amin’s regime was marked by human rights abuses and economic mismanagement, serving as a cautionary tale of what happens when power is unchecked and unaccountable.
Lee Kuan Yew (Singapore): Known for transforming Singapore into a global financial hub, his visionary leadership and strict governance were key takeaways. Lee’s ability to implement long-term policies, his focus on education, and his fight against corruption were highlighted as essential traits of a visionary leader.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum (UAE): His innovative vision and commitment to progress have made the UAE a symbol of modern success. Sheikh Mohammed’s emphasis on diversifying the economy, fostering innovation, and investing in human capital were cited as exemplary leadership practices.
David Ben-Gurion (Israel): The first Prime Minister of Israel, known for his pioneering spirit and dedication to the establishment and development of Israel. Ben-Gurion’s leadership during the formative years of Israel, his focus on building infrastructure, and his efforts to integrate diverse immigrant populations were discussed as hallmarks of effective nation-building leadership.
The story of Gandhi, in particular, was a favourite among the scholars. His selflessness and civil protest methods were particularly inspiring. The session concluded with an unconventional assignment: watch the movie “3 Idiots” and identify seven leadership traits exhibited by the character Rancho, and how they can apply these traits in their own lives. This assignment aimed to make the learning process enjoyable and relatable, encouraging the scholars to think critically about leadership in different contexts.
Praise Fowowe: A Closer Look
Praise Fowowe, the facilitator of this masterclass, is a globally recognized Parenting and Family Coach who has dedicated his life to transforming the lives of young people and families. His innovative methods and practical approaches to leadership and personal development have made him a sought-after speaker and trainer worldwide. Praise’s expertise lies in simplifying complex concepts and making them accessible to young minds, a skill that was evident in the first session of the masterclass.
The Impact of Leadership Training
The Leadership Masterclass Series is not just about teaching leadership concepts; it is about instilling a mindset of growth, responsibility, and service in these young scholars. The goal is to prepare them not just for academic success but for real-world challenges. By exposing them to different leadership styles and philosophies, we aim to broaden their perspectives and inspire them to become change-makers in their communities.
The series continues next week with the topic “The Visionary Leader,” where Praise will delve into the importance of vision in leadership. Scholars will learn how to develop a clear vision, communicate it effectively, and inspire others to work towards common goals.
Conclusion
The Leadership Masterclass Series is a testament to the potential within each Spark Scholar and our commitment to nurturing future leaders who will make a positive impact on the world. This initiative is more than just an educational programme; it is a movement to empower young minds, instill leadership values, and prepare the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of the future.
We invite everyone to follow the journey of these young leaders. The entire session will be available on YouTube later in the week, providing an opportunity for a broader audience to engage with and learn from this transformative experience.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to empower the leaders of tomorrow. The Spark Scholars programme is just beginning, and we are excited to see where this journey takes us.
Together, we are building a brighter future, one leader at a time.
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