The New Voices Bootcamp, held on July 31st at Eco Hall, LASU Ojo Campus, in partnership with the Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University (LASU), was a resounding success. The event fostered meaningful discussions and insights on the significance of student participation in shaping their communities and nation.
The program featured a keynote session, a workshop, and a panel discussion, each providing valuable takeaways on community engagement, volunteering, and leadership. Mr. Habeeb, a leadership and transformation advocate, delivered the keynote address, “The Role of Young People in Leadership and Strengthening Democracy.” He emphasized the crucial role students play in taking action and occupying leadership positions within their departments and faculties.
Habeeb urged the students to take the lead in strengthening democracy in the nation, encouraging them to be at the forefront of positive change. The event served as a platform for students to engage, learn, and grow, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Temidayo Musa, Programs and Operations Director at Civic Hive, delivered a compelling keynote session on “How to Get Involved in Community Actions.” Drawing from his personal experience, he shared insights on how he began serving and advocating for community causes while still in school. This early involvement ultimately led to the development of numerous community projects that he has successfully worked on.
Temidayo Musa encouraged the students to take an active role in addressing issues and problems in their respective communities. By getting involved and contributing their time and skills, students can make a meaningful impact and develop valuable experience. His message served as a call to action, inspiring the students to become engaged and responsible citizens.
The panel session on “Volunteering as a Leadership Pathway” was insightful and impactful. The panelists emphasized that volunteering provides a valuable opportunity to serve and build capacity, particularly for students and young people. They shared their personal experiences, highlighting how volunteering in various organizations has equipped them with hands-on experience and contributed significantly to their leadership journeys.
Mr. Niniola, a student leader and community developer, offered practical advice on balancing leadership roles and academics. He noted that achieving a perfect balance might be challenging, but effective time management is crucial for excelling in both areas. By prioritizing tasks and managing time wisely, student leaders can successfully navigate their academic responsibilities while fulfilling their leadership roles.
Key Takeaways:
- Youth Leadership: Young people have a critical role to play in leadership and strengthening democracy. By empowering them with the right skills, knowledge, and opportunities, we can foster a new generation of leaders who are committed to creating positive change.
- Community Actions: Community actions and leadership are essential for driving social change. By engaging in local initiatives and projects, young people can develop valuable skills, build networks, and make a tangible impact in their communities.
- Volunteerism: Volunteerism is a powerful pathway to leadership development. By participating in volunteer work, young people can gain hands-on experience, develop leadership skills, and build their confidence and networks.
The Importance of Youth Engagement
Research shows that young people are increasingly disillusioned with democracy, with many feeling that institutions are not delivering outcomes that matter to them. However, this disconnect is not inevitable. By engaging young people in meaningful ways, we can reignite their passion for democracy and encourage them to become active participants in shaping their communities and nations.
Conclusion
The New Voices Bootcamp LASU highlighted the critical role that young people play in leadership and strengthening democracy. By empowering them with the right skills, knowledge, and opportunities, we can unlock their potential and foster a new generation of leaders who are committed to creating positive change. Moving forward, it’s essential to prioritize youth engagement, community actions, and volunteerism as key pathways to leadership development.
Recommendations
- Institutions should provide opportunities for young people to participate in decision-making processes, which can foster a sense of ownership and encourage young people to become active participants in democracy.
- Community actions and leadership initiatives should be supported and resourced, enabling young people to drive positive change in their communities.
- Volunteerism should be promoted as a valuable pathway to leadership development, providing young people with hands-on experience and opportunities to build their skills and expand their professional networks.
