LCA Spotlight: A New Chapter in Leadership Development — Celebrating LCA’s First In-Person Leadership Academy Cohort in Mali
- Jean Urbain
- 5 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 23 hours ago
"Empowering Young Leaders to Create Lasting Change in Their Communities"
July 2026 marked an important milestone for Leading Change Africa with the completion of the first cohort of its In-Person Leadership Academy in Mali.
Over five intensive weeks, participants strengthened their leadership skills, built confidence, and developed practical tools to respond to challenges within their communities.
The academy combined interactive training, group work, peer learning, and hands-on exercises, creating an environment where young people could learn from one another and grow as emerging leaders.
More than a series of training sessions, the program gave participants an opportunity to better understand their potential, sharpen their ideas, and prepare to lead with resilience, creativity, and purpose.
Throughout the program, participants were encouraged to move beyond theoretical concepts and apply their learning into real-life situations.
The impact of this first cohort was reflected not only in the skills gained but also in the commitment and engagement demonstrated throughout the journey. Out of the 75 young leaders selected for the inaugural cohort, 59 participants successfully completed the program and were awarded certificates during the graduation ceremony.
The program concluded with the presentation of 10 group projects addressing challenges identified within participants’ communities. These projects gave participants an opportunity to apply what they had learned through teamwork, problem-solving, and practical leadership.
The certificate ceremony recognized 59 graduates who successfully completed five weeks of intensive training. It celebrated their commitment and achievements while marking the next stage of their leadership journeys as they begin applying their knowledge through community action.
Through the In-Person Leadership Academy in Mali, LCA is preparing young people to lead with confidence, mobilize others, and turn their ideas into action that strengthens their communities.
Continue the journey
Read Summer Spotlight: Five Days That Set the Tone for LCA’s 2026 Intern Cohort, a glimpse into how our 2026 interns began their leadership journey.
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