Adelaja Deborah’s Post

🌍 World YMCA Accelerator Summit in Mombasa, Kenya 🌍 Five incredible, jam-packed days—learning, working, and connecting with Y colleagues and partners from all corners of the globe. Spending time with young leaders from around the world re-instated a powerful truth for me: even though we come from different places, we’re all impacted by the same challenges. The Cohort 5 Change Agents taught me so much in a short period of time, showing a shared, cross-border determination to tackle these challenges, intergenerationally. For authentic impact, it’s about creating alongside young people—not just for them. We need allies to amplify young voices, elevate their stories, and inspire other young people to believe in themselves—creating a ripple effect of change and ensuring young people are genuinely valued and heard. Empowering young people isn’t just a goal; it’s central to the Y’s collective vision of a better future. The Y is where young people find hope, belonging, and belief. One of our hosts of the summit put it perfectly: “The Y is like stars in the sky, and when your world feels dark, the Y star shines brighter.” That’s the work I want to build on—a future where no one is left behind, where our strength is collective, and where young voices shape the path forward. Here’s to continuing the incredible work of the Y across the world with more hope, belonging, and belief than ever before. ✨ #whereyoubelong #acceleratorsummit #amplifyyourvoice #globalimpact #youthleadership World YMCA The Y Australia The Y Whittlesea The Y WA YMCA Geelong Inc. The Y NSW YMCA South Australia Alexandra Ash GAICD Amelia Shaw Michele Rowse Gaurav Sareen Christopher Lewis Tom Stephenson Ru Thomas Sandra Marson Anjie Brook Allison Ross Frances Steen Elysse McCabe Hamani Tanginoa Alisha Nurnaitis Nicholas E. Carlos Madjri Sanvee

Leadership isn’t just about the decisions we make in the boardroom—it’s about how we show up for the #communities we serve. Recently, I took on after-school teaching, with the payments supporting Revive a Rural African Child, a school in Uganda. Leadership isn’t just about financial contributions; it’s about rolling up our sleeves, building connections, and making a real difference. It’s not always easy. Being active in the community requires effort, and there are logistical challenges along the way. But the rewards are far greater than anything we can measure. Leadership is more than just achieving results—it’s about aligning our actions with our values and understanding the needs of others. By prioritizing #education and #equalopportunities, we don’t just help those we serve—we strengthen our organizations and communities in the process. The choices we make—personally and professionally—shape the future we create. When we lead with #purpose, we inspire others to do the same, and together, we can create lasting change. As we reflect on our leadership journeys, let’s take the opportunity to review how well our #strategies align with the #values that guide us. Are we leading with purpose at the #board level? Are we investing in causes that resonate with our core beliefs? And are we actively engaging with the communities we serve? Let’s ensure our actions are in harmony with the impact we want to create—for our organizations, and for the world around us. Leading with purpose is not just a goal; it’s a #responsibility we all share. #LeadershipWithPurpose #HumanCentricLeadership #CommunityImpact #ValuesInAction #Empowerment #LeadByExample #InspireChange Linkvalue Evolve with us.lu Eddy Kaliisa Revive a Rural African Child

🌍 Join Us in Building Nations of Leaders and Leaders of Nations! 🌍 As the Director-General of the @National Leadership Organisation (NLO), I’m excited to share several groundbreaking initiatives designed to transform African nations into nations of leaders and global leaders in areas of significance. These initiatives address pressing challenges while creating lasting impact across sectors. We are actively seeking collaborators who are passionate about driving positive change, uplifting communities, and fostering leadership excellence across the continent. Here’s how we are leading the charge: 1. National Public Leadership Excellence Initiatives We are revolutionizing public sector leadership by equipping public leaders with the mindsets, knowledge, and strategies needed for sustainable development. Our Seven Disciplines of Breakthrough Leadership program empowers leaders to deliver results even in the most challenging environments. 2. National Capacity Builder Excellence Initiatives Enhancing Capacity Building Institutions is key to addressing human capital challenges. Through tailored interventions and best practices, we empower these institutions to fulfill their mandates and drive development, impacting the quality of human capital across the continent. 3. National Philanthropy Activation Initiatives We believe in the power of collective contribution to address societal challenges. Our initiatives inspire citizens and philanthropists to give back, fostering a culture of generosity and volunteering. Through a unified platform for collaboration, we work to amplify philanthropy across Africa. 4. National Youth Development Initiatives Youths are the future of Africa. We are committed to equipping them with the tools and opportunities needed to succeed. Now affiliated with the World Youth Clubs, we offer initiatives focused on education, empowerment, and leadership, ensuring Africa’s youth are prepared to lead and shape the future. 5. "Earn-the-Right" Social Reorientation Program For Africa’s growth, the cycle of complaints must be broken. Progress comes from contribution, not blame. This program promotes a culture where citizens and leaders take ownership of progress by contributing before criticizing, fostering active participation in nation building. 6. National Empowerment Initiatives We are committed to empowering citizens with the skills, knowledge, and leadership principles needed to thrive. From leadership training to promoting entrepreneurship and employability, our initiatives drive economic and social development at scale. If you or your organization are interested in partnering with us, please reach out at hello@nloafrica.org. Together, we can shape the future of Africa and drive unprecedented impact. Let’s lead the change we wish to see in our continent! #LeadershipExcellence #YouthDevelopment #CapacityBuilding #PhilanthropyActivation #EarnTheRight #NationalEmpowerment #Leadership #AfricaLeadership #NationBuilding

It's my honor to be the host of YIELD Hub Action Learning Corner!🌟 Imagine being a HOST to share A LOT of USEFUL Practical Guides and Resources around Youth Partnership in #SRHR in a very youth-friendly video format 😉 ! This special one is our second practical guide with the topic around FINDING, ENGAGING, AND SUSTAINING NEW GENERATIONS OF YOUTH LEADERS! Whether you are part of a grassroots movement, a philanthropic foundation, a nonprofit organisation, or a youth-led initiative, this guide is tailor-made for you.🌟 What can you find and expect from this document? 🔍 The 'Themes for Exploration' section will highlight challenges organisations encounter in engaging diverse youth, prioritising underserved populations, and creating sustainable support systems. 🌍 Check the 'Organisational Levels of Development' with our detailed checklist – Foundational, Proficient, Advanced. 🚀 'Recommendations & Sample Actions' section will provide actionable strategies for improvement. 🛠️ 'Next Steps' section will guide you in applying insights and maintaining momentum in your youth partnership journey.  🔥 Engaging and Sustaining Youth Leaders Quiz to find out your organisation's level and tailor your path to success! 1️⃣ Watch the full video of me explaining how to navigate this practical guide here 👉 https://lnkd.in/ezVWA4FZ 2️⃣ Download the practical guide here 👉 https://lnkd.in/em_Fyxv6 3️⃣ Take the Quiz here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eAma5sFD #PracticalGuide #YouthPartnership #EngagingYouthLeaders #YouthLeaders #YouthEngagement #Changemakers #PracticalGuide #Resource

Congratulations to the 2024 National President, We are glad Namibia is represented. Importance of leadership among youth Memory updated Leadership among youth is crucial for several reasons: Building Future Leaders: Youth leadership development cultivates the next generation of leaders who will drive positive change in society. It empowers young individuals to take on responsibilities, make decisions, and lead others effectively. Fostering Innovation: Youth leaders often bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to the table. Their creativity and willingness to explore new approaches can lead to groundbreaking solutions to complex problems. Addressing Youth Issues: Youth leaders are uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by their peers. They can advocate for issues such as education, mental health, environmental sustainability, and social justice, driving meaningful change in these areas. Empowering Communities: When young people take on leadership roles, they inspire and mobilize their communities. They can rally support for important causes, organize community projects, and encourage civic engagement among their peers. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion: Youth leadership promotes diversity and inclusion by giving voice to individuals from different backgrounds and perspectives. It encourages collaboration and respect for varying opinions, fostering a more inclusive society. Building Confidence and Skills: Engaging in leadership activities at a young age helps develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and decision-making. It also boosts self-confidence and resilience, preparing youth for future challenges.

"We reap from the poor to make the rich richer." #wickedproblem This phrase might spark a range of opinions but hear me out. Over the past three years in the development sector, I’ve supported young people from diverse communities to build leadership skills and exercise agency. Their curiosity, wit, and determination to drive change inspires me daily. As someone who also identifies as “young,” I’ve seen the undeniable potential this group holds. But here’s the challenge: while working on building youth leadership and supporting them to advocate for change, I’ve observed a disconnect. Many organisations claim to champion young voices but often engage them in tokenistic ways—organising big events, inviting a select few from tier-1 cities, and overlooking the vast pool of talented and eager youth from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. True diversity requires effort, yet these opportunities are rarely made accessible to all. Do we equate giving young people a speaking opportunity with giving them a seat at the decision-making table? Does a speech translate into shared power? Too often, the decisions that matter are made by people far removed from the realities young people face. If organisations genuinely seek diverse representation, it must go beyond tokenism and organisations must create spaces that provide opportunities addressing the following: 1. Does the opportunity deliver on what it promises?  2. Is it genuinely accessible to youth from all geographies and identities, especially those from marginalised communities?  3. Does it include a stipend to honor and support the time, effort, and contributions of young participants?  4. Will it help build the skills needed for their leadership journey and empower them in decision-making? Another frustration lies in how grassroots organisations—true sector shapers who implement and sustain impactful work—are often sidelined. Instead, intermediary organisations are brought in to play roles grassroots groups are fully capable of fulfilling, this isn't about dismissing the importance of intermediaries but questioning whether they are genuinely playing a supportive role or simply taking center stage. This approach not only undermines the capacity of grassroots organisations but also denies them the recognition and support they deserve. If we truly aim to strengthen the ecosystem, shouldn’t we prioritize uplifting those at its foundation? Here’s where the “reaping” becomes evident: grassroots organisations are expected to stretch limited resources to implement impactful work, only for larger, established organisations to intervene and receive the lion’s share of funding and recognition. This dynamic not only marginalises grassroots efforts but perpetuates the cycle of prioritizing the already powerful. This isn’t a personal attack on anyone. It’s an invitation for us to reflect as sector-shapers and influencers. How can we work together to strengthen the ecosystem moving forward? #thoughttothink

🌍 Embracing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: The Hallmark of Future Leadership 🌍 Today’s the day! We're set to dive into the powerful impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in transforming leadership for a brighter, more inclusive future. Leadership today isn’t only about personal success—it’s about building environments where everyone is valued, empowered, and truly heard. Did you know? 1. Companies with diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform peers in profitability. 2. Inclusive teams make better business decisions up to 87% of the time, according to Cloverpop. 3. 76% of job seekers consider DEI a top factor when choosing companies. These insights remind us that DEI is a strategic advantage that fuels innovation, engagement, and resilience in any organization. Happening Today on #FATTalks Time: 4:00 PM Catch us live on Smart24TvUganda and YouTube! Join us for this inspiring conversation as we unlock the transformative potential of DEI in shaping visionary leaders. Don’t miss it! Brian Kambaho Karogo Beat Baingana Bisangwa Ministry of Education and Sports - Uganda Secondary Education Expansion Project (USEEP) Uganda Law Society Young East African Aspiring Lawyers Network Among Theresa Pheona Wall SC. MCIArb Viola Mboneko Rusoke (MCIM) Uganda Women Entrepreneurs Association Limited (UWEAL) AVODA Institute of Entrepreneurship

Really great feature in World Reporter on how Legacy Project and Global Youth Awards is empowering future leaders! Read the full article here

🌍 Developing, Supporting, and Mentoring Youth Leadership: Building a Community of Change. In today’s world, youth leadership is more important than ever. As we navigate a period where mental health is a pressing issue, developing, mentoring, and supporting the next generation of leaders is crucial. These young leaders hold the potential to inspire change, drive transformation, and build communities that are not only resilient but also compassionate and empowered. One of the most vital skills youth can develop is the ability to build a community. This goes beyond simply creating connections – it's about fostering an environment where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. In a time when mental health challenges are widespread, community engagement has become a lifeline. When youth can connect with one another in a safe and supportive environment, they have the opportunity to heal, grow, and ultimately thrive. As a Cameroonian and a proud member of the African Union Youth Volunteer Corps , I’ve personally witnessed the power of youth leadership in shaping our future. The Young African Leadership Initiative - YALI Network plays a pivotal role in this process. YALI empowers young people across Africa by providing them with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to be effective leaders in their communities. Through the network, young African leaders are given the opportunity to develop critical skills, collaborate with peers, and make a real impact on their societies. Mentoring youth to build these skills goes hand in hand with inspiring and transforming them. By fostering leadership qualities in youth, we encourage them to embrace their potential and approach challenges with determination and empathy. In turn, this transforms not only their personal lives but also the communities they lead. In the face of today’s challenges, the necessity of developing these leaders is undeniable. It’s about more than just guiding them to success – it’s about preparing them to shape the future with courage, compassion, and resilience. When young people understand their power to lead and inspire, they create ripple effects that go far beyond their immediate circle. Let's continue to mentor, engage, and support our youth. Together, we can build a community where mental health, empowerment, and leadership go hand-in-hand, creating a brighter, more inclusive future for all. 🌱✨ #YouthLeadership #Mentoring #CommunityBuilding #MentalHealthMatters #YALINetwork #InspiringChange #YouthEngagement #Cameroon #AfricanYouth

The social sector provides the opportunity to work on some of the most complex challenges that humanity faces. The sector is in a high-growth phase in India, driven by the escalating availability of CSR funds and philanthropic capital. The sector’s rapid expansion has underscored the need for young leaders from the private sector, capable of driving innovation and navigating complex challenges. Young leaders from the private sector bring valuable skills and competencies that are highly relevant to the social sector. ILSS recently launched a report, Young Leaders for Social Impact, that deep-dives into the nuances of transitioning from the private to the social sector. I'm delighted to share the executive summary of the report, here. To download the full report, visit: https://lnkd.in/gCyFtR_U To learn about The ILSS Young Leaders Program, visit: https://lnkd.in/geRNPQAn