Download PhotoThe BYU Management Society (BYUMS) has introduced a program to prepare the rising generation of leadership in Africa. Launching Leaders is a free program that helps the next generation examine their lives, determine where they are, what they want to become and how to get there. Launching Leaders helps young adults follow the Savior’s counsel “organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing…” (D&C 88:119). The program is held one-hour a week for five weeks and concludes with a virtual graduation ceremony. (It requires participants to have a cell phone and access to the internet in order to participate in the classes).
Launching Leaders is a registered nonprofit organization with global reach that helps new generations find fulfillment through applying proven principles based on faith in their everyday lives. Its founders believe “…anyone who takes the time, and applies what they learn in Launching Leaders, will see their lives change.” https://www.llworldwide.org/about-us/
Download PhotoBYUMS organized their first Launching Leaders class in Africa with the Ghana chapter lead by Alfred Arthur, Ghana Chapter President of the BYUMS, and facilitated by Chet Harmer, VP of Strategic Development for the BYUMS. To date, BYUMS has sponsored 20 Launching Leaders classes in Africa. In addition, the Skep Foundation has also hosted several Launching Leaders classes and trained African facilitators.
Following the completion of its African Professional Development Conference (held in Accra, Ghana on 29 July 2023), BYUMS commenced its next round of Launching Leaders. This current phase includes 318 participants in fifteen African nations (with most of these being from the Africa West Area) organized into seven classes. As the BYUMS grows in Africa, the number of African Launching Leaders has increased and momentum is definitely building.
Download PhotoThere are many examples of how Launching Leaders is helping young adults improve the trajectory of their lives. Chidi Onyebuchukwe from Nigeria said “Launching Leaders opened my eyes to one thing that has been lacking in my personal and professional life, which is mentorship.” Brother Onyebuchukwe continued “I try to do the same thing my mentors have done for me; lead people by hand and help them figure things out.” Brother Onyebuchukwe (who specializes in Digital Marketing) is following the Launching Leaders principle of “giving back.” He is currently mentoring 28 people and tries to meet with two people a day.
Launching Leaders includes a six-step formula that helps committed participants improve their financial, physical and spiritual state of being. If you want to learn more, join the BYUMS Africa Region and to register for a future Launching Leaders class. https://byums.byu.edu/africa-region/