Leadership
Academy
Founded in 2012, The Leadership Academy (LA) believes in investing in transformation by equipping Congolese with knowledge, skills and tools needed to discover, develop and deploy their potential to positively impact their communities. They are taught that a problem encountered is “an opportunity to be the solution.”
ABOUT THE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
The DR Congo’s legacy of colonial education has failed far too many generations and as a result, there is a lack of effective leadership at many levels. Thousands of people are unemployed and more than 2/3 of the population still lives below the poverty line.
Recognizing everyone has the potential to lead, the Leadership Academy trains participants to be the solution in their families and in their communities. They are mentored using a Christ-centered point of view. Participants learn to analyze their surroundings and find a solution to the challenges they face. All participants are required to develop and implement their own community initiatives before earning their certificate of completion.
We train leaders who will no longer think in terms of, "Who is responsible for the challenges that surround us?" But instead will ask, "How can I contribute to improving the living conditions of my community?” As a result, they are investing in their personal development, as well as the development of their communities.
There are five segments to the training that are essential to leadership and capacity building:
The definition of leadership and key principles of effective leadership and conflict transformation
The psychology of the leader
The foundations of project implementation, development, and management
Basic accounting skills, financial management and entrepreneurship
The fundamentals of communication
SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION
Our teachings are based on Christian values. We teach leaders that Jesus Christ is the best example and that true transformation is not possible without Christ. We emphasize that our physical, spiritual, moral, social and mental life is centered on God and found in our Lord Jesus Christ. Specifically, one of our seminars titled “The Leader Intimacy and Build Your Leadership on The Rock,” is 100% Biblically based.
IMPACT
Improved self-confidence to be a positive influence in the community and better discernment
Strengthened conflict resolution and management technical skills
Financial independence and increased job opportunities through entrepreneurship, project management and financial intelligence. Graduates foster a spirit of initiative through business creation and entrepreneurial ventures
Successfully trained political and administrative authorities, security agents, agents of the immigration authority (DGM), military leaders and national police officers
Effective leadership skills training to provide sustainable solutions for a better future. LA alumni have enrolled their children in the Un Jour Nouveau school because of its leadership curriculum, high educational standards and Christian values
ORGANIZATIONS IMPACTED:
DGM (Border Authority), MONUSCO (UN in Eastern Congo), Goma University, BBOXX (Solar Energy Company), Military Leaders, National Police and Political & Administrative Authorities, and many more
INFLUENCE
4,571 graduates since inception through 2020
30% of graduates are women
Program has spread to Bukavu, Bunia, Butembo and and is utilized in Kisangani, Lubumbashi, Kasaï, Kinshasa, and Ecuador
Trained current leaders within government and other professional fields, to be more effective leaders
$41,000 annual budget
“I am a widow and the mother of two children. Currently, I am an advisor to the design office of the Provincial Assembly of North Kivu and president of a political party. I was already accomplished before I attended Un Jour Nouveau's Leadership Academy, however I found it difficult to accept any disagreement. I lacked empathy for those around me and it left me feeling empty. I was doing a good job keeping up appearances but I lacked personal development and I longed to make a real positive impact.
The Leadership Academy has transformed me. I’m no longer adverse to contrary views. My leadership has been refined by focusing on those around me and ensuring their wellbeing. I now have a clear vision that I am able to clearly communicate. I have learned that I am part of the solution to the multiple challenges in the city of Goma and in the province of North Kivu. I am no longer solely concerned with my personal well-being, but rather for the improved development of the community.”
— Mrs. Pauline Uwamariya Sebujangwe
“I used to be a very shy young woman, I trembled at the thought of speaking in public, I thought I was ugly, I did not feel useful, neither for myself nor for my community, and I did not trust myself.
One day, I was told about the Un Jour Nouveau’s Leadership Academy and that’s where my life changed...I now have a clear vision for my life and what I wish to see in my community. My self-confidence went from feeling like I didn’t matter, to feeling that I can make a difference and I am made in the image of God.”
— Anifa Vahavi
FREQUENTLY ASKED LEADERSHIP ACADEMY QUESTIONS
What is the purpose of the training at the Leadership Academy? +
To train men, women and young Congolese to become the agents of indelible change in their communities and beyond. We also aim to aid leaders in creating sustainable businesses that contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing and development of their families, communities and country.
Why is transformational leadership not taught at every school in Congo? +
DRC’s teaching programs are still influenced by the legacy of a colonial educational system. A system that only wanted to train civil servant professions within the public administration. It taught people repetition and regurgitation, not how to actively analyze their surroundings and find solutions to challenges.
Is there a student mentoring program offered after going through the Leadership Academy? +
Yes, there is. After the training, students join the Alumni Club. A program that is under the supervision of the Leadership Academy. They come together to discuss and determine projects they can implement together.
What do you do with the students who come up with projects after having gone through the Leadership Academy? +
We send them to HUB UJN, an entrepreneurship coaching and support program, where they are trained in business management and are mentored to support materialization of their ideas.