In pursuit of its mission to empower the Sierra Leonean community in British Columbia, the Sierra Leonean Community of British Columbia (SLCBC) organized a transformative Capacity Building: Leadership Development Training workshop series in 2022. Held at the Surrey City Center Library in Surrey, BC, the workshop series aimed to equip aspiring community leaders with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to drive positive change within their communities. This immersive training initiative served as a testament to SLCBC's commitment to fostering leadership potential and building a stronger, more cohesive community.
Empowering Aspiring Leaders:
Over the course of several weekends, the Surrey City Center Library was abuzz with enthusiasm and energy as participants from diverse backgrounds and age groups gathered to engage in the Capacity Building workshop series. The workshops were carefully designed to cater to the unique needs and aspirations of aspiring leaders within the African community.
Interactive and Engaging Sessions:
Facilitated by the experienced leadership development expert, Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson, the workshop series featured interactive sessions that encouraged open dialogue, self-reflection, and collaborative learning. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences, aspirations, and challenges, fostering a sense of camaraderie and support among the group.
The workshops covered a range of topics essential to effective leadership, including communication skills, conflict resolution, time management, and community engagement strategies. Each session was thoughtfully tailored to address the specific needs of individuals at various stages of their leadership journey.
Mentorship and Guidance:
Beyond the theoretical knowledge, the Capacity Building workshop series provided valuable mentorship opportunities. Accomplished leaders from within the Sierra Leonean community and beyond shared their personal journeys, triumphs, and lessons learned, inspiring participants to embrace their own leadership potential.
Practical Skill Development:
The workshops were designed to ensure that participants gained practical skills that could be applied to real-life situations. Through role-playing exercises, group discussions, and case studies, participants honed their decision-making abilities and learned to navigate complex leadership challenges with poise and confidence.
Celebrating Growth and Progress:
As the workshop series drew to a close, participants reflected on their transformative experiences. The camaraderie and sense of belonging that had flourished within the group were evident, reflecting the sense of unity and purpose SLCBC aims to cultivate.
The 2022 Capacity Building: Leadership Development Training workshop series at the Surrey City Center Library was a resounding success, exemplifying the Sierra Leonean Community of British Columbia's commitment to nurturing leadership potential within its community and the larger African community. Empowering aspiring leaders with essential skills and knowledge, the workshop series sparked a collective desire to create a positive impact within the community and beyond.
As the participants returned to their roles as change-makers, the ripples of this transformative training initiative continued to be felt throughout the Sierra Leonean community in British Columbia. The lasting legacy of the workshop series serves as a reminder of the power of investing in leadership development and the profound effect it has on shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for all. With each empowered leader, the SLCBC takes one step closer to realizing its vision of a united, engaged, and thriving community.