Africa-Press – Liberia. The Kids’ Educational Engagement Project (KEEP Liberia) has officially launched its Emerging Leaders Mentorship Fellowship Program. The initiative, designed to nurture and empower young Liberians with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership, aims to help shape a generation that will lead Liberia to a brighter future.
The launch event, held under the theme “Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” brought together students, educators, parents, and key stakeholders who celebrated the start of this transformative program. The fellowship seeks to equip young Liberians, aged 10 to 19, with the tools needed to understand and actively participate in governance, community service, and civic duties.
The fellowship is aimed at students in grades 4 through 11, aged 10 to 19, who maintain at least a “B” average (83%) and have a passion for leadership and community service. Sessions will be held twice a month on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. As part of the program’s long-term goals, KEEP Liberia plans to expand the fellowship nationally in its second year.
During the ceremony, Oral Barclay, Executive Director of the Girl For Change Organization and architect of the program, explained how the fellowship is structured to mirror Liberia’s governance system.
Barclay emphasized that the fellowship’s design offers participants a real-life understanding of governance through roles that mirror the three branches of government—Executive, Judiciary, and Legislature.
“We have structured our leadership model to mirror real governance systems,” said Barclay. “Participants will take on roles such as interim president, senators, and judiciary members, giving them a deep understanding of democratic values, accountability, and civic responsibility.”
She said the program will begin with interim leadership positions over the first three months, allowing fellows to explore the functions of these roles. Afterward, elections will be held, giving participants the opportunity to campaign, debate, and present solutions to the challenges faced by their cohorts. “This process will not only teach fellows about democratic principles but also give them the chance to understand the responsibilities that come with leadership roles,” Barclay said.
“The idea is to immerse the fellows in governance processes. From campaigning to public speaking and decision-making, this is an opportunity to give them the skills and confidence needed to take on leadership roles in their communities,” Barclay continued.
She disclosed that the fellowship also includes regular field and site visits, either bi-weekly or quarterly, depending on the fellows’ roles in the Executive, Judiciary, or Legislature. These visits are designed to provide real-world exposure to governance, allowing the fellows to connect classroom learning with practical applications in their communities. Furthermore, the fellowship will provide internship opportunities through partnerships with organizations like KEEP Liberia, where students can gain valuable work experience, participate in community service projects, and see leadership in action.
Barclay elaborated on the fellowship’s structure, which is divided into four key phases: Leadership Foundations (March–May), Skills Building & Civic Engagement (June–September), Impact & Implementation (October–December), and Graduation & Recognition (January).
In the Leadership Foundations phase, fellows will focus on ethical leadership, personal vision planning, and character development. This phase will also explore topics such as integrity, ethical behavior, and public image building. The second phase, Skills Building & Civic Engagement, will focus on public speaking, digital literacy, project planning, creative problem-solving, and civic awareness.
In the third phase, Impact & Implementation, fellows will apply their knowledge in real-world settings by engaging in activities like fundraising initiatives, community campaigns, event organization, and designing informational materials. Finally, the program will culminate in a graduation ceremony in January, where the fellows will be recognized for their transformation into emerging leaders.
“We are intentionally cultivating a culture of constructive feedback and public speaking from the very beginning,” said Madam Brenda Brewer Moore, Executive Director of KEEP Liberia. “Our fellows are already showing excitement and drive. One even told me, ‘I want to teach!’ That’s a real indication that something impactful is happening here.”
To enhance the learning experience, the fellowship will incorporate innovative methods such as role-playing, team-building games, case studies, and reflective presentations. Each session will conclude with feedback exercises inspired by international programs like Toastmasters. The goal is to encourage open dialogue, self-reflection, and growth in leadership skills.
“The feedback culture is something we believe will be integral to these young leaders’ development,” Moore added. “By providing them with feedback from their peers and mentors, they will not only improve their leadership skills but also learn how to constructively engage with others in a way that promotes growth and collaboration.”
According to Moore, the fellowship is currently in its pilot year and is fully funded. However, for its second year, KEEP Liberia plans to introduce minimal fees to cover logistical costs. To ensure the program’s success, KEEP Liberia is also seeking community support in various forms. This includes donations of laptops for the 30 enrolled fellows, transportation assistance for students from remote areas, and food donations for lunch and snacks during the sessions. Additionally, KEEP Liberia is calling for volunteers to serve as peer mentors and support staff.
“We believe this fellowship will not only shape young minds but also inspire them to become agents of positive change in their communities,” Moore concluded. “By equipping the next generation with the tools, they need to lead, we are taking a crucial step toward a brighter future for Liberia.”
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