By Rhoda Elizabeth King
Last week was a resourceful one. The presenters were all incredible, inspiring, innovative and practical in their presentations. It helped me discover my personality, and taught me how to work with others from diverse background for one common goal. The week also taught me the importance of teamwork. Everyone has their own strength that is essential to the welfare and growth of an organization or team.
I also learned lots of practical intellectual youth and community activities from Youth participatory Action (Parkview), as well as Chess and Community that are very valuable to my work I do back home. These practical skills learned from both organizations are going to be well utilized upon my return to my beloved country Liberia
Two key takeaways from Chess and Community were first, the importance of getting parents involved in youth-oriented programs, especially when your organization is based on youth development. Parents play a major role in the nurturing or development of the children, so they also need to be invited, trained and consulted. It is also important to invite the adults and youth together at different activities to learned from each other and discuss issues concerning the betterment of society.
Lastly, as leaders, Instead of waiting for another time and person to make positive change, it is always important to do the right things, at the right place and time because it makes more impact and adds value to your work.
Moreover, I also learn about Ubuntu a truly African Epistemology, which states that you are who you are because of the people you have around you. So its points to the spirit of humility, inclusion, and family hood. If we want Africa to be a better place let us have the spirit of Ubuntu and work together for the betterment of our future generation. All of my experiences were great but the most enjoyable moments was the July 4th America’s independence experience in Monroe, Atlanta, Georgia at the 1025 church, the people from this church are so amazing, they make me feel the beauty in serving Jesus, the significance of humility and the influence of giving hope to someone who is lost. It was also a historic event for me to tour the James Monroe town, the same pioneer my country Liberia capital Monrovia was named after.
In conclusion of the week, a remarkable fellowship and networking platform was created yesterday July 7th amongst us and fellows from Georgia State University, as well as Clarke Atlanta University in a soccer match where we begin victorious over both universities. One unexpected thing I encountered this week was playing soccer, something I have never done in a lifetime. Thanks to the UGA team for making this week a remarkable and inspiring one.
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