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IMANI News Room
From June 11th-14th, Mensvic hotel was the centre of substantial activity as several young African think tank entrepreneurs and leaders from across the continent converged for the second edition of the African think tank start-up training program, organized by the Atlas Leadership Academy in collaboration with IMANI Centre for Policy and Education.
The training was primarily aimed at giving fledgling think tanks in Africa the tools to build a firm foundation, with an understanding of what it takes to be successful in their own countries as well as provide them with a step-by-step guideline to starting a new free market think tank.
In all 12 participants were selected from a large pool of applications. The selected participants came from South Africa, Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, Uganda, the Gambia, Egypt as well as Ghana. The diverse backgrounds was not only restricted to participants, as resources persons also came from the United States, India and Ghana to take the participants through a 3-day, information- packed but exciting training program. The wide diversity of backgrounds of both participants and resource persons added a whole new dimension to the program as all present were keen to share their experiences with the team.
Several topics, key to the success of think tanks were treated over the course of the program. Franklin Cudjoe, founding president of IMANI Center for Policy and Education, opened the program as he handled the very first session as the main resource person. Mr. Cudjoe recounted the history of democracy and liberty on the continent and how despite some pitfalls, this has actually enhanced development across the continent. He enjoined participants to promote the ideals of libertarianism in their respective countries as this is the sure way to radically improve our social and economic circumstances as a continent.
Participants were taught to reassess the purpose, mission, vision and values of their respective organizations to ensure that it totally aligns with their desired goals. Other sessions enlightened participants in the best practices in project and events organization and management, fundraising, essentials of communication and crucially how to develop and maximize media relationships.
Participants were brought up to speed on the best practices in Donor research, Proposal writing as well as Donor reporting.
This training program forms part of IMANI’s vision to promote enhanced education among African youth. Since 2009, IMANI in collaboration with other organizations has organized SYPALA (Student and Young Professionals African Leadership Academy) annually across the continent.
———Learn more about SYPALA
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