Leadership Is More Than Being in Charge
For many students, becoming a prefect, captain or club leader is a recognition of responsibility. But having a leadership title does not automatically teach a young person how to lead. In October 2024, CedarRise Initiative for Human Development brought together 16 female student leaders from Roseville Secondary School, Enugu , for a three-day leadership bootcamp at Iwollo Conference Centre. The girls, aged 14–17, were already serving in leadership positions within their school. The bootcamp was designed to help them look beyond the title and develop the skills needed to lead well. The sessions explored leadership styles, communication, emotional intelligence, time management and conflict resolution. But leadership was not taught as something that happens only in a classroom. Through outdoor team challenges, leadership simulations and group projects, participants had to make decisions, work with others, respond to challenges and solve problems together. These activities created op...