The Leadership Academy of West Africa brings transformative educational experiences to high school students through initiatives designed to encourage young people to evolve into leaders with a critical understanding of themselves and the world. Through innovative local and international programming the Academy fosters character development by challenging high school students to better understand who they are, where they come from, and how they fit into the international community.

It is the philosophy of the Academy that all young people have innate leadership qualities, and through thoughtful, engaging, and creative programming these qualities are heightened and realized. It is a belief of the Academy that true leaders emerge through challenges and are not simply programmed and selected. Through Leadership Training participants are taken on an important journey of self-discovery where they are encouraged to think introspectively, consider their passions, and design a personal life plan to reach desired outcomes. Academy participants have the opportunity to become young leaders who posses an understanding of the complexities, past and present, that have created the many challenges facing the international community.

The three Core Subjects of the Academy are History and Cultures of West Africa, Contemporary Issues of Africa, and Languages. Led by innovative and reputed African and American professors, students explore Senegal and West Africa intellectually through generalized study that leads to more specific content. The integrated Academy curriculum is supported by readings, lectures, and discussions. The three Areas of Focus of the Academy are Community, Culture, and Creativity. These Areas of Focus guide activities participants engage in. Students follow a service-learning model analysing issues facing communities, placing them in an appropriate cultural context, and creating sustainable solutions.

SUMMER ACADEMY INTEGRATED PROGRAM

Schools enrolling students for a 2008 Summer Academy session will be offered an integrated program that incorporates the Academy’s local programming and the student’s regular school day curriculum. The integrated program has three components: Internet conference/lessons, school wide curriculum integration, and peer guidance.

Internet conferences and lessons are designed to bridge classrooms in Senegal with classrooms in the United States. Facilitated by Academy professors students receive lessons that are included in the Academy’s expanded curriculum. Conferences allow for discussions and interaction with professors and African peers. All support material is provided by the Academy.

The Academy supports teachers of participating students through school wide curriculum integration. The Academy facilitates an intensive training program for teachers intended to increase their knowledge and understanding of West Africa. Teachers receive assistance on how to incorporate lessons into existing school curriculum to prepare participating students for their journey. Teachers subsequently have an opportunity to accompany students to Africa.

Peer guidance allows for an exchange of information and ideas between American and African students. Participating students will be matched with a peer guide from the Academy’s programming in Senegal. Communication with peer guides will be facilitated by the Academy upon student enrolment to help prepare for arrival. Participating students will spend a certain number of days living with their peer guide’s family to fully experience the cultural richness of Africa.

Scheduling for the Integrated Program can be arranged between the Academy and participating schools