The British Council is setting up an innovative panafrican programme for future decision-makers that focuses on transformation and empowerment. The training programme is opened to all Mauritian nationals and successful applicants will get to work on a leadership programme that brings together those wanting to make a significant positive contribution to society in their respective community.

So the world is in need of a new kind of leadership it seems. Or at least that’s what we could gather from the British Council Mauritius new InterAction – Connecting African Leaders’ Programme. British Council director Rosalind Burford does not quite see it in this way though: “The traditional leadership was adequate a few years ago. Times have changed, however, and we need to adapt.” Adaptability seems to be the keyword. As well as empowerment.

A new concept has been added to the traditional idea of management or leadership. That it comes from within. Basically, as long as we are not aware of our own potential and don’t tune into them, we can never adequately lead others. If you cannot communicate well, how can you be a leader? If you are not able to listen to others, how do manage them? Gone is the time when management was only an impersonal, one-way business. More and more, successful managers are those who communicate, use psychology and keep an open mind.

The British Council wants to train people up on this. Is that because there is a shortage of good leadership in Africa? The organisers of the programme don’t think so. “But there is definitely a need to instil in leaders other values so they will be able to go back to their communities and share them.” This training offered by the British Council has a global dimension to it. “By recognising Africa’s contributions to the world, the “deficit” view of Africa can be challenged and hope for the future can grow”, says the brochure.

In fact, 14 potential leaders will be chosen in Mauritius and sent on the training session in an African country where participants from some 19 African countries (some 300 leaders altogether) will attend a one-week training and networking session and become part of a wider Pan-African network.

It is very well to train some 300 potential leaders but how much of an effective contribution will this be to the whole of Africa? “The Programme takes care of this”, says British Council Director in Mauritius. One of the major skills that will be taught is the art of communication, of sharing. As an example, adds Amy Ramdoyal, the project coordinator for British Council Mauritius, if a doctor has been properly trained, he will be able to inspire others in his department and the positive skills imparted will soon be spread to others who are also willing to make a marked change.

Interested parties are invited to download the application form and the criteria for selection from the organisation’s website or collect application forms at the British Council Office in Rose Hill. The website is www.britishcouncil.org-mauritius

Applicants should be over 25 years of age. The British Council will cover all the costs associated with this programme.