The Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone has concluded the third edition of its Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass, certifying 150 young Sierra Leoneans after nearly two weeks of intensive training in leadership, communication and problem-solving.
The programme ended with a conference and certification ceremony held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Bank of Sierra Leone Complex in Kingtom, Freetown.
Organized under the theme, “Empowering Voices: Leading with Impact and Authenticity,” the masterclass commenced on September 1 and continued until September 12, 2026, at the Freetown Secondary School for Girls Hall in Brookfields.
Participants received practical instruction in leadership, public speaking, communication, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, problem-solving, financial management, speechwriting, smart advocacy, ethics, voice modulation, storytelling and artificial intelligence.
To accommodate participants from different educational and professional backgrounds, the organizers conducted regular sessions for students and evening classes for working professionals. The arrangement ensured wider participation throughout the training period.
Addressing participants during the closing ceremony, Board Chairperson of the Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone, Janet Kallon, underscored the importance of sustained investment in the leadership and communication abilities of young people.
Janet Kallon encouraged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the masterclass to address challenges within their communities and contribute to meaningful social transformation.
“Do not let your certificate be the end of your journey,” Janet Kallon said. “Use your voice to speak for those who do not have a platform. Use your leadership to serve, not simply to be seen.”
Janet Kallon explained that leadership-development initiatives such as the masterclass provide young people with opportunities to discover their potential, build confidence and prepare themselves for greater responsibilities in their communities and professional lives.
Convener of the Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass, Ansumana Keita, centred his address on self-discipline, identifying responsibility, discipline and sacrifice as three essential qualities of effective leadership.
Ansumana Keita said genuine leadership requires individuals to accept responsibility for their decisions, maintain discipline in their personal and professional lives and make sacrifices for the collective good.
Drawing inspiration from Brian Tracy’s book, “The Power of Self-Discipline,” Ansumana Keita warned participants against postponing important decisions and personal-development goals.
Ansumana Keita encouraged the graduates to avoid waiting for “someday” before reading useful books, developing new skills, managing their finances properly or taking practical steps towards achieving their ambitions.
Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Conrad Sackey, challenged the participants to reflect carefully on the legacy they wanted to leave behind as emerging leaders.
Conrad Sackey said leadership should be measured by the positive difference an individual makes in institutions, communities and the wider country.
“A leader is known by the footprint they leave behind,” Conrad Sackey said, urging participants to use their knowledge, skills and influence to make a positive impact.
“We cannot build nations with policies alone. We cannot transform systems with projects and infrastructure alone. We build nations with voice and we transform systems when young people like you decide to take responsibility,” Conrad Sackey stated.
Conrad Sackey also reaffirmed the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education’s commitment to radically reimagining leadership through greater inclusion.
Conrad Sackey stressed that radical inclusion requires the recognition of every voice and the creation of opportunities for all citizens to participate meaningfully in national development.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah commended Ansumana Keita and the Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone team for organizing the masterclass and investing in the development of young people.
Sharing his personal experience of delivering a speech about 25 years ago, Chernor Bah told participants that anxiety and fear are common aspects of public speaking. Chernor Bah stressed, however, that proper preparation and meaningful content could help speakers overcome nervousness and communicate with confidence.
“A great speech must start with substance,” Chernor Bah said.
Chernor Bah encouraged the participants to prepare thoroughly before addressing an audience and not allow fear to prevent them from effectively communicating their ideas. Chernor Bah explained that confidence in public speaking develops through continuous preparation, practice and experience.
The conference also featured a panel discussion moderated by public-speaking coach Iris Aminata Bangura. The discussion brought together professionals from different fields to examine leadership challenges and recommend practical solutions.
The panelists included business scholar and Institute of Public Administration and Management lecturer, Dr Ibrahim Alusine Kebe, Hill Valley Academy Principal, Zainab Bashir and data analyst Joel Abdulai Kallon.
Dr Ibrahim Alusine Kebe highlighted self-leadership, personal discipline and good character as important foundations for sustainable leadership.
“For you to develop yourself is your responsibility,” Dr Ibrahim Alusine Kebe told the participants.
Zainab Bashir and Joel Abdulai Kallon shared experiences from their respective professional fields, highlighting the importance of adaptability, critical thinking, effective communication and practical problem-solving in overcoming leadership challenges.
Medical scientist and Principal of Koinadugu College, Professor Alhaji Umar Njai, described leadership as an opportunity to serve society rather than a means of acquiring authority, influence or personal recognition.
“Leadership is service to humanity,” Professor Alhaji Umar Njai said, stressing that leaders must use their positions, knowledge and influence to benefit other people.
Professor Alhaji Umar Njai encouraged the participants to practice leadership and public speaking consistently. Professor Alhaji Umar Njai also urged them to develop a clear sense of identity, vision and purpose before seeking leadership positions.
Delivering the keynote address, Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Media and Information Studies at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, Dr Francis Sowa, challenged young people to move beyond merely identifying societal problems and begin designing and implementing practical solutions.
Dr Francis Sowa asked the participants to assess their contributions to their communities and transform their knowledge and ideas into interventions that respond directly to local challenges.
“We are part of the problem. Let us be the change we want to see,” Dr Francis Sowa said.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the 150 participants in recognition of their successful completion of the 2026 Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass.
The Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone said the programme was intended to build a new generation of confident, disciplined and service-oriented leaders capable of communicating effectively and contributing positively to Sierra Leone’s development.
