The Patriotic Advocacy Network Sierra Leone (PAN-SL) has commenced the third edition of its Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass (LPMC) 2026, bringing together 150 young people for intensive training in leadership, communication, strategic thinking and personal development.
The 12-day programme, which started on Tuesday, 1 September 2026, at the Freetown Secondary School for Girls (FSSG) in Freetown, will continue until 12 September under the theme, “Empowering Voices; Leading with Impact and Authenticity.”
Designed to prepare young people to contribute meaningfully to national development, the masterclass features more than 20 practical modules covering effective leadership, public speaking, self-discipline, emotional intelligence, financial management and independence, financial compliance and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
Opening the programme, Convener of the Leadership and Public Speaking Masterclass, Ansumana Keita Esq., said the initiative provides young people with practical leadership and communication skills needed to become responsible citizens and effective leaders.
He encouraged participants to actively engage facilitators, ask questions and make maximum use of the knowledge and experiences being shared throughout the programme.
Ansumana Keita stressed that leadership goes beyond occupying positions of authority, noting that effective leaders must continuously develop themselves and translate knowledge into meaningful action.
He challenged participants to see the masterclass as an opportunity for personal transformation, leadership development and community engagement rather than merely another training programme.
According to him, the ultimate success of the initiative will be determined by how participants apply the knowledge and skills acquired to address challenges and positively influence their communities.
Declaring the programme officially open, Ansumana Keita reaffirmed PAN-SL’s commitment to creating opportunities that strengthen young people’s leadership and communication capacities.
Delivering a session on the Foundation of Leadership, leadership trainer Dr. Ibrahim Alusine Kebe said effective leadership begins with self-management and personal discipline.
“You cannot effectively lead others if you have not learned how to lead yourself. Discipline is the foundation upon which sustainable leadership is built,” Dr. Ibrahim Alusine Kebe told participants.
He introduced John C. Maxwell’s five levels of leadership, position, permission, production, people development and pinnacle, explaining how leaders can progress from simply holding positions to creating sustainable impact.
Dr. Ibrahim Alusine Kebe identified self-mastery, character, vision, people and action as essential components of responsible leadership. He stressed that leadership should be measured not merely by titles but by influence, results and positive transformation.
Public Speaking Coach, Iris Aminata Bangura, speaking on Mastering the Fundamentals of Public Speaking, challenged participants to build confidence and competence in communicating their ideas.
“Your voice has value, but having a voice is not enough. You must learn how to communicate your ideas clearly, confidently and responsibly,” she said.
Iris Aminata Bangura identified content, delivery and connection as three major pillars of effective public speaking, explaining that speakers must properly structure their messages, deliver them confidently and establish meaningful connections with their audiences.
Alice Cecilia Sesay, a broadcast journalist with the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), reinforced the importance of consistent practice.
“Public speaking is not a gift; it is a muscle that people develop over time,” she stated.
She advised participants to research their subjects, understand their audiences and organize presentations around a clear introduction, body and conclusion. She also encouraged them to seek constructive feedback and regularly practice speaking before others.
Lawyer and advocate, Daniel Sawaneh Esq., addressing participants on Strategic Thinking and Visionary Leadership, described strategic thinking as the ability to analyse complex situations, anticipate potential outcomes and make decisions aimed at achieving long-term success.
He identified critical thinking, problem-solving, forecasting, adaptability, decisiveness, creativity and collaboration as important competencies for emerging leaders.
Daniel Sawaneh encouraged participants to look beyond immediate difficulties, consider different perspectives and develop the ability to anticipate future opportunities and risks.
Sheka Putka Kamara, a lecturer at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, focused on Problem Solving and Decision Making, urging participants to change how they perceive challenges.
“Problem solving is an important component of human life. It is a strategic management practice,” Sheka Putka Kamara said.
He stressed that properly identifying and understanding a problem must precede attempts to solve it.
“Different problems, different approaches, different solutions,” he said, urging participants to avoid applying a single method to complex challenges.
Barrister Abu Bakarr Fomba Swaray Esq., speaking on Crafting Powerful and Persuasive Speeches, encouraged participants to develop speeches around ideas and issues that matter to society.
He introduced the RACE framework, Research, Action, Communication and Evaluation, as a practical approach to speech development. He explained that research helps speakers understand issues, action determines what should be done, communication shapes how the message is delivered, while evaluation measures effectiveness.
Participants said the programme was already strengthening their understanding of leadership and communication.
Admire Turay said the training had changed her perception of leadership, noting that leadership is not about waiting for a title but taking initiative, accepting responsibility and contributing to the development of others.
Another participant, Dero Kamara, described the masterclass as an important opportunity to develop confidence and practical skills that could subsequently be shared with others.
PAN-SL officials said investment in young people remains critical to strengthening their participation in national development. Participants were therefore encouraged to network, exchange experiences and establish relationships extending beyond the programme.
As the masterclass continues until 12 September, facilitators are expected to lead interactive sessions, practical exercises, discussions and public-speaking activities.
PAN-SL hopes that by the end of the programme, participants will emerge with stronger confidence, practical leadership abilities and communication skills, enabling them to use their voices responsibly, provide leadership in their communities and contribute meaningfully to Sierra Leone’s development.
