Leadership in Action
University of Maine and Study Abroad
Guiding Principles of Ubuntu are rooted in the African philosophy expressed by the Zulu phrase: 'Ubuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.' Translated, this means 'A person is a person because of other people' or 'I am because of who we all are.' This powerful concept embodies a unique form of humanism, emphasizing interconnectedness and community.
Background
The Montagu Project stands as an inter-organizational global initiative aimed at enhancing the leadership skills of youth in rural South Africa and American leadership studies students. The collaboration began when Tara Coste, Professor of Leadership at the University of Southern Maine (USM), who first connected with RedZebra at the Creative Problem Solving Institute conference in Buffalo, New York State. Building on this enduring relationship, Professor Coste invited RedZebra to undertake the Study Abroad Project in 2014.
Brief
RedZebra was tasked with designing a two-week program for the USM leadership students. The course objectives were multifaceted: to cultivate intercultural understanding, deepen students' comprehension of leadership principles impacting social change, explore South African history and its contemporary implications, and empower students as globally sensitive leaders in their communities.
Solution
The course serves as a real-time global leadership laboratory, engaging students creatively and experientially in the concept of "collective impact." Students actively participate in leadership endeavors alongside South African emerging leaders from various non-governmental organizations. Our collective aim is to empower emerging community leaders, fostering positive social change in their respective environments, thereby building safer, healthier, and more prosperous communities.
RESULT
Many participants reported life-changing experiences and initiated projects to impact their communities. Following the return of the second group in 2016, the University committed to funding the program further, extending it to include a 30-year impact study of the rural town of Montagu. Participants now return annually as part of this ongoing study. The enduring commitment to the Montagu Project displayed by alumni is a testament to the program's impact. Many remain connected for years, volunteering time and resources to sustain various initiatives. Some even choose to return to Africa as peer leaders for the program.
Leadership Development?
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