Are you driven to bring about change in Ghana, Africa, and the globe at large? If YES, the Central Leadership Program is just what you need.
Some context
The Central Leadership Program is an initiative by the International Central Gospel Church to raise Christ-centered leaders who would be the change-makers in their community. At the time of my application, the program took in just 25 young leaders yearly so getting in was a big deal.
Before applying, I looked at the program's strict entry requirements and felt "I'd probably never get into this program". I had the same doubts and questions as most people. Why would anyone pick me among just 25 others? Let's face it: the odds of being picked seemed super slim.
Why I applied
My application in 2020 was to get a feel of the process, get rejected and reapply the following year (in 2021). I wanted to experience the application process, see what the committee required, and tailor my next application to fit those requirements. But that's not to say I didn't do my best in the application process. It was my best, but I didn't hope to get in.
I am passionate about STEM education and the continent at large. Yet, I felt inadequate for the task at hand. How do I even start bringing change? Do I matter in this ever-changing world? Was I sure Africa wasn't a cursed continent? Was there even hope for the continent? These and many more were the questions I hoped to answer. The program's website promised me answers of some sort, and my expectations were high.
Applying for the program
Applications had to end on 31st January 2020, but I tried to apply by 21st January. Submitting my application earlier gave me a lot more time to go through my application and correct all errors I may have made.
The application requirements were:
A filled application form
A one-page (500 words) personal statement
A 2-page (1000 word) personal 10-year plan
A 2-page (1000 word) essay on what I envision to be an Ideal Ghana
A recommendation from my Pastor at church.
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Disclaimer: Application requirements may have changed, so it is a good idea to check the CLP website (clp.centralgospel.com) for updated application tips.
I love writing, so completing the above was easy for me. I preferred a thousand essays to what I consider was my biggest fear at the time - interviews! Oh God, I hated interviews (with a passion). But hey, we all have to face our fears someday, don't we?
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Sidenote: If you're applying for CLP here's a tip for you. Your essays should be personal and authentic, show your passion, be relevant to the topic, and be clear & well written. Remember, you're competing to be a part of just 25–30 young leaders. You ought to strive to stand out.
The CLP Interview!
My CLP interview has been the best one I've had yet. I scheduled to interview at ICGC Calvary temple, so I went clad in a special purpose-built batakari (oh yeah, I dressed to kill). 😂 But I wore the batakari for a purpose. I had spoken extensively about my passion for Africa in my essays so I had to dress the part. (In hindsight, I think I took the whole process too personal) 😂
Anyway, I arrived early. My interview was scheduled for 10:45 am, but I arrived by 7:40 am. I was extremely early because I wanted to survey the environment and calm myself before the interview. It worked!
My interview was smooth. I tried to focus on answering the questions I was asked and not on my stutter. If you don't believe in miracles, this was one! A shout-out to the interview panel as they were so sweet and helped me calm down when they realised I was tense. Then, they made me understand why I was there.
I wasn't there to be grilled. I went there to introduce myself to the selection committee so they could learn more about me and determine whether or not I would be a suitable match for the program. Soothing! Isn't it? I responded to a riddle (oh, yes! ), basic inquiries about my background and leadership experience, and I was required to choose a random subject for an extemporaneous presentation. That happened without a hitch, and it gave me the first clue that my stammer was likely self-inflicted.
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If you want to prepare for the CLP interview, here's another tip for you. Make sure you have a lot of your experiences as a leader at hand. They would surely come in handy. Also, be honest and have fun. You're there for a conversation and no one is looking to roast you. Seriously!
Post interview
I prepared myself for bad news because I was certain that I would be inevitably rejected. I thought (at the time) that my interview had gone poorly, so I had very little hope. Yet, hey! Guess what? I was accepted! The program exceeded expectations, and the year spent in it changed my life and my way of thinking. I'd share more about my experience in the program later.
