Youth can become leaders outside politics

By Talaia Mika 17 January 2019, 12:00AM

Young people can become good leaders in their community without entering politics, says university lecturer Tahere Talaina Si'isi'ialafia.

Speaking during the Samoa National Youth Council annual general meeting at the Development Bank of Samoa building recently, the National University of Samoa (NUS) sociology lecturer said former US President Barrack Obama believes that societies can embrace moral leadership if the youth are decent.

“Obama’s belief is that the societies can purchase good moralities in terms of leadership if the youth is decent. He’s not referring to young people to become political leaders but he’s setting a good example in being good leaders in their communities,” she said.

Ms. Si'isi'ialafia is one of six Pacific Islanders who were recently selected as the first cohort of Obama Leaders by the Obama Foundation for the Asia-Pacific Leaders programme this year. She met the former U.S. President during a workshop that the Foundation hosted in Hawaii, which comprised of 21 leaders from 16 countries and territories across the Asia Pacific.

Speaking on the benefits of the leadership programme, she said its objective is to empower the youth and developing a leadership character.

“I’ve been to a number of leadership trainings but this Obama training was really different from them because the Obama’s leadership training did not emphasize the technical skills like how to write a proposal or how to look for funding, the training was pertaining to defining your purpose,” she said.

As someone who is always on the lookout for opportunities, the university lecturer urged the younger generation to embrace opportunities including those online. 

“I always just look out for opportunities online and I just apply and this opportunity for Obama’s project was through our network with the Pacific Youth Council and it was an opportunity to share with our other constituency,” she said. 

Ms. Si'isi'ialafia is the representative of the S.N.Y.C for the Pacific Youth Council and is also chairperson.

By Talaia Mika 17 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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