Leading by example

Inspiring and empowering young people to get involved in their own communities is a global issue

Jonathan Freeman

March 17, 2015: Mosaic delivers a range of programmes internationally thanks to its diverse network of supporters, partners and International Leadership Programme (ILP) alumni across many different countries.

The two principal international programmes, the International Leadership Programme (ILP) and the International Enterprise Challenge are designed to offer innovative leadership development opportunities. These help young people develop key leadership skills, inspire thinking about global issues and enable them to become active and engaged members in their local communities.

Last month, I had the great pleasure of visiting Jordan to support HRH The Prince of Wales on his latest trip to the Middle East. During the visit, The Prince of Wales met young people from Mosaic’s Enterprise Challenge and also revealed the exciting news of His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan’s appointment as the Royal Patron for this year’s International Leadership Programme, delivered in partnership with the King Abdullah II Fund for Development.

During the two week programme to be held in May, young delegates from 18 countries will be primed for leadership. This not only includes developing their leadership skills, but also preparing them for the associated weight of responsibility that comes with that leadership. No matter what your nationality or background, each and every person has a responsibility to help support their community, and with leadership comes greater leverage.

In today’s society, it is sadly more and more evident that many in authority overlook their moral obligations and fail to lead by example. At Mosaic, we not only understand the importance of responsible leadership, but rely on it for support. Through our programmes, we want these young people to understand and appreciate how they can use their leadership and position to influence and improve their own societies.

The programme begins with an international summit, which sees 80 international young leaders aged 25-35 coming together for a two-week residential training conference, featuring world-renowned leadership trainers and speakers. The summit includes leadership skills workshops, inspirational sessions on global issues, such as poverty and sustainability, and visits to projects which demonstrate leadership in action.

Following the summit, each participant is matched with a Mosaic mentor who supports them to develop an individual ‘Action Plan’ outlining how they will put their learning into action in their local community. In the 12-month period post-summit, all participants update Mosaic on their progress against the targets laid out in their Action Plan.

The impact of the programme is evident and has resulted in some hugely innovative projects ranging from the running of employability skills workshops in Algeria, establishing a mobile library service in rural Indonesia and a women’s financial empowerment project in Iraqi Kurdistan.

Mosaic has long-standing and cherished partnerships in Jordan, dating back to 2009. I have therefore enjoyed a number of visits to the country, which I have always remembered fondly. The Jordanian people, despite some of the most significant challenges and insecurities faced by any state, are uncompromising in their commitment to building a prosperous and dynamic economy. Their open approach and welcoming attitude are an example for us all. Without question, this approach form the Jordanian people makes Jordan a natural home for Mosaic’s International Leadership Programme in 2015.The International Leadership Programme 2015 begins in Amman with a two-week summit from May 18 – 29